Chapter 3

Constructing Sentences
Sentence structure

• the order of words in a sentence

• a simple sentence (a simple or compound subject + a predicate)

e.g. Smart shoppers wait for sales.

Subject Predicate
• using the same sentence structure over and over → repetitive and choppy
e.g. Smart shoppers want to save money. They wait for holiday sales. They
shop online for bargains.
Because smart shoppers want to save money, they wait for holiday sales

and shop online for bargains.

 Conjunctions

• Combining Sentences

Conjunctive
adverbs

• Solving Other Sentence Structure Problems

Combining Sentences with Conjunctions
• conjunction → a part of speech that joins two or more words, clauses, or
sentences
• and, but, so, therefore, and however
e.g.
1. Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy are characters in the novel Pride and
Prejudice.
2. We had intended to take the day off; however, an emergency forced us to
change our plans.
1. Creating Compound Sentences
• an independent clause → a subject and predicate
• two independent clauses joined with a conjunction → a compound sentence
• conjunctions that form compound sentences → coordinating conjunctions
(and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet)
e.g. The polls closed at 9 o’clock, and the networks declared the winner of the
election.
The revisions to the sentence include these steps:
Punctuation: Replace the period at the end of the first sentence with a
comma.
Transition: Connect the two sentences with the conjunction
Capitalization: Change the capital T to a small t in the second the because
it is no longer the first word in a sentence.
The loser in the election demanded a recount of the votes. She refused to
admit defeat.
2. Creating Compound Subjects
• subjects in two different sentences share the same predicate → combine
the sentences (and, or, or nor)
e.g. The newspaper congratulated the winner on his victory.
His opponent congratulated the winner on his victory.
The newspaper and his opponent congratulated the winner on his victory.

3. Creating Compound Predicates

• predicates in two different sentences share the same subjects → join the
predicates with a conjunction
e.g. The loser demanded a recount of the votes.
She refused to admit defeat.
The loser demanded a recount of the votes and refused to admit defeat.
Exercise 1
Study the sentences below. Combine each pair of sentences using the method specified by
the phrase in parentheses. Write your sentence in the blank. The first one is done for you.
1. (compound sentence) Today, Earth is divided into different time zones. Each zone
represents time on the standard 24-hour clock.
Today, Earth is divided into different time zones, and each zone represents time on the
standard 24-hour clock.
2. (compound subject) Neighboring states can be one time zone apart. Neighboring
towns can be one time zone apart.
3. (compound sentence) In the early 19th century, the United States had 300 different
time zones. The continental United States has four time zones today.
4. (compound subject) In earlier centuries, towns established the correct time based on
the position of the sun. In earlier centuries, villages established the correct time based
on the position of the sun.
5. (compound predicate) Today’s system of time zones standardizes timekeeping across
the United States. Today’s system of time zones makes it easier to tell time
consistently.
Combining Sentences with Conjunctive Adverbs
• modifies an entire sentence
• establishes a relationship between two independent sentences or clauses
e.g. Aliya’s car ran out of gas; therefore, she had to take a taxi home.
cause effect
 conjunctive adverb (therefore) → a cause-and-effect relationship
e.g. Van Gogh sold only one painting during his life; nevertheless, he
became one of the greatest artist of all time.
 conjunctive adverb (nevertheless) → contrasts two ideas
e.g. Some people prefer dogs as pets; however, others prefer cats.
 conjunctive adverb (however) → contrasts two parts
Choose the right conjunction for combining sentences or clauses

Purpose Conjunctive adverb

Add information also, furthermore, moreover, namely
Create a contrast conversely, however, nevertheless
Make a comparison likewise, similarly
Establish a time frame finally, next, now, eventually
Show cause and effect consequently, hence, therefore

Notice these points:

• semicolon → before conjunctive adverb
• comma → after conjunctive adverb
Exercise 2 (Pg. 63)
Write a conjunctive adverb in each blank, and add the correct
punctuation. Remember to choose an adverb that correctly reflects the
meaning of the sentence. The first one is done for you.
1. Rachel and I had an argument; nevertheless, we are still friends.
2. We sent e-mails to Jim for two months __________ he wrote back.
3. Getting through this day has been tough __________ this has been an
extremely difficult week.
4. I enjoy playing tennis I __________ like to watch it on television.
5. A hurricane can flatten houses __________ the air inside the eye of the
hurricane remains eerily calm.
6. The weather forecast predicted bitterly cold temperatures all week
__________ we went to the local pond every afternoon to go ice-skating.
Combining Sentences with Subordinating Conjunctions
• two independent clauses in a compound sentence
(each clause expresses a complete thought and can stand on its own)
• dependent clause
(sentence fragment → can’t express complete thought and stand on its
own)
 word that introduces a dependent clause → subordinating conjunction
e.g. Because we missed our exit
subject
on the drive home.
predicate
 fix it by combining a dependent clause with an independent clause
Because we missed our exit on the drive home, we arrives too late to see
 Choose subordinating conjunctions for a special purpose
Purpose subordinating conjunctions

