Tackling Common Errors in Sentence Formation: A Complete Guide for Exam Success
Introduction
Sentence formation is a fundamental aspect of English grammar, but it is also an area where many students face challenges. Common errors in sentence formation can hinder clarity, coherence, and the overall effectiveness of communication. This study module aims to guide you through the most frequent sentence formation errors, helping you understand their causes and how to avoid them. By mastering these errors, you’ll be better equipped for exams and real-life communication.
This module will cover:
- Types of common errors in sentence formation
- Rules for correct sentence formation
- Applications and practical examples
- How to identify and fix sentence errors
- Practice exercises, MCQs, and descriptive questions
Types of Common Errors in Sentence Formation
In this section, we will explore the most common errors in sentence formation. These errors may appear in writing or speaking and can lead to miscommunication or confusion.
1. Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
Subject-verb agreement refers to matching the subject with the correct form of the verb. Errors occur when the subject and verb do not agree in number or person.
Examples:
- Incorrect: He go to school every day.
- Correct: He goes to school every day.
Key Rule: A singular subject takes a singular verb, and a plural subject takes a plural verb.
2. Sentence Fragments
A sentence fragment occurs when a group of words does not form a complete sentence. This usually happens when a subject or a verb is missing.
Examples:
- Incorrect: Because he was late.
- Correct: He was late because he missed the bus.
Key Rule: Every sentence must have at least a subject and a verb, forming a complete thought.
3. Run-on Sentences
Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses are joined incorrectly without proper punctuation or conjunctions.
Examples:
- Incorrect: I love playing tennis I practice every weekend.
- Correct: I love playing tennis, and I practice every weekend.
Key Rule: Use a comma, semicolon, or conjunction to properly link independent clauses.
4. Misplaced Modifiers
Misplaced modifiers occur when a descriptive word or phrase is not placed next to the word it modifies, causing confusion.
Examples:
- Incorrect: She almost drove the car for five hours.
- Correct: She drove the car for almost five hours.
Key Rule: Ensure that modifiers are placed directly next to the word they modify to avoid ambiguity.
5. Dangling Modifiers
A dangling modifier occurs when the subject of the modifier is not clear, leading to confusion.
Examples:
- Incorrect: Running late, the bus was missed.
- Correct: Running late, she missed the bus.
Key Rule: Make sure that the subject of the sentence matches the noun that the modifier describes.
6. Incorrect Use of Articles
Articles (a, an, the) are often used incorrectly, especially with non-countable nouns or plural nouns.
Examples:
- Incorrect: I bought a furniture.
- Correct: I bought some furniture.
Key Rule: Use “a” or “an” for singular, countable nouns, and “some” for uncountable nouns.
7. Incorrect Word Order
Incorrect word order in a sentence can lead to confusion or a lack of clarity.
Examples:
- Incorrect: She quickly to the store ran.
- Correct: She ran quickly to the store.
Key Rule: Follow the correct word order (subject + verb + object) in English sentences.
8. Lack of Parallel Structure
Parallel structure errors occur when two or more elements in a sentence are not in the same grammatical form.
Examples:
- Incorrect: She likes to read, writing, and swimming.
- Correct: She likes reading, writing, and swimming.
Key Rule: Ensure that elements in a list or comparison follow the same grammatical structure.
9. Double Negatives
Double negatives occur when two negative elements are used in the same sentence, often leading to confusion or an unintended positive meaning.
Examples:
- Incorrect: I don’t need no help.
- Correct: I don’t need any help.
Key Rule: Avoid using two negative words in the same clause.
10. Faulty Pronoun Reference
A faulty pronoun reference occurs when the pronoun does not clearly refer to its antecedent.
Examples:
- Incorrect: The teacher spoke to the students, but they didn’t understand him.
- Correct: The teacher spoke to the students, but the students didn’t understand him.
Key Rule: Make sure the pronoun clearly refers to the correct noun.
Applications and Rules for Sentence Formation
Now that we’ve covered the most common errors, let’s go over how to apply the rules for correct sentence formation.
