Avoid Grammar that Confuses the Reader

1. Avoid Grammar that Confuses the Reader • Avoid run-on sentences and fragments • Apply parallel construction • Avoid misplaced modifiers • Avoid unclear pronoun reference • Apply pronoun/noun agreement • Apply subject / verb agreement

2. Fragments and Run-ons Fragment: A fragment is a group of words that either is missing a subject or a verb or does not express a complete thought. Run-on: A run-on is two or more independent clausesthat are not joined properly. For instance, a common mistake is to have a comma between the clauses.

3. Sentence (S), fragment (F), or run-on (RO)? 1 The team project was challenging, we were happy with the results. 2 When we finished the team project, we held a team party. 3 People brought a variety of food to the party. For example, burgers, hot dogs, cheese cake, potato salad, and cookies. RO S S / F

4. Three situations in which run-on sentences are apt to happen… • A pronoun in the second clause refers to a noun in the first clause. • The President’s popularity has plummeted, she apparently underestimated the opposition. The President’s popularity has plummeted. She apparently underestimated the opposition. The President’s popularity has plummeted; she apparently underestimated the opposition.

5. Three situations in which run-on sentences are apt to happen… 2. A suggestion or directive occurs in the second clause. You will be responsible for this material on the final exam, study it thoroughly. You will be responsible for this material on the final exam. Study it thoroughly. You will be responsible for this material on the final exam; therefore, study it thoroughly.

6. Three situations in which run-on sentences are apt to happen… 3. When two clauses are connected by a transitional expression. Many people think protectionism can halt rising prices, however, the opposite is true. Many people think protectionism can halt rising prices; however, the opposite is true. Many people think protectionism can halt rising prices. However, the opposite is true.

7. Fixing a Fragment People brought a variety of food to the party. For example, burgers, hot dogs, cheese cake, potato salad, and cookies. People brought a variety of food to the party, including burgers, hot dogs, cheese cake, potato salad, and cookies. She spent her first week on the job as a researcher. Selecting and compiling technical information from journals. She spent her first week on the job as a researcher, selecting and compiling technical information from journals.

8. Apply Parallel Construction… Parallel expression uses balanced construction. Match nouns with nouns, verbs with verbs, phrases with phrases, and clauses with clauses. NotParallel Parallel Training sessions have been stimulatingand a challenge. Training sessions have been stimulating and challenging. (Matches -ing verbs) The policy affected all vendors, suppliers, and those involved with consulting. The policy affected all vendors, suppliers, and consultants. (Matches nouns)

9. Avoid Misplaced or Dangling Modifiers Modifiers must be close to the word they describe or limit. Dangling modifier Misplaced modifier The word or phrase it describes is missing from the sentence. The word or phrase it describes is not close enough to be clear. Firefighters rescued a dog from a car that had a broken leg. After working overtime, the report was finally finished.

10. Avoid Unclear Pronoun References… Although the motorcycle hit the tree, it was not damaged. If you receive an e-mail titled "Win A Holiday," do not open it. It will erase everything on your hard drive. Forward this e-mail out to as many people as you can. This is a very malicious virus and not many people know about it. it??? this??? This???

11. Apply Correct Pronoun / Noun Agreement A pronoun refers back to a noun or takes the place of a noun. Therefore, Singular nounsingular pronoun Plural nounplural pronoun • Wrong: If a student parks a car on campus, they have to buy a sticker. • Correct: If a student parks a car on campus, he or she has to buy a sticker. • Wrong: The student should do their best. • Correct: The student should do his or her best. The indefinite pronouns everybody, anybody, anyone, each, neither, nobody, someone, a person, etc. are singular and take singular pronouns. Example: Everybody ought to do his or her best. (NOT: their best) Example: Neither of the girls brought her umbrella. (NOT: their umbrellas)

12. Apply Correct Subject / Verb Agreement First, determine the subject Singular subjectsingular verb Plural subjectplural verb • Tricky situations (see handout) • Sentences that begin with there is/was/were… • Relative pronouns • Indefinite subject pronouns • Collective nouns • Subjects joined by either…or, or neither…nor • Subjects joined by both… and

14. Avoid Punctuation Errors that Create Confusion for the Reader Punctuation marks are the traffic signs and signals placed along the reader’s road. They tell when to slow down and when to stop, and sometimes they warn about of the nature of the road ahead.

15. Punctuation Review • Colon • Semi-colon • Dash • Comma

16. Punctuation rules are designed to have sentences be read one way Colon:A colon introduces a formal list, long quotation, equation, or definition. Semi-Colon:A semi-colon either joins two independent clauses (closely linked in thought) or separates complex items in a list. Dash: A dash acts as a parenthesis to separate items that cannot be separated by commas. Comma: A comma separates details in a sentence.

17. A colon introduces a formal list, long quotation, definition, or equation We studied five types of marsupials: opossums, bandicoots, koalas, wombats, and kangaroos. The laboratory growth of this crystal made possible a new astronomical tool: a gamma-ray detector with high-energy resolution. Formal List Definition In formal writing, what is on the left side of the colon should stand alone as a separate sentence. Once the list ends, the sentence ends.

18. A semi-colon joins two independent clauses (closely linked in thought) or separates complex items in a list The project was finally completed, and we were elated. The project was finally completed; we were elated. Separate two closely linked independent clauses. Separate sentences joined by a transitional expression. The job is filled; however, we will keep your resume Separate items in a series that contain internal commas. Members of the survey crew were Juan Jimenez, a geologist; Hector Lightfoot, a surveyor; and Mary Shelley, a graduate student.

19. Hyphen and Dash • Hyphen • Separates parts of a compound word or name, or between syllables in a word • Two-day class, seventy-five people • En-dash • Connects inclusive numbers • Example: 15 – 40 • Em-dash • Acts as parentheses to separate items • May use em-dash or parentheses interchangeably • The cost ($600) was more than we expected. • The cost—$600—was more than we expected.

20. Five most common comma guidelines

21. Writing Style Check List Who is my reader? What is my purpose? Did I provide enough detail? who, what, when… Are my paragraphs short and logically organized, e.g., topic sentence, supporting sentences, ideas linked within paragraph? Do I use active voice, strong verbs (not disguised as nouns), and dependent clauses instead of a series of prepositions? Have I eliminated excess wordiness: redundant words, long lead-ins … Have I used easily understood words? Do I have run-on sentences or fragments? Do I have misplaced modifiers or non-parallel construction? Do I have unclear pronoun reference? Do I have subject / verb agreement? Do I have a comma after an introductory clause or phrase? Have I proofread for any typos or misspelled words?

22. Summary: Apply Business Writing Style • Write for clarity and conciseness • Write effective sentences • Avoid excess wordiness • Avoid grammar and punctuation that confuses the reader “Make everything as simple as possible but not simpler.” Albert Einstein