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Section Outline Introduction (please read first)
Introduction This section will make more sense if you are able to identify clauses and phrases. The last tutorial in "Parts and Elements" tests your knowledge of these sentence elements. Sentence Fragments
(Bedford 19/Hodges' 2) Lacking a verb: Helena's car being the only one that could carry all of our equipment. Note that "being" is a participial form of the verb "to be." It is not acting as a verb in the sentence. Correct: Helen's car was the only one that could carry all of our equipment. Lacking a subject: Going with our biology teacher to visit the marine aquarium research lab. Correct: We are going with our biology teacher to visit the marine aquarium research lab. Note that this sentence also needs the helping verb "are" to make it complete. Another possibility: Going with our biology teacher to visit the marine aquarium research lab turned out to be a great idea. In this version, we have made a subject of the participial form "going" and then added another verb, "turned out." Including a subordinating conjunction: Although we booked our reservations four months in advance. "Although," a subordinating conjunction, restricts the meaning of this clause. Logically, the clause relies upon additional information to make it complete. If a person said just that much to you, you would be left wondering what else happened. The "although" sets up a contrast: Did the people lose their seats through overbooking? Did they find their flight canceled? A subordinating conjunction signals that the clause it begins is dependent upon an independent clause. Correct: We booked our reservations four months in advance. This version simply removes the subordinating conjunction, thus creating an independent clause. Correct: Although we booked our reservations four months in advance, we still lost our seats through overbooking. The second revision supplies an independent clause which completes the meaning of the sentence. Run-on or Fused Sentences
(Bedford 2/Hodges' 3) Fused sentence: The boys ran a marathon they didn't win though. This fused sentence includes two independent clauses: "The boys (subject) ran (verb) a marathon" and "they (subject) didn't win (verb) though." To correct such a sentence, try one of the following: Punctuate: The boys ran a marathon; they didn't win, though. A semicolon can connect these closely related clauses. Divide: The boys ran a marathon. They didn't win, though. These two independent clauses can stand alone. Note that any situation which allows for a semicolon also offers the option of separating the clauses into two sentences. Subordinate: Although the boys ran a marathon, they didn't win. The first clause in this revision is now subordinate, or logically and structurally dependent upon the main clause. Comma Splices (Bedford 20/Hodges'3) Like run-ons or fused sentences, comma splices contain too much information. They are essentially two independent clauses joined by a comma: Comma splice: She painted the sunroom, the colors softened the room. The two independent clauses are "She painted the sunroom" and "the colors softened the room." This sentence problem can be corrected in three ways: Add a semicolon: She painted the sunroom; the colors softened the room. Divide: She painted the sunroom. The colors softened the room. Add a coordinating conjunction: She painted the sunroom, and the colors softened the room. Scroll down to begin tutorials
Tutorial 1: Identifying sentence problemsClick on the answer that identifies the kind of error in each of the following items: Frag=fragment
Answers to Tutorial 1
Children need limits they respect adults who supply them.Your answer: Fragment This is a fused sentence, a running together of two independent clauses with no internal punctuation. Punctuation--either a semicolon or a period--is needed after "limits." Children need limits; they respect adults who supply them. Children need limits. They respect adults who supply them. Return to tutorial questions
Children need limits they respect adults who supply them.Your answer: comma splice This sentence has no comma, nor would a comma suffice to separate these two fused clauses. A semicolon or a period after "limits" would correct the problem. Children need limits; they respect adults who supply them. Children need limits. They respect adults who supply them. Return to tutorial questions
Children need limits they respect adults who supply them.Your answer: Correct sentence This is a fused sentence, a running together of two independent clauses with no internal punctuation. Punctuation--either a semicolon or a period--is needed after "limits." Children need limits; they respect adults who supply them. Children need limits. They respect adults who supply them. Return to tutorial questions
Children need limits they respect adults who supply them.Your answer: Fused sentence You are right! This sentence fuses together two independent clauses with no internal punctuation. A fused sentence can be corrected with a semicolon or a period at the end of the first clause. In this case the punctuation would follow "limit:" Children need limits; they respect adults who supply them. Children need limits. They respect adults who supply them. Return to tutorial questions
When trying on bathing suits, I always vow to begin a diet.Your answer: Fragment This sentence is correct. It consists of a main clause, the subject of which is "I" and the verb of which is "vow." The introductory clause is made dependent by the subordinating conjunction "when." This clause modifies the main clause. Return to tutorial questions
