Constructing Sentences
Constructing Sentences
Constructing Sentences
Constructing
Sentences
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Acknowledgments
This e-text book was originally part of the Writing On the Run! workbook that included four
sections. These sections have been reproduced into four discrete e-textbooks.
Print History
Answer Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 1
2 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Constructing
Sentences
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 3
4 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Constructing Sentences
Checkup
Instructions
There are many sentence errors in the text on the following page, including run-
on sentences, sentence fragments, faulty parallel structure, misplaced modifiers,
dangling modifiers, faulty subject-verb agreement, and faulty pronoun agreement.
Read through the text, and underline any word, phrase, or piece of punctuation
that is incorrect. If punctuation is missing or incorrect, underline the word
preceding it.
Once you have completed the Constructing Sentences Checkup, compare your
answers to the key on page 233. If you find all the errors of a particular type, then
place a checkmark in “Topic Mastered.” If you miss an error of a particular type,
then place a checkmark in “Topic to Review.” You may then use this chart to guide
what topics you need to review in this section.
3. parallel structure
4. sentence fragment
5. misplaced modifier
6. dangling modifier
7. pronoun agreement
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 5
Checkup
Studio Musician
You don’t have to be a studio musician to be in a rock band, you don’t have to spend a
fortune on equipment. Starting a band with friends who likes music as much as you do
can be a way to have fun, be creative, and good for meeting new people.
To start off, you’ll need a few things. Some basic musical equipment. First, purchase a
guitar. It can be either acoustic or electric, it doesn’t really matter. Each of the guitar
players need to know the basic chords is G, C, and D or A, E, and D. Learn these basic
chords and a whole world of rock music will open up to you. If you buy an electric guitar;
you’ll also need an amp. Purchasing at least one microphone is also a good idea that
includes a stand.
Next, you have to recruit the band members. A trio is a good number. A guitar player,
drummer, and someone who plays the bass are what you’ll need to start.
Decide on a place to practise. When practising, the music’s volume might affect the
choice of location. Everyone should ask their parents. If one of your bandmates have
understanding parents, garages or basements are great places to practise.
Before the band can really get up and running; you’ll need to create a song list. Five
songs is a good number to start. The internet is a good place to look for lyrics and chords.
There’s also good websites to find many different songs. You can also listen to your
favourite songs on your stereo and pick out the chords yourself. A great way to train your
ear. When you feel more comfortable, try to write your own music and lyrics with your
guitar.
Time to practise. Have band members review the songs on their own before you rehearse
as a group.
Don’t forget that you’ll need a name for your band. It should be a name that stands out
but one that’s not too weird. It should be simple, catchy, and one that makes people take
notice.
6 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Sentence Types
Birds fly.
This is a sentence because it tells us what something (subject – birds) does (verb – fly).
My computer.
This is not a sentence because it has a subject (my computer) but no verb.
Crashed.
This is a verb, which tells us what happened (crashed), but there is no subject.
My computer crashed.
This is a sentence because it tells us what something (subject – my computer)
does (verb – crashed).
N OTE
OT Remember, a sentence can end with a period, question mark,
FO
or exclamation mark.
Grace ran.
Did Grace run?
Grace ran faster than Nicole!
An exclamation mark expresses strong emotion or emphasis.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 7
Compound Subjects and Verbs
A simple sentence can have two subjects – Kate and I.
A sentence can have a verb phrase – I will go to the bank after work.
A compound sentence follows the same rules as a simple sentence, except it basically
contains TWO simple sentences with a LINK in the middle. There are
three ways to link simple sentences together to form a compound sentence.
8 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Coordinate Conjunctions
Join two simple sentences together with a comma and coordinate conjunction.
The coordinate conjunction shows the relationship between two sentences of equal
importance.
There are seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet.
Notice how each coordinate conjunction helps to change the meaning of the
sentence.
and nor
N OTE
OT You can omit the comma if the subject in the second
FO
clause is dropped.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 9
Semicolon
A semicolon ( ; ) can join two simple sentences closely related in meaning. It is like a
weak period; it indicates a strong connection between the two sentences.
Each side of the semicolon must be able to stand alone as an independent sentence
(also called an independent clause).
N OTE
OT
FO
10 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Conjunctive Adverb
You can also use conjunctive adverbs to link together two simple sentences with a
semicolon. Conjunctive adverbs, like coordinate conjunctions previously described,
are words that show the relationship between two simple sentences of equal
importance. Examples of conjunctive adverbs are listed below:
y
dingl heless
accor nevert
ards eless
after w however noneth
also ise
indeed other w
ay
any w in fact similar
ly
es
besid instead still
ly
quent re
conse instead therefo
t he rmore
f u r likewise thus
N OTE
OT When using conjunctive adverbs to link simple sentences,
FO
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 11
Complex Sentence
A complex sentence contains two simple sentences (clauses), but one is more
important than the other. Again, as in some compound sentences, the two sentences
are connected with a joining word. The linking word (subordinate conjunction) makes
the clause following it less important than the other clause. The linking word also
makes the clause following it dependent upon the rest of the sentence
to make sense.