1. Use of Active and Passive Voice
- In active voice, the subject performs the action: The dog bit the man.
- In passive voice, the object becomes the subject: The man was bitten by the dog.
When to use passive voice:
- To emphasize the action over the subject.
- When the subject is unknown or irrelevant.
2. Correct Use of Tenses
Incorrect tense usage is another common error in sentence formation. Be consistent with tenses and match the time of action with the appropriate tense.
Example:
- Incorrect: She was playing tennis when the rain starts.
- Correct: She was playing tennis when the rain started.
3. Subject-Verb Agreement in Complex Sentences
In complex sentences, make sure that the subject and verb are correctly paired, even if there are clauses in between.
Example:
- Incorrect: The teacher, along with her students, are going to the event.
- Correct: The teacher, along with her students, is going to the event.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Which of the following is a sentence fragment?
a) I went to the store.
b) Because I went to the store.
Answer: b) Because I went to the store.
Explanation: This is incomplete as it does not form a complete thought. - Which sentence is an example of a run-on sentence?
a) I went to the store, and I bought some fruits.
b) I went to the store I bought some fruits.
Answer: b) I went to the store I bought some fruits.
Explanation: Two independent clauses are joined without punctuation. - What is the error in the sentence: “She don’t like apples”?
a) Subject-verb agreement
b) Incorrect use of pronouns
Answer: a) Subject-verb agreement
Explanation: “Don’t” should be “doesn’t” because the subject is singular. - Which of the following sentences has a misplaced modifier?
a) He almost drove the car for five hours.
b) He drove the car for almost five hours.
Answer: a) He almost drove the car for five hours.
Explanation: “Almost” should modify “five hours,” not “drove.” - Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?
a) Running late, she missed the bus.
b) Running late, the bus was missed.
Answer: b) Running late, the bus was missed.
Explanation: The modifier “Running late” incorrectly modifies “the bus.” - What is the correct sentence?
a) I have less books than you.
b) I have fewer books than you.
Answer: b) I have fewer books than you.
Explanation: “Fewer” is used for countable nouns, like books. - Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly?
a) He likes running, to swim, and reading books.
b) He likes running, swimming, and reading books.
Answer: b) He likes running, swimming, and reading books.
Explanation: The gerund form (“running,” “swimming,” “reading”) is used consistently. - Which sentence is a double negative?
a) I don’t need any help.
b) I don’t need no help.
Answer: b) I don’t need no help.
Explanation: Double negative “don’t” and “no” creates confusion. - Which sentence correctly uses a pronoun?
a) The teacher spoke to the students, but they didn’t understand him.
b) The teacher spoke to the students, but the students didn’t understand him.
Answer: b) The teacher spoke to the students, but the students didn’t understand him.
Explanation: The pronoun reference is clear. - What is the error in this sentence? “I enjoy to read books.”
a) Incorrect article usage
b) Incorrect verb form
Answer: b) Incorrect verb form
Explanation: The correct form is “I enjoy reading books.”
Long Descriptive Questions with Answers
- Explain the common errors found in sentence formation and how they can be corrected. Answer:
Common errors in sentence formation include subject-verb agreement mistakes, sentence fragments, and run-on sentences. These can be corrected by ensuring that the subject and verb match
in number, completing sentence thoughts, and properly punctuating independent clauses.
- Describe the role of modifiers in sentence structure and provide examples of misplaced and dangling modifiers. Answer:
Modifiers add detail to a sentence. Misplaced modifiers create confusion, such as in “He almost drove the car for five hours.” A dangling modifier, like “Running late, the bus was missed,” does not clearly modify a subject. - What is the difference between active and passive voice, and when should each be used? Answer:
Active voice emphasizes the subject performing an action (e.g., “She baked the cake”). Passive voice emphasizes the action itself (e.g., “The cake was baked by her”) and is used when the action is more important than the subject. - What are run-on sentences, and how can they be avoided? Answer:
Run-on sentences occur when two independent clauses are joined without appropriate punctuation or conjunctions. They can be avoided by using commas, semicolons, or conjunctions between independent clauses.
