Top 10 Common Errors in English Clause Structure
Top 10 Common Errors in English Clause Structure Introduction: The Importance of Proper Clause Structure Hello everyone! As an English teacher, I often come across various errors in clause structure. While these mistakes may seem small, they can significantly impact the clarity and coherence of your sentences. In this video, we'll discuss the top 10 common errors and provide simple tips to avoid them. Let's get started! 1. Misplaced Modifiers Misplaced modifiers can lead to confusion in a sentence. For example, 'Running through the park, the tree suddenly appeared.' Here, it seems like the tree was running. To fix this, place the modifier right next to the word it describes: 'The tree suddenly appeared while I was running through the park.' 2. Lack of Subject-Verb Agreement Subject-verb agreement is crucial for sentence structure. A common error is when the subject and verb don't agree in number. For instance, 'The group of students is going on a trip.' Here, 'is' should be 'are' to match the plural subject 'students.' Always double-check the agreement between your subject and verb. 3. Run-On Sentences Run-on sentences occur when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation. They can make your writing confusing and hard to follow. To fix this, use a period, semicolon, or coordinating conjunctions like 'and' or 'but' to separate the clauses. 4. Fragmented Sentences