The main message here is don’t forget your homework. This is the independent
or main clause. The dependent, or less important clause, is when you go to school.
Notice that when you go to school contains a subject and complete verb but does
not make sense on its own. It is dependent upon the rest of the sentence to make
sense.
The linking word can go at the beginning of the sentence or in the middle.
If the linking word is at the beginning of the sentence, you need a comma after
the first clause.
12 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
This makes sense on its own. The half containing the linking word because is less
important and does not make sense on its own.
although
as though
as if unless
after
because as
g as where
as lon even thoug er
e h wheth
befor
except tha why
t
until
if where
when
since ver
while where
Examples:
Notice that by simply changing the subordinate conjunction, you actually change the
meaning of the sentence.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 13
Relative Pronoun
Relative pronouns (who, whom, whose, which, that) act as the subject in the less
important clause.
So, a complex sentence contains two clauses linked by a joining word that makes
the clause following it less important.
u i ck Review
Q
A Simple Sentence
Today, I study grammar.
Compound Sentence
Today, I study grammar, and tomorrow, I will write better.
Compound Sentence
Today, I study grammar; therefore, tomorrow, I will be a better writer.
Complex Sentence
If I study grammar today, I will be a better writer tomorrow.
14 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Quiz Yourself:
Sentence Types
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 15
Challenge Yourself:
Sentence Types
Following the instructions provided, join the clauses by properly punctuating each sentence.
Do not omit any existing words.
7. Join these two clauses using only a semicolon to create a compound sentence.
Bob understands calculus. He’s studied it for years.
10. Join these two clauses using the subordinate conjunction even though.
My friend invited me to a party. I do not want to go.
16 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Sentence Fragment
Sentence fragments are incomplete sentences.
There are three basic types: missing verb, missing subject, and dependent clause.
error:
This statement does not have a verb indicating what
these people are doing. Add a verb to make the
statement a complet sentence.
error:
An “ing” form of a verb requires a helper verb to make
sense on its own.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 17
Missing Subject
error:
This statement does not have a subject indicating
who or what did this flying. Add a subject to make
the statement a complete sentence.
corrected sentence: The ball flew over the fence at great speed.
Dependent Clause
Dependent Clause (contains a subject and a verb, but doesn’t make sense on its own)
error:
This statement has both a subject and a verb, but
it cannot stand alone. It is a dependent clause that
needs an independent clause to make it complete.
Add an independent clause with a subject and verb
to make the statement a complete sentence. When
you add an independent clause to the dependent
clause, you are constructing a complex sentence.
corrected sentence: While I waited for the bus, a friend came by and
picked me up.
or
A friend came by and picked me up while I waited
for the bus.
18 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Quiz Yourself:
Sentence Fragment
Identify whether the statement is a complete sentence or a sentence fragment by circling the
correct option.
b. sentence fragment
b. sentence fragment
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 19
Challenge Yourself:
Sentence Fragment
For each of the following sentences, identify whether the main subject is missing, the main
verb is missing, or whether the sentence is complete.
5. He lived in a room with a single bed; stained, torn curtains; and newspapers covering
the windows.
7. Because everyone agreed that Antonia was a natural leader, they voted for her.
8. Was under the stack of papers on the bookshelf or behind the sofa.
20 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Challenge Yourself:
Sentence Fragment
Continued
12. To prove himself and to his parents that he was a independent, he got a job.
13. A s Christmas grows near, I find myself looking back at my childhood when family and
friends often got together.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 21
22 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Run–on Sentence
Run-on sentences and comma splices are closely related punctuation
errors that are corrected in similar ways.
A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined
without proper punctuation or joining words.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 23
A comma splice occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined together
with only a comma.
Comma Splice: The music wasn’t even that loud, my neighbour complained.
24 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Quiz Yourself: Run–on
Sentence
Select the better correction for each of the following run-on sentences by circling the
correct option.
4. That’s when the trouble began it was hard to know what to do.
a. That’s when the trouble began, it was hard to know what to do.
b. That’s when the trouble began. It was hard to know what to do.
5. Some students work during the day, after work, they attend night classes.
a. Some students work during the day. After work, attend night classes.
b. Some students work during the day; after work, they attend night classes.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 25
Quiz Yourself:
Run–on Sentence
Continued
6. Shelley loved travelling in Italy she felt Rome was too hot.
a. Shelley loved travelling in Italy, but she felt Rome was too hot.
b. Shelley loved travelling in Italy but, she felt Rome was too hot.
