Sentence Problems and Solutions – Activity One
Optional Activity 1
• Place X after ungrammatical sentence fragments.
• Place OK after any constructions that you might use informally but seem inappropriate for
academic writing.
• BONUS: Making only the minimum changes necessary, rewrite the ungrammatical fragments
as complete sentences.
Not at all surprising, while Justin contemplated the heaving ocean below his feet. X
This is a sentence fragment more information is required to complete the thought.
Not at all surprising, while Justin contemplated the heaving ocean below his feet the boat
sank.
In the early 1990s, during a time of remarkable economic upheaval in this small nation-state. X
This is a sentence fragment more information is required to complete the thought.
In the early 1990s, during a time of remarkable economic upheaval in the small nationstate the rate of crime increased.
Because Raylene botched her audition for the regional country-singing competition, and the
judges humiliated her in front of the entire town, all her friends got together and bought her a
soothing weekend package at the spa. OK
There are two dependent clauses in this sentence. The structure is ok for informal use.
So long as you have a place to hang your hat, enough to eat, and loved ones nearby. X
This is a sentence fragment more information is required to complete the thought.
So long as you have a place to hang your hat, enough to eat, and loved ones nearby life is
bearable.
Unless you give me a good reason why not, I’ll throw my draft into the fire. OK
There are two dependent clauses in this sentence. The structure is ok for informal use.
At first the agents believed the case to be a simple one of mistaken identity. But not for long.
OK
There are two dependent clauses in this sentence. The period after identity should be replaced
with a comma.
Being undecided about what courses she’d like to take, and knowing full well she’d have to
declare her major in less than a year. X
This is a sentence fragment more information is required to complete the thought.
Being undecided about what courses she’d like to take, and knowing full well she’d have to
declare her major in less than a year she choose to major in biology.
As if! OK
This is a fragmentary expression and is acceptable for information use.
Because the vampire suddenly changed his mind about making Constance a reluctant blood
donor, and without any apparent reason turned into a bat and fled up the chimney. X
This sentence is fragmented and contains mixed constructions.
Because the vampire suddenly changed his mind about making Constance a reluctant blood donor he
turned into a bat and flew up the chimney.