1. Using Correct Sentence Formation Finely Built Copyright 2014 by Write Score, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

2. Common Mistakes Common mistakes in sentence formation 4. Wordiness 2. Run-on 5. Unparalleled structure 3. Sentence Fragment 1. Comma Splice

3. Common Mistake: Using a comma to join two independent clauses. Example: Benjamin walked through the mall, he was heading for his favorite store. #1 Comma Splice

4. Solutions: Either join the two independent clauses with a conjunction or make each clause its own sentence. Example: Benjamin walked through the mall, and he was heading for his favorite store. Benjamin walked through the mall. He was heading for his favorite store. #1 Comma Splice

5. Run-On: A sentence in which two independent clauses are joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunction (Note: Comma splices can be considered one type of run-on). Example: Harriet entered the movie theater she saw her friend. #2 Run-On

6. Solutions: Either join the two independent clauses with a conjunction or make each clause its own sentence. In this case, it makes more sense to use a coordinating conjunction. Notice that inserting “and then” also requires the insertion of a comma. Example: Harriet entered the movie theater, and then she saw her friend. #2 Run-On

7. Fragment: A piece of a sentence that does not contain an independent clause; either a subject or a verb is missing. Example: Sheila in her mom’s car. #3 Fragment

8. Solution: Insert words to make an independent clause. Then, the fragment will become a complete sentence. Example: Sheila got into her mom’s car. (verb added) #3 Fragment

9. Wordiness: Using more words than are necessary to make the intended point. Example: Because Eric hadn’t done his homework that was due the week before, he was grounded by his mother. #4 Wordiness

10. Solutions: Include one or more of the following: o omit filler phrases (there is, it is) o avoid using which/that o use strong verbs versus weak verbs o use an active rather than passive voice o replace long prepositional phrases with shorter modifiers #4 Wordiness Example: Since Eric hadn’t done his homework the previous week, his mother grounded him.

11. Unparalleled structure: Using an “uneven” pattern of words when trying to show that two or more ideas have the same level of performance; ideas of similar importance should be expressed (or parallel) in structure. Example: Jason claims that his best talents are running track, playing basketball, and to swim relays. #5 Unparalleled Structure

12. Solution: Change the “unparalleled” part of this sentence, so that it matches the majority of the ideas you are presenting. Example: Jason claims that his best talents are running track, playing basketball, and swimming relays. #5 Unparalleled Structure

13. C = Comma splice R = Run-on F = Fragment W = Wordiness U = Unparalleled structure Sentence Formation Error Codes

14. Use the sample text to mark for common grammatical mistakes. Be sure to use the error codes. C = Comma splice R = Run-on F = Fragment W = Wordiness U = Unparalleled structure You Try…

15. Look at your partner’s markings. Did they see something you missed? Did you see something they missed? Did you mark everything the same or differently? Trade and Review

16. Be sure to reflect upon 5 common mistakes. Review your graded work. Do you see any patterns of these common mistakes? Use the solutions to apply and learn from your grammatical mistakes. Final Thoughts