7. Many students work while attending college many finance their education without
help from their parents.
a. Many students work while attending college, many finance their education
without help from their parents.
b. Many students work while attending college; many finance their education
without help from their parents.
b. The problem occurred when each of them caught sight of the other.
26 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Challenge Yourself:
Run-on Sentence
Correct the run-on sentences and comma splices by inserting a semicolon and one of the
conjuctive adverbs however, unfortunately, consequently, or therefore.
1. Salvador Dali is best known as a painter and sculptor, he was also a graphic artist.
2. Dali’s mother encouraged him she died of cancer when he was just sixteen years old.
4. Dali didn’t write his exams at the Academy, he felt the instructors were incompetent.
5. Dali was very prolific he created more than 1500 paintings during his lifetime.
7. Later, Dali moved home to Figueres, he died from heart problems in January, 1989.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 27
28 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Parallel Structure
With Verbs:
With Adjectives:
Incorrect: Joe thought Sherry was beautiful, smart, and had a good heart.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 29
With ing Forms:
Explanation: The first two items in the list are actions (canoeing and fishing).
The last (music) is not. How can we change the last one into an
action?
30 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
With Correlative Conjunctions:
Use parallel structure when you connect phrases or clauses with a correlative
conjunction (not only … but also, either … or, neither … nor, etc.).
Explanation: There is a verb in the structure of the first clause, but the verb is
missing in the second clause.
Correct: My friend not only is good at math, but also she excels in
science.
Incorrect: You can hang your coat either in the closet or the coat rack.
Explanation: The preposition “in” is used in the first clause, but no preposition
is used in the second clause.
Correct: You can hang your coat either in the closet or on the coat rack.
With Quantifiers:
Incorrect: The library had many books, ten computer terminals, and
videos.
Explanation: The first two items on the list have quantifiers with them that
tell the reader how many. The last item (videos) does not.
Correct: The library had many books, ten computer terminals, and a
few videos.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 31
With Phrases Or Clauses:
Phrases or clauses must also be presented in a parallel form.
Incorrect: When Paul woke up in the morning, he fed his cat, had a
shower, and his breakfast was toast with peanut butter.
Correct: When Paul woke up in the morning, he fed his cat, had a
shower, and ate toast with peanut butter for breakfast.
Explanation: The first part of the comparison has a verb in the phrase and the
second part of the comparison doesn’t.
32 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Quiz Yourself:
Parallel Structure
Circle the response that correctly completes the sentence in a parallel manner.
1. The hotel was beautiful, the service was impeccable, and ______________________
a. the food was delectable.
b. I have never tasted better food in my entire life.
7. The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings,
pronunciations, ______________________
a. and correct spellings.
b. and looking up correct spellings.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 33
Quiz Yourself:
Parallel Structure
Continued
11. Bukem is not sure whether she should go to school to become a chemist, a laboratory
technician, ______________________ or a teacher.
a. a nurse
b. take nursing
13. The police promptly arrested him for speeding on the highway, failing to stop at
a red light, ______________________
a. and weaving in and out of traffic.
b. and because he was weaving in and out of traffic.
14. At the dance studio, I had to practise daily, study a great deal, and _______________
a. teach younger students.
b. I taught younger students.
15. Every night after school, Eddie helped his father by running errands, ______________
and delivering papers.
a. complete his chores,
b. completing his chores,
34 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Challenge Yourself:
Parallel Structure
Rewrite each sentence to ensure the sentence structure is parallel.
In each sentence, consider the first structure in a series to be the correct one.
2. In a short story, you can explore the characters’ inner thoughts, emotions, and how
they feel.
3. In a screenplay, everything you write is what the audience sees or what is heard in the
film.
6. There are conventions as to where you write titles, directions, descriptions, and placing
dialogue.
7. However, there are many similarities between writing a screenplay and short stories.
8. In both genres, you need to know story structure and how to develop characters.
9. In both screenplays and a short story, the writer needs to make the story engaging.
10. After all, you wouldn’t want your audience to close the book or go walking out of the
movie theater.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 35
36 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Misplaced Modifier
Misplaced modifier occurs when a modifier is placed too far away from the word it is
describing, and as a result, creates a confusing sentence.
To fix a misplaced modifier, move the modifier nearer to the work or phrase it
modifies.
Explanation: The piano teacher doesn’t have mahogany legs, but the piano
does. “Mahogany legs” should be placed close to piano in the
sentence.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 37
Here are a few more examples:
Incorrect: The young girl played with the guinea pig in a long coat.
Correct: The young girl in a long coat played with the guinea pig.