When trying on bathing suits, I always vow to begin a diet.Your answer: Comma splice This sentence is correct. It consists of a main clause, the subject of which is "I" and the verb of which is "vow." The introductory clause is made dependent by the subordinating conjunction "when." This clause modifies the main clause. Although the two clauses are joined by a comma, this sentence is not a comma splice because one of its clauses is subordinate to the main clause. A comma splice always contains two independent clauses. Return to tutorial questions
When trying on bathing suits, I always vow to begin a diet.Your answer: Correct sentence You are right! This correct sentence consists of a main clause, the subject of which is "I" and the verb of which is "vow." The introductory clause is made dependent by the subordinating conjunction "when." This clause modifies the main clause. Return to tutorial questions
When trying on bathing suits, I always vow to begin a diet.Your answer: Fused sentence This sentence is correct. It consists of a main clause, the subject of which is "I" and the verb of which is "vow." The introductory clause is made dependent by the subordinating conjunction "when." This clause modifies the main clause. A fused sentence joins two independent clauses with no internal punctuation. Return to tutorial questions
Moisture gets inside computers their chips begin to break down.Your answer: Fragment This is a fused sentence. The first independent clause ends with "computers." A semicolon or period at that point would correct the problem. Moisture gets inside computers; their chips begin to break down. Moisture gets inside computers. Their chips begin to break down. Although these two revisions make the sentence correct, two other changes can help make the meaning more precise: Subordinate to show relationship: When moisture gets inside computers, their chips begin to break down. Coordinate to show relationship: Moisture gets inside computers, and their chips begin to break down. Return to tutorial
Moisture gets inside computers their chips begin to break down.Your answer: Comma splice There is no comma separating these two independent clauses. This is a fused sentence. It needs a semicolon or a period after "computers," the last word of the first independent clause. A comma splice reads like this kind sentence, but it has a comma separating the two clauses. Moisture gets inside computers; their chips begin to break down. Moisture gets inside computers. Their chips begin to break down. Although these two revisions make the sentence correct, two other changes can help make the meaning more precise: Subordinate to show relationship: When moisture gets inside computers, their chips begin to break down. Coordinate to show relationship: Moisture gets inside computers, and their chips begin to break down. Return to tutorial.
Moisture gets inside computers their chips begin to break down.Your answer: Correct sentence This is a fused sentence. The first independent clause ends with "computers." A semicolon or period at that point would correct the problem. Moisture gets inside computers; their chips begin to break down. Moisture gets inside computers. Their chips begin to break down. Although these two revisions make the sentence correct, two other changes can help make the meaning more precise: Subordinate to show relationship: When moisture gets inside computers, their chips begin to break down. Coordinate to show relationship: Moisture gets inside computers, and their chips begin to break down. Return to tutorial
Moisture gets inside computers their chips begin to break down.Your answer: Fused sentence You are right! This sentence fuses together two independent clauses with no internal punctuation. A semicolon or period after "computers" would correct the problem. Moisture gets inside computers; their chips begin to break down. Moisture gets inside computers. Their chips begin to break down. Although these two revisions make the sentence correct, two other changes can help make the meaning more precise: Subordinate to show relationship: When moisture gets inside computers, their chips begin to break down. Coordinate to show relationship: Moisture gets inside computers, and their chips begin to break down. Return to tutorial questions
Darkness falls quickly at the edges of the forest.Your answer: Fragment This sentence is correct. It has one main clause, with "darkness" as the subject and "falls" as the verb. There is a prepositional phrase, beginning with "at," but there are no other clauses. Return to tutorial questions
Darkness falls quickly at the edges of the forest.Your answer: Comma splice This sentence is correct. It has one main clause, with "darkness" as the subject and "falls" as the verb. There is a prepositional phrase, beginning with "at," but there are no other clauses. Return to tutorial questions
Darkness falls quickly at the edges of the forest.Your answer: Correct sentence You are right! This sentence is correct. It has one main clause, with "darkness" as the subject and "falls" as the verb. There is a prepositional phrase, beginning with "at," but there are no other clauses. questions Return to tutorial questions
Darkness falls quickly at the edges of the forest.Your answer: Fused sentence This sentence is correct. It has one main clause, with "darkness" as the subject and "falls" as the verb. There is a prepositional phrase, beginning with "at," but there are no other clauses. Return to tutorial questions
Sharing the burden of domestic chores has become more common in American marriages.Your answer: Fragment This sentence is correct. The gerund "sharing" serves as the subject of the sentence; "has become" is the verb. Often a fragment will begin with a verb form such as "sharing," because such verbals are used to introduce phrases. But in this case the sentence is complete. Return to tutorial questions.
