Sentence Power

KS Wright

The power of words in sentences can create peace or war, harmony or discord, separation or reconciliation.

Sentences

Sentences need to have. . . .

•A subject

•A verb

•And they need to make sense (be an independent clause)

There are parts missing--

How can you fix these?

1. Susan her dog with her every day. (verb is missing)

2. Went around the block three times, but never found a parking place. (subject missing)

Your TurnFix the following sentences

1. It is important into the baby’s room.

2. Like to go to dinner and go to a movie.

3. Noisy garbage trucks down my street.

4. Children at choir.

1. Under the table the dog ate his supper.

2. The help-wanted ads in the newspaper have disappeared.

3. During the monsoon I felt afraid.

A subject of the sentence is never found in a prepositional phrase. Make these prepositional phrases into complete sentences.

Dependent Word FragmentsA dependent clause cannot stand alone; attach it to the sentence before or after it to make it a complete sentence.1. After I signed up for

class. I decided to attend.

2. Since it is summer. It is hot.

3. My daughter refused to quit smoking. Unless I quit also.

Your TurnNow it’s your turn. How might

you correct these dependent clause fragments?

1.Rosa talks about her relationship with her parents. How she grew up following her family’s values.

2.Ralph always wanted to be a stand-up comic. Because he liked to make people laugh.

3.The family set out for a new country. A country in which they could practice their culture and religion

Run-On Sentences

A run on sentence is where two complete thoughts run together with no adequate sign given to them to break the thoughts. A run on sentence can be a fused sentence or a comma splice.

Comma SpliceHow can you fix these

1. Superman is very strong, he lifts tall buildings.

2. Senator Lewis is a good man, he helps the common person achieve the common good.

3. My grades are good this semester, they are better than last semester.

Fused Sentences1.There were several

unusual hairstyles at the party one woman had green braids.

2.Joseph entered the room and jumped with fright someone was leaving through the window.

3.Matilda needs a new job Jack has one.

Can you fix these sentences?

Your TurnFix the following run-on sentences

1. In the classroom the air was hot the heat was at least 90 degrees.

2. Drink plenty of water, it keeps you hydrated in the summer.

3. The pilot said she would land she did not feel well enough to continue the trip.

Remember. . . . The

sentenceThe sentence is very powerful: choose your words carefully to be sure they make a complete sentence.