Sentence Structure Exercises
Directions: Think about how you would
rewrite each sentence to correct all errors.
1. An actor knows how to
memorize his lines and getting
into character.
• An actor knows how
to memorize his
lines and (how to)
get into character.
2. Tell me where you were, what
you were doing, and your
reasons for doing it.
• Tell me where you
were, what you
were doing, and
why you were
doing it.
3. Clark's daily exercises include
running, swimming, and to lift
weights.
• Clark's daily exercises
include running,
swimming, and lifting
weights.
4. To donate money to the
homeless shelter is helping
people stay warm in the winter.
• To donate money to
the homeless shelter
is to help people stay
warm in the winter.
5. We followed the path through
the forest, over the hill, and we
went across the river.
• We followed the path through the forest,
over the hill, and across the river.
6. The writer was brilliant but
a recluse.
• The writer was brilliant but reclusive.
7. After the party, we want to
either go to a movie or the KTV.
• After the party, we want to go to either
a movie or the KTV.
8. She told Jake to take out the
trash, to mow the lawn, and be
listening for the phone call.
• She told Jake to take
out the trash, to mow
the lawn, and to
listen for the phone
call.
9. Marcie studied for the test by
reviewing her class notes and
she read her textbook.
• Marcie studied for
the test by reviewing
her class notes and
reading her textbook.
10. It is easier to tell the truth
than lying to people you love.
• It is easier to tell the
truth than to lie to
people you love.
11. For her birthday, Marsha
received a cake, some clothes,
and she got a new CD player.
• For her birthday, Marcie received a
cake, some clothes, and a new CD
player.
12. Jim wanted to scare us by
telling us a ghost story and he
showed us a horror movie.
• Jim wanted to scare us by telling us a
ghost story and by showing us a horror
movie.
13. The witness described the
suspect as tall, light-skinned,
and with a beard.
• The witness
described the
suspect as tall,
light-skinned, and
bearded.
14. Spending the day with you is
better than if we were apart.
• Spending the day with you is better
than spending the day apart.
15. Brian disliked not only
playing basketball but also to run
long distances.
• Brian disliked
not only playing
basketball but
also running
long distances.
16. The new house has a large
porch, an eat-in kitchen, and the
floors are carpeted.
• The new house has
a large porch, an
eat-in kitchen, and
carpeted floors.
17. This plan is creative but a
risk.
• This plan is creative but risky.
18. I want neither your sympathy
nor do I want your pity.
• I want neither your sympathy nor your pity.
19. Managing your money well is
to be prepared for the future.
• Managing your
money well is
being prepared
for the future.