Sharing the burden of domestic chores has become more common in American marriages.Your answer: Comma splice This sentence is correct. The gerund "sharing" serves as the subject of the sentence; "has become" is the verb. Often a fragment will begin with a verb form such as "sharing," because such verbals are used to introduce phrases. But in this case the sentence is complete. Return to tutorial questions.
Sharing the burden of domestic chores has become more common in American marriages.Your answer: Correct sentence You are right! This sentence is correct. The gerund "sharing" serves as the subject of the sentence; "has become" is the verb. Often a fragment will begin with a verb form such as "sharing," because such verbals are used to introduce phrases. But in this case the sentence is complete. Return to tutorial questions.
Sharing the burden of domestic chores has become more common in American marriages.Your answer: Fused sentence This sentence is correct. The gerund "sharing" serves as the subject of the sentence; "has become" is the verb. Often a fragment will begin with a verb form such as "sharing," because such verbals are used to introduce phrases. But in this case the sentence is complete. Return to tutorial questions.
Although, some husbands may resist at first.Your answer: Fragment You are right! The subordinating conjunction "although" makes the content of this clause logically dependent upon another clause. The contrast inherent in the "although" leaves the reader or listener expecting to learn more about the subject. Although husbands resist, do they change their minds eventually? This fragment follows the pattern of a sentence beginning with a conjunctive adverb such as "however." It is correct to write "However, some husbands resist at first." It is important to distinguish between the function of subordinating conjunctions and that of conjunctive adverbs. Return to tutorial questions
Although, some husbands may resist at first.Your answer: Comma splice This is a sentence fragment, a dependent clause which must be connected to an independent clause in order to form a complete sentence. The subordinating conjunction "although" makes the content of this clause logically dependent upon another clause. The contrast inherent in the "although" leaves the reader or listener expecting to learn more about the subject. Although husbands resist, do they change their minds eventually? This fragment follows the pattern of a sentence beginning with a conjunctive adverb such as "however." It is correct to write "However, some husbands resist at first." It is important to distinguish between the function of subordinating conjunctions and that of conjunctive adverbs. Return to tutorial questions
Although, some husbands may resist at first.Your answer: Correct sentence We often hear sentences like this spoken in conversational English. Yet although such a construction is correct when begun with a conjunctive adverb such as "however," the subordinating conjunction "although" turns this clause into a subordinate or dependent one. It must be attached to a main or independent clause in order to make sense logically and structurally. Return to tutorial questions
Although, some husbands may resist at first.Your answer: Fused sentence This is a fragment. The subordinating conjunction "although" makes the content of this clause logically dependent upon another clause. The contrast inherent in the "although" leaves the reader or listener expecting to learn more about the subject. Although husbands resist, do they change their minds eventually? This fragment follows the pattern of a sentence beginning with a conjunctive adverb such as "however." It is correct to write "However, some husbands resist at first." It is important to distinguish between the function of subordinating conjunctions and that of conjunctive adverbs. Return to tutorial questions
Since studies show that even working women feel they must do most of the house work. Your answer: Fragment You are right! This is a subordinate clause, as suggested by the subordinating conjunction "since." This clause must be attached to an independent clause. Removing the word "since" would also make the sentence complete. Return to tutorial questions
Since studies show that even working women feel they must do most of the house work. Your answer: Comma splice Because there is no comma in this item, it cannot be a comma splice. It is a fragment, specifically a subordinate clause begun with the subordinating conjunction "since." Removing the word "since" would also make the sentence complete. Return to tutorial questions
Since studies show that even working women feel they must do most of the house work. Your answer: Correct sentence This fragment is a subordinate clause begun by the subordinating conjunction "since." It cannot stand alone, but it can be connected with a comma to an independent clause. Removing the word "since" would also make the sentence complete. Return to tutorial questions
Since studies show that even working women feel they must do most of the house work. Your answer: Fused sentence This fragment is a subordinate clause begun by the subordinating conjunction "since." It cannot stand alone, but it can be connected with a comma to an independent clause. Removing the word "since" would also make the sentence complete. Return to tutorial questions
Growing impatiens takes very little patience at all. Your answer: Fragment This is a complete sentence. Its subject is "growing" and its verb is "takes." Return to tutorial questions
