Grammar Module One: Building Sentences
Introduction
This grammar module looks at the ordering of words to make up clauses and sentences. The larger parts of written texts - the paragraphs, sections, chapters- are only as clear as the sentences of which they are made. You cannot write a paragraph clearly if you cannot write clear sentences. Clear sentences are well-ordered, well-constructed sentences.
This module is cumulative; the later sections are based on what is in the first sections. We recommend working through sections one to six slowly, trying the exercises in each and going on to the next when you feel ready. It takes time and practice to begin to absorb and use this information in your own writing. When you do, you will be able to not only avoid the two most common sentence structure errors in student papers, the run-on sentence and the sentence fragment, but you will also be able to put together short simple sentences and long complex ones with ease and clarity.
The Independent Clause and Simple Sentence
Avoiding Run-On Sentences and Comma Splices
Combining Simple Sentences to Make Compound Sentences