Squinting Modifiers
Squinting modifiers are like misplaced modifiers, except the modifier is placed
between words so there is confusion as to which word the modifier refers.
Words like almost, nearly, only, both, and well can easily squint or modify two or
more words in a sentence.
Look at the following two sentences. See how moving one word can change the
meaning of the sentence.
38 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Incorrect: I almost did all my homework.
Explanation: This could mean that I didn’t do any of it, but almost got
started, or that I have come close to completing my homework.
Explanation: This could mean he didn’t work at all, but almost got an eight-
hour shift, or that he worked a length of time that was just
short of eight hours.
Explanation: This could mean his doctor frequently told him to exercise or
his doctor told him to exercise frequently.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 39
Quiz Yourself:
Misplaced Modifier
Underline the misplaced modifier in each sentence.
3. A blue woman’s bicycle was stolen from our street this week.
4. I almost ate half the cake, so I had no room left for dinner.
5. The three children rode horses and herded cattle, aged six, ten, and twelve.
8. After our conversation lessons, we could understand the French spoken by our visitors
from Quebec easily.
9. The robber was a tall man with a black moustache weighing 150 pounds.
10. I had to take down the gutters painting the house yesterday.
11. There is a canary in the cage that sings all day long.
12. The teacher handed back the tests to the students written in class last week.
13. I heard that my friend intended to throw a surprise party for me while I was outside her
room.
40 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Challenge Yourself:
Misplaced Modifier
Rewrite each sentence to correct this misplaced modifier. Simply move the misplaced
modifier near to the word it is modifying, without adding or deleting any words. You may
add punctuation or insert capital letters.
4. An outstanding athlete and student, the coach praised the team captain.
5. Chris squandered all the money on new computer equipment that his
great-uncle left him.
6. The teacher posted the notes for the students covered in class.
7. We came across a whole forest of old growth cedars hiking up the mountain.
8. Mr. Kumar threatened to keep the class after school many times that day.
9. My dad has been looking for a mechanic to fix our car without success.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 41
42 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Dangling Modifier
Dangling modifiers are typically found near the beginning of sentences that begin
with verb+ing, verb+ed, or to+verb.
To fix a dangling modifier, you must insert a word or group of words to be modified.
Sometimes fixing a dangling modifier includes rewriting the sentence.
Incorrect:
While eating a cookie, the phone rang.
Incorrect:
Driving through Kamloops yesterday, tumbleweed blew
across the street.
Explanation: The first sentence implies that the tumbleweed is driving. The
correct sentence clarifies that “I” was driving.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 43
Incorrect:
Concerned about the state of unemployment in the
province, a special task force was set up.
Explanation: The first sentence lacks clarity around who set up the task
force. The correct sentence clarifies this, the premier did.
Elliptical phrase problems occur when the subject and verb are only implied rather
than stated.
Incorrect:
When three years old, Jessica’s aunt took her on an airplane
trip. Was Jessica or her aunt three years old?
Correct: When Jessica was three years old, Jessica’s aunt took her on an
airplane trip.
Incorrect:
When a little boy, my grandfather took me to the circus.
44 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Quiz Yourself:
Dangling Modifier
Each question contains a dangling modifier. Circle on the option that better corrects the
dangling modifier.
a. Having arrived late for practice, the team captain needed a written excuse.
b. When late for practice, a written excuse is needed.
3. The science experiment was a failure, not having studied the lab notes.
a. Not having studied the lab notes, the science experiment was a failure.
b. They failed the science experiment, not having studied the lab notes.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 45
Quiz Yourself:
Dangling Modifier
Continued
8. While driving down Main Street yesterday afternoon, a tree almost fell on Wendy’s car.
a. A tree almost fell on Wendy’s car while driving down Main street yesterday
afternoon.
b. While Wendy was driving down Main Street yesterday afternoon, a tree almost
fell on her car.
9. After looking out the window for hours, the storm passed.
a. After looking out the window for hours, we saw that the storm had passed.
b. The storm finally passed after looking out the window for hours.
46 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Challenge Yourself:
Dangling Modifier
Rewrite the sentences to correct the dangling modifiers by following the instructions for each
question. You may have to add, delete, or modify words and punctuation where necessary.
1. Correct this dangling modifier by making Lisa the subject of the second clause.
Having finished her homework, the TV was turned on by Lisa.
2. Correct this dangling modifier by adding the subject she to the second clause.
Having been absent from work for a week, a doctor’s note was needed.
3. Correct the dangling modifier in this sentence by adding she was to the first clause.
While writing an English exam, the fire alarm rang.
4. Correct the dangling modifier in this sentence by adding because Sandy to the
second clause.
The closet was empty, having packed everything into the suitcase.