Establish a time frame after, before, once, since, until, when

Establish cause and effect because, since

Describe a condition if, unless

Create a contrast although, whereas

Describe a location where, wherever

Describe a choice whether

 Notice comma use

Exercise 3 (Pg. 65)
Combine the following pairs of sentences using a subordinating
conjunction found in the previous chart. Be sure to choose the
appropriate subordinating conjunction based on the information in
each sentence. The first one is done for you.
1. Scientists developed the tetanus vaccine in the 1920s. People could die
if a small cut became infected. Before scientists developed the tetanus
vaccine in the 1920s, people could die if a small cut became infected.
2. We cannot wrap up this wedding ceremony. You both say, “I do.”
3. We saw the coast emerging from the fog. We knew we would reach
shore soon.
4. You want to excel at anything. You have to work hard.
5. I am a defensive driver. I could not avoid the car that ran the stop sign.
6. I forgave him. His apology was so heartfelt.
7. I can’t decide. I should vote for one of the two-party candidates or for
Solving Other Sentence Structure Problems
• Parallelism
• Wordiness
• Word order
• Misplaced or dangling modifiers
• Split infinitives
• Comma usage
• run-on sentences
Editing for Parallel Structure
• Parallel structure (can be with coordinating conjunction : and, or)
• Parallel structure → grammatical construction with equal specific elements
e.g.1. The five senses include hearing, to see, to smell, tasting, and touching.
The five senses include hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, and touching.
2. The street performer was brash, loud, and was funny.
The street performer was brash, loud, and funny.
Exercise 4 (Pg. 67)
city worker
1. Selene is a wife, mother and works for the city.
2. When you come to an intersection, a stop sign is a signal to slow down and
looking both ways.
3. Inventor Thomas Edison claimed that genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99
percent to perspire.
4. The singers at the rehearsal came in, waited for their turn on stage, and then
performed a musical number together.
5. Running, biking, and to swim are three ways to stay in shape.
Editing Wordy Sentences
• the expression, “Less is more”
• Wordiness distracts readers from what you say.
Wordy: I want to take some classes and get some training on account of the
fact that people in the medical field make more money and are more
financially successful.
Revision: I want to train in the medical field to make more money.
Some tips for revising wordy sentences:
 Look for words and phrases that have the same meaning. Choose one to
use and get rid of the rest.
 Look for opportunities to shorten phrases without compromising
meaning: training to train.
 Occasionally, add a word or two to make the sentence grammatically
correct.
Exercise 5 (Pg. 68)
Read the sentences below, and write a revision of each sentence that
expresses the same thought with fewer words. The first one is done for you.

1. The companies that make cars offer a full range of vehicles for you to drive
that come in a lot of different sizes and many colors.
Car companies sell vehicles that come in many sizes and colors.
2. The car we bought was a bargain because we made a good buy and saved
some money.
3. There is a house in my neighborhood that has been for sale a long time
because it has not had any buyers.
4. The people who had registered to vote in the election waited in line to go
into the booths and cast their ballots for the candidates of their choice.
5. All of my favorite shoes are currently on sale at this time.
Editing for Illogical Word Order
• The placement of a modifier affects a sentence’s meaning.
e.g. 1. Only I clean the living room on weekends.
Meaning: No one else but me cleans the living room on weekends.
2. I only clean the living room on weekends.
Meaning: I clean the living room on weekends, not other action.
3. I clean only the living room on weekends.
Meaning: I don’t clean any other rooms, but the living room on
weekends.
Exercise 6 (Pg. 70)
Rewrite each sentence as indicated, and write its meaning in the blanks
following each sentence. The first one is done for you.
1. Add the modifier nearly to each sentence to produce a different meaning.
a. We lost all our money.
We lost nearly all our money.
Meaning: We lost almost all the money we had.
b. We lost all our money.
___________________________________________________
Meaning: ________________________________________

