Sentence Construction
Parallel structure
 two or more actions being described in the
same sentence
 all verbs or verb phrases must be written in the
same form
My dog Max loves to jump over hedges and to
chase frisbees. (correct)
My dog Max loves jumping over hedges and to chase
frisbees. (incorrect)
 this is true for nouns as well as verbs
Mr. Benjivengo is gifted not only as a great teacher
but also at writing novels. (incorrect)
Mr. Benjivengo is gifted not only at teaching but also
at writing novels. (correct)
Verb tense consistency
 When two or more actions are being described
in a sentence, all verbs or verb phrases
describing the same time period must be
written in the same tense.
While I waited for the movie to begin, I was realizing
that I’d forgotten all about my sister’s ballet recital.
(incorrect)
While I waited for the movie to begin, I realized that
I’d forgotten all about my sister’s ballet recital.
(correct)
Subordination
 A well-written sentence will flow from subject
to verb to object without lengthy interruptions
in between.
 When subordinate clauses interrupt the flow of
a sentence, it can be awkward.
After working on his essay for three hours, Jesus
decided to go outside for some fresh air. (correct)
Jesus, after working on his essay for three hours,
decided to go outside for some fresh air. (incorrectawkward wording)
Modifier placement
 When modifiers are misplaced in a sentence,
the results can be confusing.
Unaware of what was happening, the fast-talking con
artist swiped Jeanine’s watch. (incorrect – it’s
unclear who is unaware of what was happening, the
con-artist or Jeanine?)
The fast-talking con artist swiped Jeanine’s watch
while she was unaware of what was happening.
(correct)