5. Insert we saw into the second clause to correct this dangling modifier.
Sailing out into the ocean, an orca appeared on the horizon.
6. Correct this dangling modifier by making they the subject of the second clause.
Hiking the mountain trail at twilight, many strange sounds were heard.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 47
Challenge Yourself:
Dangling Modifier
Continued
7. To correct this dangling modifier, insert Michael as the subject in the first clause.
After walking across the hot sand, the cool ocean water was a welcome relief.
8. To correct the dangling modifier, make the choir the subject of the second clause.
Practising for weeks on end, the Symphony Cantata was finally mastered.
9. To correct the dangling modifier, make the cyclist the subject of the second clause.
Speeding through a stop sign, an old man was nearly hit by a cyclist.
10. Insert Fernando saw into the second clause to correct the dangling modifier.
Looking toward the horizon, a funnel cloud was gathering momentum.
48 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Subject–Verb Agreement
Every sentence has both a subject and a verb. A subject and verb should agree with
one another in number and person.
Agreement in Number
A single subject should have a singular verb.
Plural Subject
The birds like to taunt the cat.
(Birds and like agree because they are both plural.)
A tea bag or coffee beans are needed to make a beverage for our guest.
(A plural verb is needed because beans is plural.)
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 49
Watch for Prepositional Phrases
Prepositional phrases can sometimes make subject-verb agreement difficult. Look
carefully for the subject of the sentence and ensure the verb agrees before the
preposition “of.” The subject is always the word before the preposition “of.”
50 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Agreement in Person
Sentences may be written in first (I, we), second (you), or third (he, she, it,
they) person.
Verbs often change form, depending on whether the subject is first, second,
or third person.
For example:
I am eager to get going soon.
You are eager to get going soon.
She is eager to get going soon.
When constructing a sentence, be sure your verb form agrees with the correct
form of person.
Explanation: In the incorrect sentence the writer uses “you” in a general
sentence and then continues in the first person. This shift in
person is incorrect. The writer should use either “I” or “you”
throughout.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 51
Indefinite Pronouns
The indefinite pronouns some, none, anyone, everyone, and no one take a
singular verb.
The pronouns some and all may take a singular or plural verb depending upon
what the pronoun is referring to.
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns are nouns that represent a group or a collective but are generally
considered singular.
Common collective nouns include family, committee, crowd, jury, group, furniture,
and garbage.
52 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Quiz Yourself:
Subject–Verb Agreement
Circle the verb that correctly agrees with the subject.
a. was
b. were
a. was
b. were
a. When
b. Has
c. Have
4. Each candidate ________ required to take a keyboarding test to qualify for the
position.
a. is
b. are
5. The supply of helium _______ full for the birthday party tomorrow.
a. is
b. are
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 53
Quiz Yourself:
Subject–Verb Agreement
Continued
6. The shelves or the closet ______ the best place to look for the blank CDs.
a. is
b. are
a. is
b. are
8. Either Tom or the girls ______ going to wash the car tomorrow.
a. are
b. is
a. behaves
b. behave
c. behaving
a. is
b. are
c. were
54 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Quiz Yourself:
Subject–Verb Agreement
Continued
a. put
b. puts
c. to put
a. expects
b. expect
c. expected
a. was hiking
b. were hiking
c. hikes
a. enter
b. enters
15. The tour group _______ until the last member returns.
a. waits
b. wait
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 55
Challenge Yourself:
Subject–Verb Agreement
Edit the following sentences to ensure that each verb agrees with its subject.
1. At the last minute, I decided to join a group that were hiking up Mount Assiniboine.
2. One of my big mistakes were buying a brand new pair of hiking boots the day before
the hike.
3. Tom and Frank is my good friends, so they lent me a pack, a lamp, and a stove.
4. When I woke up the morning of our first day, there were a lot I had to do to pack and
get ready.
5. Tom and the rest of the group was waiting for me at the trail shortly after 7:00 a.m.
6. Either Tom or Steve always have a second set of rain gear. I was thankful for I had
forgotten mine.
56 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Challenge Yourself:
Subject–Verb Agreement
Continued
7. By 7:35 a.m., I had a large blister. Luckily, Kendall and her friend Reid was prepared.
8. They brought Band-aids and first-aid tape that was needed to dress the blister.
9. After another hour, one of the group members was concerned that I wouldn’t be able
to carry on.
10. I had blisters on both feet, and my back were killing me from the wet pack.
11. I was able to forge ahead, and the beautiful views from Mount Assiniboine was well
worth the pain.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 57
58 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Pronoun Agreement
A pronoun is a word that can replace or stand in for a noun. When using a
pronoun, be sure it agrees with its antecedent (the noun to which it refers) in number
and gender.