2. Add the modifier quickly to each sentence to produce a different meaning.

a. Walking tones your muscles.
b. Walking tones your muscles.
Editing Misplaced Modifiers
• Modifiers (adjectives and adverbs) →nouns, verbs, adjectives, or adverbs
• Placing modifier too far from the described word makes the sentence
confusing.
e.g. 1. Cooked the day before, the woman enjoyed eating the chicken.
The woman enjoyed eating the chicken cooked the day before.
2. Lucy told Jorge when the class was over she would drive him home.
Lucy told Jorge she would drive him home when the class was over.
(the time she would do)
When the class was over, Lucy told Jorge she would drive him home.
(the time she told)
Exercise 7 (Pg. 71)
Read the numbered items below. Circle the misplaced modifier that makes
the meaning of each sentence unclear. Then correct the mistake by rewriting
the sentence on the line that follows so its meaning is clear. The first one is
done for you.
1. The lion roared at the children in the cage at the zoo.
The lion in the cage at the zoo roared at the children.
2. The pirate found a chest of gold in the storybook.
3. Jacob served cake to his guests on China plates.
Editing Dangling Modifiers
• At the beginning of a sentence, a phrase or clause modifies another part of
speech.
Modifier (dependent clause)
e.g. 1. Sailing into New York’s harbor, many immigrates wept with joy.
2.Sailing into New York’s harbor, the journey was at an end.
Sailing into New York’s harbor, the immigrants knew the journey was at
an end.
 the subject it modifies is missing → dangling modifier
 add a subject and verb
Editing Split Infinitives
• split infinitives due to poorly positioned modifiers
• acceptable in writing, but in a formal context, like a business letter or an
exam, avoid split infinitives
Incorrect: I intend my words to precisely mean what I say.
Correct: I intend my words to mean precisely what I say.
Exercise 8 (Pg. 73)
Identify the error as a dangling modifier (DM) or split infinitive (SI).
Circle the error. Then, correct the error by rewriting the sentence. The
first one is done for you.
1. Hoping to escape, the imprisoned hero had to noiselessly tiptoe past the
sleeping dragon. (SI)
Hoping to escape, the imprisoned hero had to tiptoe noiselessly past the
sleeping dragon.
2. Peering through the darkness, the door stood only a few feet away.
3. He was going to have to quickly slip out, or all hope was lost.
4. Sneaking toward the door, his sword slipped out of his hand.
Correcting Comma Usage
• comma → punctuation mark that appears within a sentence
• different roles depending on the situation (avoid confusion)
Incorrect: Guests who have stayed at our hotel include Dolly Parton’s sisters
George Clooney and President Joe Biden.
Incorrect: While painting Martha dropped the brush.
Correct: Guests who have stayed at our hotel include Dolly Parton’s sisters,
George Clooney, and President Joe Biden.
Correct: While painting, Martha dropped the brush.
Some of the uses of commas
• Separate two parts of a compound sentence
• Separate items in a series
• Separate elements that describe a noun but are not necessary to understand
the sentence’s meaning
• Separate introductory words, phrases, or dependent clauses
• Tell when a quotation begins or ends
 Do not combine two independent clauses with a comma.
Incorrect: He worked at the Italian restaurant, now he works at the coffee shop.
Correct: He worked at the Italian restaurant. Now he works at the coffee shop.
Exercise 9 (Pg. 74) (Part 1)
Insert commas in the following sentences to punctuate them correctly.
1. According to rumors the couple’s wedding will take place in France.
2. My uncle Carlos an architect for 20 years designed a new school.
3. We planted a garden with corn peas tomatoes and my favorite squash.
4. First Tyrone will visit his aunt in California and then he will travel to
Seattle.
5. New York Los Angeles and Chicago are the three largest American cities
but Houston is not far behind.
(Part 2)
The commas in these sentences are in the wrong place or missing. Cross out
the incorrect comma and add commas in the right places. If the sentence
needs no comma, write NC after the sentence.
1. Before we went to dinner we went out, to the mall.
2. I plan to paint my bedroom blue and green next week.
3. The giraffe native to Africa is one of the zoo’s most popular exhibits.
4. Denise, came to the dance studio but the class, had already started.
5. Riding in a hot-air balloon, is the most exciting thing we’ve ever done.
Revising Run-On Sentences
• two types of run-on sentences: a comma splice and a fused sentence
• fused sentence combines two independent clauses without any punctuation
e.g. 1. Incorrect: Matthew went to the zoo he fed the giraffes.
Correct: Matthew went to the zoo. He fed the giraffes.
2. He hit a home run, our team won the game.
(comma splice, combining two independent clauses with a comma)

Revising run-on sentences has a few options.

 Insert a period
 Insert a semicolon
 Add a conjunction to form a compound sentence
 Rewrite the sentence in a different way
Exercise 10 (Pg. 76)
Study the groups of words below. On the short line that follows each group
of words, write S for sentence or R for run-on. If you identified the
numbered item as a run-on, correct the sentence and write it on the line
following the question. The first one is done for you.
1. The forecasters predicted a huge blizzard people rushed to the grocery store
to stock up on milk and bread. R The forecasters predicted a huge blizzard.
People rushed to the grocery store to stock up on milk and bread.
2. The snowstorm started at 10:00 in the morning, only a few flakes drifted
down from the clouds at first. ___
3. The wind grew stronger as the hours passed. It pounded on the windows as
if it were going to break them. ___
4. By nightfall, the snowdrifts had buried our car, the street had turned into an
arctic landscape. ___
5. At 9:00, the first snowplows rumbled down our street, they opened up a