ACT English Test

Sentence Structure

Sentence Structure

• Independent clause. New independent clause.

• Independent clause, (conjunction) independent clause.

– FAN BOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)

• Independent clause ; independent clause.• Independent clause, dependent clause.• Dependent clause, independent clause.

• Independent Clause– Subject– Predicate

• Conjunctions:– FAN BOYS

• For, and, nor, but, or, yet, so

• Dependent Clause– It can’t stand alone

• Watch out for:– When, where, why,

how, if, as, because, although, while, despite, that, who, what

What type sentence?

• Jane lit the campfire. Frank set up the tent.• Independent clause. New independent clause.

• Jane lit the campfire, while Frank set up the tent.• Independent clause, dependent clause.

• As Jane lit the campfire, Frank set up the tent.• Dependent clause, independent clause.

• Jane lit the campfire, and Frank set up the tent.• Independent clause, (conjunction) independent clause.

• Jane lit the campfire; Frank set up the tent.• Independent clause ; independent clause.

4 Errors In Sentence Structure

1. Sentence Fragments2. Run-ons and comma splices3. Misplaced Modifiers4. Non-parallel construction

Sentence Fragments #1

• The sentence only has a dependent clause. No second half.

EX: The bride and groom drove away in their car. As the children ran behind, shouting and laughing.

a. NO CHANGEb. While thec. During which thed. The

Sentence Fragments #2

• Incorporate 2 sentences into one.

EX: Although it will always be associated with Shakespeare’s famous literacy character. The castle at Elsinore was never home to Hamlet.

a. NO CHANGEb. character, thec. character; thed. character. A

Error #2

Comma Splices• 2 independent clauses

held together with a coma.

– What to do:• Break it into 2

sentences.• Use a conjunction

Run-On Sentences• No comma present

– What to do:• Break it into 2

independent clauses.• Use a comma

Comma Splices/Run-Ons

EX: There is not much difference between the decision to enter politics and the decision to jump into a pit full of rattlesnakes, in fact, you might find a friendlier environment in the snake pit.

a. NO CHANGEb. Rattlesnakes. In fact,c. Rattlesnakes in factd. Rattlesnakes, in fact

Misplaced Modifiers

• Modifying phrase – a group of words without a subject.– Check that it is modifying the correct noun.– Construction shifts

• Move the modifier.

Non-Parallel Construction

• List of verbs (make sure they are in the same tense)

• List of nouns (no gerunds)• Starts with an infinitive, then stick with it.

What’s next?

• Complete the Sentence Structure Drill• Turn it in once you are done.• Put notes into ASK binder.