Agreement in Number
A pronoun must agree with its antecedent in number. Use a singular pronoun with a
singular antecedent and a plural pronoun with a plural antecedent.
The dog saw the squirrel and then chased it up the tree.
Samantha and Kelsey are sure they can make the Sunday morning game.
Agreement in Gender
A pronoun must also agree with its antecedent in gender. If the antecedent is
feminine, use the pronoun she, her, or hers. If the antecedent is masculine, use he,
him, or his. If the antecedent is plural, use they, them, their, or theirs.
Roshan decided that he wouldn’t go to the auction tonight.
Katie wanted to make sure she could get the time off before booking
her holiday.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 59
N OTE
OT
FO Words like everyone and no one can cause problems with
agreement in gender because they take a singular pronoun.
Unclear: Mr. Seminuk greeted students as they arrived to class. Emma and
Joel were loud and disruptive as they entered the room. He was
not pleased. Does he refer to Mr. Seminuk or to Joel?
Unclear: Taunting and bullying are destructive to you and your friends.
You must avoid them. Avoid taunting and bullying or avoid
your friends?
Clear: Taunting and bullying are destructive to you and your friends.
You must avoid these behaviours.
60 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Quiz Yourself:
Pronoun Agreement
Choose the correct pronoun for each sentence. Circle the pronoun that correctly
completes the sentence.
a. their
b. his or her
a. he or she
b. they
c. them
a. they’re
b. their
c. its
4. If Disney World continues to increase _______ ticket prices, Samantha won’t be able
to afford to go.
a. its
b. their
c. them
a. their
b. his or her
c. him or her
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 61
Quiz Yourself:
Pronoun Agreement
Continued
6. If __________ want to be successful at work, you should always be on time and
act responsibly.
a. you
b. one
c. she
7. Because Tara and Roshana worked the closing shift at Pizza Hut last week,
__________ often arrived to class late.
a. they
b. them
c. him
8. My grandmother, like too many other people, believes every word __________
reads in trashy magazines.
a. she
b. they
c. all of them
9. Not only the students but also the teacher rolled __________ eyeballs when Tom
said aliens took his homework.
a. her
b. their
10. Neither of my best friends believes that getting a job is a reality for __________ .
a. him
b. them
c. they
62 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Challenge Yourself:
Pronoun Agreement
Edit each sentence to ensure that the pronoun agrees with the antecedent. In some
cases, you may also have to revise the verb for agreement.
1. Career planning can help everyone focus on what they want to do for a living.
2. The Career Center has expanded their resources and all students are welcome to
come.
3. Students come to the Career Center to find out about jobs he or she might want to
pursue.
4. The Engineering Association had their annual job fair at the Career Center.
5. Neither Justin nor Brian knew which area they wanted to study after high school.
6. After researching careers, Justin and Brian thought they might work in his fathers’
businesses.
7. No student should be discouraged if they don’t know what career to pursue.
8. Each student should continue in their search and explore the world of possibilities.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 63
64 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Putting It Together
Instructions
There are many sentence errors in the text on the following page, including run-
on sentences, sentence fragments, parallel structure, misplaced modifiers, dangling
modifiers, subject-verb agreement, and pronoun agreement.
Read through the text, and underline any word, phrase, or piece of punctuation that
is incorrect. If punctuation is missing or incorrect, underline the word preceding it.
Once you have completed the Putting It Together quiz, compare your answers to the
key on page 241. If you find all the errors of a particular type, then place a checkmark
in “Topic Mastered.” If you miss an error of a particular type, then place a checkmark
in “Topic to Review.” You may then use this chart to guide what topics you need to
review before moving onto the next section.
3. parallel structure
4. sentence fragment
5. misplaced modifier
6. dangling modifier
7. pronoun agreement
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 65
Putting It Together
Self-Disclosure
Self-disclosure is telling others about you. It includes information such as life experiences,
feelings, dreams, and what opinions you may have. Self-disclosure is not about hiding
behind a mask. Or just talking about your good side. It’s about revealing the true you.
Why should you tell others about yourself? Research has shown. Self-disclosing persons
are more content, more adaptive, more perceptive, and less distrustful than non-
disclosing persons. Research also shows that sharing our emotions improves our mental
health, it also helps prevent disease and improve our interpersonal relationships.
Why is sharing our true selves so difficult? Many reasons. Some families don’t share
personal feelings so self-disclosure can be a scary way to relate to others. Some people
fears rejection or criticism, and some people are ashamed of their thoughts and feelings.
What topics are you comfortable disclosing? Are there topics you would like to talk about
however, you don’t know how to introduce them? Self-disclosure are part of genuine, frank
communication. It’s not about disclosing family secrets or embarrassing things that have
happened to you it is revealing what you are thinking and feeling right now. Everyone has
their secrets. There’s many things best left unsaid. However, when we conceal our true
thoughts and feelings because we think others might not like or respect us.
