Misconstruction ...and other errors
Facts about Misconstruction Misconstruction is when the first part of the sentence does not fit with the second part. Causes a reader to get lost. Takes away from the clarity of a sentence. Brings down the academic level of writing. Makes the writing confusing.
Examples: Mixed: The best career field for me is nursing. Revised: Nursing is the best career field for me. Discussion: A nurse isn’t a career field. Mixed: The reason I want to be a web designer is because I am good with computers. Revised: I want to be a web designed because I am good with computers. Discussion: Avoid using the reason …. Is because. Information from Write Now: Page 399
More….. Mixed: The fact that I got a new computer is why I am so excited. Revised: I am so excited because I got a new computer. Discussion: Avoid using the constructions the fact… is why Mixed: The cuisine was prepared by chefs ranging from seafood pasta to chicken burritos. Revised: The chefs prepared cuisines ranging from seafood pasta to chicken burritos. Discussion: Did the seafood and chicken really prepare the cuisine?
Faulty Parallelism Ideas in a sentence that have the same level of importance are parallel and should be expressed in parallel grammatical constructions. Presenting sentence elements, such as nouns, verbs, and phrases, in parallel terms help to make sentences flow more smoothly.
Parallel Stucture Parallel nouns: Laura bought a hotdog, a pretzel, and a soft drink at the concession stand. Parallel verbs: On the weekends I enjoy bicycling, hiking, and fishing. Parallel phrases: He drove the car around the tree, across the sidewalk, and into the lake.
Parallel nouns: Laura bought a hotdog, a pretzel, and a soft drink at the concession stand. Parallel verbs: On the weekends I enjoy bicycling, hiking, and fishing. Parallel phrases: He drove the car around the tree, across the sidewalk, and into the lake.
Active and Passive Voice. Active Voice is when the subject is doing the action. Passive Voice is when the subject receives the action Passive voice: The award was won by the best writer in the class. Active voice: The best writer in the class won the award. Discussion: Placing the subject up front adds emphasis to the subject of the sentence.
Active voice: Someone hired Veronda immediately after her interview Active voice: Someone hired Veronda immediately after her interview. Passive voice: Veronda was hired immediately after her interview. Discussion: If you do not know who hired Veronda, then using the passive voice is appropriate.
More about active voice Writing in the active voice is more direct and less wordy. However, occasionally you may want to use the passive voice, especially if you do not want to blame someone for causing a problem or if you do not know who performed the action in the sentence.
Active voice: James broke the copy machine Active voice: James broke the copy machine. Passive voice: The copy machine is broken. Discussion: Is it necessary for everyone to know who broke the machine? If not, the passive voice has a friendlier tone and is more appropriate. Active voice: Someone hired Veronda immediately after her interview. Passive voice: Veronda was hired immediately after her interview. Discussion: If you do not know who hired Veronda, then using the passive voice is appropriate.
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