0How to write sentences with better construction?
Confusing clauses, slang, idioms, and errors in grammar or punctuation are the common causes of poor sentence construction. Five poor “sentence habits” commonly appear in writing. Elimination of these habits can improve construction of sentences.
1. Starting with Dependent Clause
It is not wrong to start a sentence with a dependent clause, but the sentences are difficult to understand.
Beginning with a Clause
At the start of the business year and at the beginning of the third quarter, the laboratory has a project review with the director of research.
In this sentence, the reader had to read more words to understand what they were talking about the laboratory.
Start the sentence with a Noun
The laboratory has a project review with the director of research each January and July.
Beginning with a Clause
Traveling to the western tank farm, he met three lab members near building 318.
Beginning with a Pronoun
He met three lab members on his way to the western tank farm. They were near building 318.
2. Subject and Verb Do Not Agree
If the subject is singular, the verb must also be singular.
Long sentences with many clauses show separation of the subject and verb, and this often leads to subject-verb disagreement.
Subject and Verb Do Not Agree
The output of three wear testers, the block-on-ring, the ball-on-plane, and the microtribometer are directed to a single computer.
Metallography of failed balls and races are key aspects of failure analysis.
Agreement
The output of three wear testers, the block-on-ring, the ball-on-plane, and the microtribometer is directed to a single computer.
A group of distinguished metallurgists is to convene for the selection process.
3. Incoherent Sentences
Incoherent sentences usually result from the omission of a word.
Incoherent
The procedure for cutting circuit boards for failure study begins stripping the devices. (missing preposition)
The procedure for cutting circuit boards for failure study begins with stripping the devices.
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to determine if any significant differences existed between the samples identified as A and D. (missing verb)
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were employed to determine if any significant differences existed between the samples identified as A and D.
4. Same-Sounding Word and Wrong Usage
Some English words have the same pronunciation but different meanings. These words are frequently misused. It is always good to reread after running the spell checker.
• Two, to, and too
• Coarse and course
• Principal and principle
• Loose and lose
• Plane and plain
• Their and there
• See and sea
• Affect and effect
• Brake and break
5. Sentences Containing Slang or Idioms
Use of an Idiomatic Expression
The rejection rate is higher than normal for the delta station chassis that we have received from France. Please get on top of the situation.
Use of Slang
The transport roller bearings were hammered. There was reddish goop coming out of the seal. We decided that this baby had to go, and we served up a new issue.
Translation
The transport bearing failed. Wear debris was apparent in the seal area, and a decision was made to replace it.
A writing style should use sentences free of clauses that can confuse, slang, idioms, and errors in grammar or punctuation.