There are no guarantee in life. Learning to disclose is like loving: there are risks, but you
have to take the chance.
66 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Answer Key
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Checkup: Constructing Sentences—Answer Key
This answer key is divided into two parts. In the first part, the errors in the text are underlined
for you. Each error is assigned a number, which corresponds to the error types listed below the
text. The second part of the answer key contains a corrected version of this text.
Studio Musician
You don’t have to be a studio musician Musician to be in a rock band, (1) you don’t have to
spend a fortune on equipment. Starting a band with friends who likes (2) music as much as you
do can be a way to have fun, be creative, and good for meeting (3) new people.
To start off, you’ll need a few things. Some basic musical equipment. (4) First, purchase a
guitar. It can be either acoustic or electric, (1) it doesn’t really matter. Each of the guitar players
need (2) to know the basic chords is (2) G, C, and D or A, E, and D. Learn these basic chords
and a whole world of rock music will open up to you. If you buy an electric guitar; (4) you’ll
also need an amp. Purchasing at least one microphone is also a good idea that includes a
stand. (5)
Next, you have to recruit the band members. A trio is a good number. A guitar player,
drummer, and someone who plays the bass (3) are what you’ll need to start.
Decide on a place to practise. When practising, (6) the music’s volume might affect the
choice of location. Everyone should ask their (7) parents. If one of your bandmates have (2)
understanding parents, garages or basements are great places to practise.
Before the band can really get up and running; (4) you’ll need to create a song list. Five
songs is a good number to start. The internet is a good place to look for lyrics and chords.
There’s (2) also good websites to find many different songs. You can also listen to your
favourite songs on your stereo and pick out the chords yourself. A great way to train your
ear. (4) When you feel more comfortable, try to write your own music and lyrics with your
guitar. (5)
Time to practise. (4) Have band members review the songs on their own before you rehearse
as a group.
Don’t forget that you’ll need a name for your band. It should be a name that stands out (1)
but one that’s not too weird. It should be simple, catchy, and one that makes people take
notice. (3)
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 67
Checkup: Constructing Sentences—Corrected Text
Studio Musician
You don’t have to be a studio musician to be in a rock band, and you don’t have to spend a
fortune on equipment. Starting a band with friends who like music as much as you do can be
a way to have fun, be creative, and meet new people.
To start off, you’ll need a few things and some basic musical equipment. First, purchase
a guitar. It can be either acoustic or electric, but it doesn’t really matter. Each of the guitar
players needs to know the basic chords are G, C, and D or A, E, and D. Learn these basic
chords and a whole world of rock music will open up to you. If you buy an electric guitar,
you’ll also need an amp. Purchasing at least one microphone that includes a stand is also a
good idea.
Next, you have to recruit the band members. A trio is a good number. A guitar player,
drummer, and a bass player are what you’ll need to start.
Decide on a place to practise. When you practise, the music’s volume might affect the
choice of location. Everyone should ask his or her parents. If one of your bandmates has
understanding parents, garages or basements are great places to practise.
Before the band can really get up and running, you’ll need to create a song list. Five songs is
a good number to start. The internet is a good place to look for lyrics and chords. There are
also good websites to find many different songs. You can also listen to your favourite songs on
your stereo and pick out the chords yourself. This is a great way to train your ear. When you
feel more comfortable with your guitar, try to write your own music and lyrics.
When it’s time to practise, have band members review the songs on their own before you
rehearse as a group.
Don’t forget that you’ll need a name for your band. It should be a name that stands out, but
one that’s not too weird. It should be simple, catchy, and noticeable.
68 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Quiz Yourself: Sentence Types
1. Kangaroo 6. is
2. Prince George 7. lost
3. Parminder and I 8. canoe, sail, and kiteboard
4. John 9. seems
5. My cousin and my sister 10. has finished
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 69
Quiz Yourself: Run-on Sentence
1. The donkey brayed whenever the dog barked.
2. Luckily, I was only visiting; I didn’t have to live there forever.
3. The day was hot, so I went for a swim.
4. That’s when the trouble began. It was hard to know what to do.
5. Some students work during the day; after work, they attend night classes.
6. Shelley loved travelling in Italy, but she felt Rome was too hot.
7. Many students work while attending college; many finance their education
without help from their parents.
8. The problem occurred when each of them caught sight of the other.
9. The girls played basketball; however, the boys played tennis.
10. Although Maria and Sam like skiing, Jody does not.
70 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
8. and two fireplaces.
9. play hockey.
10. than watching television.
11. a nurse,
12. and to give up one of her two part-time jobs.
13. and weaving in and out of traffic.
14. teach younger students.