Growing impatiens takes very little patience at all. Your answer: Comma splice There is no comma in this item. It is a complete sentence. Its subject is "growing" and its verb is "takes." Return to tutorial questions
Growing impatiens takes very little patience at all. Your answer: Correct sentence You are right! The subject of this sentence is "growing." The verb is "takes." Return to tutorial questions
Growing impatiens takes very little patience at all. Your answer: Fused sentence A fused sentence joins two independent clauses into one sentence with no internal punctuation. This clause is a complete sentence. It has one subject (growing) and one verb (takes). Return to tutorial questions
Knowing we would arrive on Thursday. Your answer: Fragment You are right! This is a participial phrase. It includes the clause "we would arrive on Thursday," but the participle "knowing" determines that this word group is a phrase. Implied in the meaning of the clause is the subordinating conjunction "that." Return to tutorial questions
Knowing we would arrive on Thursday. Your answer: Comma splice This is a participial phrase. It includes the clause "we would arrive on Thursday," but the participle "knowing" determines that this word group is a phrase. Implied in the meaning of the clause is the subordinating conjunction "that." Return to tutorial questions
Knowing we would arrive on Thursday. Your answer: Correct sentence This is a participial phrase. It includes the clause "we would arrive on Thursday," but the participle "knowing" determines that this word group is a phrase. Implied in the meaning of the clause is the subordinating conjunction "that." Return to tutorial questions
Knowing we would arrive on Thursday. Your answer: Fused sentence This is a participial phrase. It includes the clause "we would arrive on Thursday," but the participle "knowing" determines that this word group is a phrase. Implied in the meaning of the clause is the subordinating conjunction "that." Return to tutorial questions
I can't tell you, I wasn't there. Your answer: Fragment This is a comma splice. It combines two independent clauses with a comma. To correct this error, you can replace the comma with a semicolon: I can't tell you; I wasn't there. You can also separate the two clauses into separate sentences: I can't tell you. I wasn't there. Return to tutorial questions
I can't tell you, I wasn't there. Your answer: Comma splice You are right!
This comma splice combines two independent clauses with a comma. To correct this error, you can replace the comma with a semicolon: I can't tell you; I wasn't there. You can also separate the two clauses into separate sentences: I can't tell you. I wasn't there. Return to tutorial questions
I can't tell you, I wasn't there. Your answer: Correct sentence
This is a comma splice. It combines two independent clauses with a comma. To correct this error, you can replace the comma with a semicolon: I can't tell you; I wasn't there. You can also separate the two clauses into separate sentences: I can't tell you. I wasn't there. Return to tutorial questions
I can't tell you, I wasn't there. Your answer: Fused sentence
This is a comma splice. It combines two independent clauses with a comma. To correct this error, you can replace the comma with a semicolon: I can't tell you; I wasn't there. You can also separate the two clauses into separate sentences: I can't tell you. I wasn't there. Return to tutorial questions
Brazilians eat beans and rice every day. Your answer: Fragment This is a correct sentence. It consists of one subject (Brazilians), one verb (eat) and a compound object (beans and rice). Return to tutorial questions
Brazilians eat beans and rice every day. Your answer: Comma splice This is a correct sentence. It consists of one subject (Brazilians), one verb (eat) and a compound object (beans and rice). Return to tutorial questions
Brazilians eat beans and rice every day. Your answer: Correct sentence You are right! This is a correct sentence. It consists of one subject (Brazilians), one verb (eat) and a compound object (beans and rice). Return to tutorial questions
Brazilians eat beans and rice every day. Your answer: Fused sentence
This is a correct sentence. It consists of one subject (Brazilians), one verb (eat) and a compound object (beans and rice). Return to tutorial questions
That dress was too small, I gave it to Corinne. Your answer: Fragment This is a comma splice. It consists of two independent clauses joined by a comma. It can be correct by replacing the comma with a semicolon: That dress was too small; I gave it to Corinne. or by separating the clauses into two sentences. That dress was too small. I gave it to Corinne. Because the sentence would be more logically complete if it included a sense of the relationship between the two ideas, it is also possible to retain the comma and add a coordinating conjunction: That dress was too small, so I gave it to Corinne. Return to tutorial questions
That dress was too small, I gave it to Corinne. Your answer: Comma splice You are right! This is a comma splice. It consists of two independent clauses joined by a comma. It can be correct by replacing the comma with a semicolon: That dress was too small; I gave it to Corinne. or by separating the clauses into two sentences. That dress was too small. I gave it to Corinne. Because the sentence would be more logically complete if it included a sense of the relationship between the two ideas, it is also possible to retain the comma and add a coordinating conjunction: That dress was too small, so I gave it to Corinne. Return to tutorial questions
That dress was too small,
I gave it to Corinne. This is a comma splice. It consists of two independent clauses joined by a comma. It can be correct by replacing the comma with a semicolon: That dress was too small; I gave it to Corinne. or by separating the clauses into two sentences. That dress was too small. I gave it to Corinne. Because the sentence would be more logically complete if it included a sense of the relationship between the two ideas, it is also possible to retain the comma and add a coordinating conjunction: That dress was too small, so I gave it to Corinne. Return to tutorial questions
That dress was too small, I gave it to Corinne. Your answer: Fused sentence
This is a comma splice. It consists of two independent clauses joined by a comma. It can be correct by replacing the comma with a semicolon: That dress was too small; I gave it to Corinne. or by separating the clauses into two sentences. That dress was too small. I gave it to Corinne. Because the sentence would be more logically complete if it included a sense of the relationship between the two ideas, it is also possible to retain the comma and add a coordinating conjunction: That dress was too small, so I gave it to Corinne. Return to tutorial questions
Women's soccer has earned the world's attention this summer, Americans have every reason to be proud. Your answer: Fragment This is a comma splice. Unlike a fragment, which lacks either a subject or a verb, a comma splice offers too much information. It connects two independent clauses (each with its own subject and verb) with a comma. To correct this sentence, you can replace the comma with a semicolon, separate the two clauses into two sentences, or subordinate one of the clauses to the other with a subordinating conjunction: Women's soccer has earned the world's attention this summer,and Americans have every reason to be proud. Return to tutorial questions
Women's soccer has earned the world's attention this summer, Americans have every reason to be proud. Your answer: Comma splice You are right! This is a comma splice. To correct this sentence, you can replace the comma with a semicolon, separate the two clauses into two sentences, or subordinate one of the clauses to the other with a subordinating conjunction: Women's soccer has earned the world's attention this summer,and Americans have every reason to be proud. Return to tutorial questions
Women's soccer has earned the world's attention this summer, Americans have every reason to be proud. Your answer: Correct sentence This is a comma splice. It connects two independent clauses (each with its own subject and verb) with a comma. To correct this sentence, you can replace the comma with a semicolon, separate the two clauses into two sentences, or subordinate one of the clauses to the other with a subordinating conjunction: Women's soccer has earned the world's attention this summer,and Americans have every reason to be proud. Return to tutorial questions
Women's soccer has earned the world's attention this summer, Americans have every reason to be proud. Your answer: Fused sentence This is a comma splice. It connects two independent clauses (each with its own subject and verb) with a comma. A fused sentences does the same thing, but without the comma. To correct this sentence, you can replace the comma with a semicolon, separate the two clauses into two sentences, or subordinate one of the clauses to the other with a subordinating conjunction: Women's soccer has earned the world's attention this summer,and Americans have every reason to be proud. Return to tutorial questions
The player who signed a multi-million-dollar contract with a breakfast cereal company. Your answer: Fragment You are right! The single word that makes this item into a fragment is "who." Without this word, the sentence would be complete: The player signed a multi-million-dollar contract with a breakfast cereal company. In the above revision, "player" serves as the subject, while "signed" serves as the verb. When the "who" is included, the item becomes a phrase with an embedded dependent clause. Return to tutorial questions
The player who signed a multi-million-dollar contract with a breakfast cereal company. Your answer: Comma splice There is no comma in this item. It is a fragment. The single word that makes this item into a fragment is "who." Without this word, the sentence would be complete: The player signed a multi-million-dollar contract with a breakfast cereal company. In the above revision, "player" serves as the subject, while "signed" serves as the verb. When the "who" is included, the item becomes a phrase with an embedded dependent clause. Return to tutorial questions
The player who signed a multi-million-dollar contract with a breakfast cereal company. Your answer: Correct sentence This is a fragment. The single word that makes this item into a fragment is "who." Without this word, the sentence would be complete: The player signed a multi-million-dollar contract with a breakfast cereal company. In the above revision, "player" serves as the subject, while "signed" serves as the verb. When the "who" is included, the item becomes a phrase with an embedded dependent clause. Return to tutorial questions
The player who signed a multi-million-dollar contract with a breakfast cereal company. Your answer: Fused sentence
The single word that makes this item into a fragment is "who." Without this word, the sentence would be complete: The player signed a multi-million-dollar contract with a breakfast cereal company. In the above revision, "player" serves as the subject, while "signed" serves as the verb. When the "who" is included, the item becomes a phrase with an embedded dependent clause. End of tutorial 1 Return to top Or scroll down to begin Tutorial 2
Tutorial 2: Correcting sentence problems Consider the problem in each of the following items, then select the answer which offers the means to correct that problem. 1. Tennis is a physical sport, it is also a mental
challenge. 2. Even for those who have perfected the
basic skills and can win a match with ease. 3. The pressure that sails across the
net being as devastating as the ball is fast. 4. Some players get behind they never catch up. a. add a comma after behind 5. Others play better when the pressure mounts, they seem to find an inner strength. a. remove the comma after
"mounts" 6. Some professional tennis players who seem to thrive on temper tantrums and disputes. a. add a comma after "who" 7. Although the spectators are becoming less patient with these childish outbursts. a. add a subject 8. Preparing for tennis calls for mental discipline, a coach needs to understand each player's needs. a. add "so" after the comma
and before "a coach"
Answers to tutorial #2 1. Tennis is a physical sport, it is also a mental challenge. Correct answer: D all of the above The two independent clauses in this comma splice can be corrected by adding a semicolon after the first clause (Tennis is a physical sport), by dividing the two clauses into separate sentences, or by adding a subordinating conjunction to the first clause. The third strategy would make the first clause dependent upon the second, and it would show a logical relationship between the two clauses: Although tennis is a physical sport (Although sets up a contrast), it is also a mental challenge (a new and contrasting idea to the first statement follows). Return to tutorial questions
2. Even for those who have perfected the
basic skills and can win a match with ease. Correct answer: D This fragment is a phrase with an embedded subordinate clause. Removing the adverb "even" would do nothing to make the fragment independent. Both a subject and a verb are needed: Even for those who have perfected the basic skills and can win a match with ease, tennis can bring on an almost unbearable mental and emotional torment. The original fragment serves as an adverb modifying the verb "can bring on." Return to tutorial questions
3. The pressure that sails across
the net being as devastating as the ball is fast. Correct answer: D The participial form of the to be verb "being" does not serve as a verb. Replacing it with the form "is" will change the fragment into a complete sentence. Remember that participals and gerunds are verbs that are not acting like verbs. Return to tutorial questions
4. Some players get behind they never catch up. a. add a comma after behind Correct answer: D This is a fused or run-on sentence. It contains two independent clauses which need to be separated. Adding a comma after the first clause (Some players get behind) will create a comma splice, also a sentence error. To correct this item, you can divide the two independent clauses with a semicolon: Some players get behind; they never catch up. You can also add a comma and a coordinating conjunction: Some players get behind, and they never catch up. This revision is preferred, because it creates a logical relationship between the two thoughts. A semicolon is generally used to link two closely related independent clauses. In this example, however, the ideas seem to be run up against each other with no clear relationship between them. Return to tutorial questions
5. Others play better when the pressure mounts, they seem to find an inner strength. a. remove the comma after "mounts" Correct answer: D If you remove the comma after "mounts," you will turn this comma splice into a run-on or fused sentence. If you divide the two with a semicolon or by making two separate sentences, you will correct the problem. Return to tutorial questions
6. Some professional tennis players who seem to thrive on temper tantrums and disputes. a. add a comma after "who" Correct answer: C This fragment is a phrase with an embedded dependent clause (who seem to thrive on temper tantrums and disputes). The easiest way to turn it into a complete sentence is to remove "who" and allow the verb of the clause (seem) to serve as the verb of the whole sentence. The other option is to let this phrase serve as the subject and add a new verb: Some professional tennis players who seem to thrive on temper tantrums and disputes may act this way to trigger certain chemicals in the brain. Return to tutorial questions
7. Although the spectators are becoming less patient with these childish outbursts. a. add a subject Correct answer: B This dependent clause has a subject (spectators) and a verb (are becoming) but it needs to be connected to an independent clause. Another option is to remove the subordinating conjunction "although." Return to tutorial questions
8. Preparing for tennis calls for mental discipline, a coach needs to understand each player's needs. a. add "so" after the comma and before "a
coach." Correct answer: A Each of the two clauses in this comma splice contains a subject and a verb (Preparing...calls/coach...needs). The best way to revise this sentence is to add a conjunction that clarifies the relationship between the two clauses. The coordinating conjunction "so" does this best. It would also be logical to add "because" to the first clause, but it does not make logical sense to add it to the second. End of tutorial
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