1. Common Grammatical Errors
Sentence Structure Errors

2. Sentence Structure Errors
Fragments
Run-ons
Misplaced Modifiers

3. Fragments

4. Fragments Sentence fragments are incomplete sentences.
They may be lacking a verb, or be a dependant clause without the clause they are dependant upon.
Fragments usually sound off to native speakers, particularly if spoken out of context.

5. Fragments – Sample Errors
Many comedies in Drew’s collection of movies.
Because Kylie had a good birthday.
Since the first one Sief bought kept breaking down.
The happiest day of Christine’s life.
A wide variety of musicians that Gabe enjoys listening to on his iPod.

6. Run-on Sentences

7. Run-on Sentences
Occurs when you have two sentences (two independent clauses) and punctuate them incorrectly. There are two forms:
Sentences with no punctuation at all.
Comma splices – clauses that should be joined with a semi-colon, but are joined with a comma instead.
Run-on sentences usually sound off to native speakers.

8. Run-on Sentences - Samples
Alicia politely pointed out that her name had been mispronounced by Mr. Hendricks tends to throw Spanish pronunciation on names.
Some say the K building is haunted, Kayli doesn’t believe in ghosts.
Adrienne love sushi she thinks Sushi Planet has the best sushi in town.
Lea has pet cats shed a lot.

9. Misplaced Modifiers

10. Misplaced Modifiers
Clauses must be clear as to what they are modifying. A modifier is unclear, or dangling, if it is unclear. It should modify the subject.
This is the fourth of four issues we will call
P.E.T. Rules – Picky English Teacher Rules.

11. Misplaced Modifiers - Samples
Walking to class, a snack from the vending machine looked delicious to Natalie.
Though fattening, Jacob and Garrett often order multiple Double Doubles each.
Finding a good deal at the store, the dress was happily bought by Alyssa.
Freshly washed, Bret angrily noticed a ding in the paint of his car.

12. Sentence Structure Errors
Fragments
Run-ons
Misplaced Modifiers

13. Addendum
Some tests will often include what appear to be typos in some questions. These come in two forms:
Leaving out words from the sentence.
Replacing one word with another that is similar.

14. Samples Leaving out words of the sentence
The quick, brown fox jumps over lazy dog.
To be not to be, that is the question.
Replacing one word with another that is similar
My favorite desert is cheesecake.
I ride a stationery bike for half an hour a day.

15. Replacing one word with another that is similar - Samples
Some tests will often include what appear to be typos in some questions. These come in two forms:
Leaving out words from the sentence.
Replacing one word with another that is similar.

16. Practice Quiz 3
20 Questions – use a ½ sheet of paper

17. Practice Quiz 3
1. Who did Cassie invite to the track meet on Saturday? No Error
A B C D E
2. Britney did good on the test she took yesterday. No Error
A B C D E
3. Shane’s favorite dessert is a chocolate milkshake. No Error
A B C D E
4. Kevin will throw the frisbee and Shane caught it. No Error
A B C D E
5. Many comedies in Drew’s collection of movies. No Error
A B C D E

18. Practice Quiz 3
6. He can run faster than me can. No Error
A B C D E
7. Jacilyn looked at the first question and answered it quick. No Error
A B C D E
Gabe played football for many years and was soon becoming a good player.
A B C D
No Error E
9. Lea has pet cats which shed a lot. No Error
A B C D E
10. Some say the K building is haunted, Kayli doesn’t believe in ghosts. No Error
A B C D E

19. Practice Quiz 3 11. Bret’s dad said he was sick all weekend. No Error
A B C D E
12. Among Robert and Alicia, Alicia has longer hair. No Error
A B C D E
13. Alex believes that studying English is easier than History. No Error
A B C D E
Walking to class, a snack from the vending machine looked delicious to Natalie.
A B C D
No Error E
15. We did not believe that they were as talented as they claimed. No Error
A B C D E

20. Practice Quiz 3
16. Using Facebook is more common than using MySpace. No Error
A B C D E
17. Kevin spoke with Daniel about his favorite book. No Error
A B C D E
18. Scarcely nobody can make that shot. No Error
A B C D E
The set of golf clubs, which Mr. Chapman won in a drawing, were very
A B C
expensive. No Error
D E
Though fattening, Jacob and Garrett often order multiple Double Doubles each.
A B C D
No Error E

21. Practice Quiz 3
Answers

22. Practice Quiz 3
1. Who did Cassie invite to the track meet on Saturday? No Error
A B C D E
2. Britney did good on the test she took yesterday. No Error
A B C D E
3. Shane’s favorite dessert is a chocolate milkshake. No Error
A B C D E
4. Kevin will throw the frisbee and Shane caught it. No Error
A B C D E
5. Many comedies in Drew’s collection of movies. No Error
A B C D E

23. Practice Quiz 3
6. He can run faster than me can. No Error
A B C D E
7. Jacilyn looked at the first question and answered it quick. No Error
A B C D E
Gabe played football for many years and was soon becoming a good player.
A B C D
No Error E
9. Lea has pet cats which shed a lot. No Error
A B C D E
10. Some say the K building is haunted, Kayli doesn’t believe in ghosts. No Error
A B C D E

24. Practice Quiz 3 11. Bret’s dad said he was sick all weekend. No Error
A B C D E
12. Among Robert and Alicia, Alicia has longer hair. No Error
A B C D E
13. Alex believes that studying English is easier than History. No Error
A B C D E
Walking to class, a snack from the vending machine looked delicious to Natalie.
A B C D
No Error E
15. We did not believe that they were as talented as they claimed. No Error
A B C D E

25. Practice Quiz 3
16. Using Facebook is more common than using MySpace. No Error
A B C D E
17. Kevin spoke with Daniel about his favorite book. No Error
A B C D E
18. Scarcely nobody can make that shot. No Error
A B C D E
The set of golf clubs, which Mr. Chapman won in a drawing, were very
A B C
expensive. No Error
D E
Though fattening, Jacob and Garrett often order multiple Double Doubles each.
A B C D
No Error E