15. completing his chores,
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 71
Challenge Yourself: Misplaced Modifier (Note: Other responses may be correct)
1. The next day, Jill decided to begin exercising.
2. Let me know by phone or by email if you will meet me at the party.
3. I was told by my mother that Janine broke the DVD player.
4. The coach praised the team captain, an outstanding athlete and student.
5. Chris squandered all the money that his great-uncle left him on new
computer equipment.
6. The teacher posted the notes covered in class for the students.
7. Hiking up the mountain, we came across a whole forest of old growth cedars.
8. Mr. Kumar threatened many times that day to keep the class after school.
9. My dad has been looking without success for a mechanic to fix our car.
10. She served chili in paper bowls to the children.
72 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Quiz Yourself: Subject-Verb Agreement
1. was 10. are
2. were 11. put
3. Have 12. expects
4. is 13. was hiking
5. is 14. enters
6. is 15. waits
7. is
8. are
9. behaves
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 73
Challenge Yourself: Pronoun Agreement
1. Career planning can help everyone focus on what he or she wants to do for
a living.
2. The Career Center has expanded its resources and all students are welcome
to come.
3. Students come to the Career Center to find out about jobs they might want
to pursue.
4. The Engineering Association had its annual job fair at the Career Center.
5. Neither Justin nor Brian knew which area he wanted to study after high school.
6. After researching careers, Justin and Brian thought they might work in their
fathers’ businesses.
7. No student should be discouraged if he or she doesn’t know what career
to pursue.
8. Each student should continue in his or her search and explore the world
of possibilities.
74 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES
Putting It Together: Constructing Sentences—Answer Key
This answer key is divided into two parts. In the first part, the errors in the text are underlined
for you. Each error is assigned a number, which corresponds to the error types listed below the
text. The second part of the answer key contains a corrected version of this text.
Self-Disclosure
Self-disclosure is telling others about you. It includes information such as life experiences,
feelings, dreams, and what opinions you may have. (3) Self-disclosure is not about hiding
behind a mask. Or just talking about your good side. (4) It’s about revealing the true you.
Why should you tell others about yourself? Research has shown. (4) Self-disclosing persons
are more content, more adaptive, more perceptive, and less distrustful (3) than non-disclosing
persons. Research also shows that sharing our emotions improves our mental health, (1) it also
helps prevent disease and improve our interpersonal relationships.
Why is sharing our true selves so difficult? Many reasons. (4) Some families don’t share personal
feelings (1) so self-disclosure can be a scary way to relate to others. Some people fears (2)
rejection or criticism, and some people are ashamed of their thoughts and feelings.
What topics are you comfortable disclosing? Are there topics you would like to talk about
(1) however, you don’t know how to introduce them? Self-disclosure are (2) part of genuine,
frank communication. It’s not about disclosing family secrets or embarrassing things that have
happened to you (1) it is revealing what you are thinking and feeling right now. Everyone has
their (7) secrets. There’s (2) many things best left unsaid. However, when we conceal our true
thoughts and feelings because we think others might not like or respect us. (4)
There are (2) no guarantee in life. Learning to disclose is like loving: (3) there are risks, but you
have to take the chance.
CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES 75
Putting It Together: Constructing Sentences—Corrected Text
Self-Disclosure
Self-disclosure is telling others about you. It includes information such as life experiences,
feelings, dreams, and opinions. Self-disclosure is not about hiding behind a mask or just
talking about your good side. It’s about revealing the true you.
Why should you tell others about yourself? Research has shown self-disclosing persons
are more content, more adaptive, more perceptive, and more trusting than non-disclosing
persons. Research also shows that sharing our emotions improves our mental health. It also
helps prevent disease and improves our interpersonal relationships.
Moments of self-disclosure lead to friendships and self-acceptance. When you share thoughts
and feelings, often friendships deepen. When your friends accept you, warts and all, you feel
greater self-acceptance. Disclosure is a two-way street. While disclosing is good, you must
listen to other people’s thoughts and feelings as well.
Why is sharing our true selves so difficult? There are many reasons. Some families don’t share
personal feelings, so self-disclosure can be a scary way to relate to others. Some people fear
rejection or criticism, and some people are ashamed of their thoughts and feelings.
What topics are you comfortable disclosing? Are there topics you would like to talk about;
however, you don’t know how to introduce them? Self-disclosure is part of genuine, frank
communication. It’s not about disclosing family secrets or embarrassing things that have
happened to you. It is revealing what you are thinking and feeling right now. Everyone has his
or her secrets. There are many things best left unsaid. However, we conceal our true thoughts
and feelings because we think others might not like or respect us.
There is no guarantee in life. Learning to disclose is like learning to love: there are risks, but you
have to take the chance.
76 CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES