OVERVIEW

When the construction of a sentence is mixed or incomplete, readers can become lost or confused. In a mixed construction, parts of a sentence are combined illogically. In an incomplete construction, needed words are missing.

WATCH EXAMPLES

The video explains how to recognize and revise mixed and incomplete constructions by identifying the main subject and verb.

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READ EXAMPLES

The parts of a sentence need to follow a logical order. Readers expect a clear subject and verb that make sense. Mixed constructions occur when parts of a sentence do not align.

Error: Because grocery prices increased that made many families unable to purchase all the food and supplies they need.

This sentence begins with because, but the clause has no clear ending; also, the rest of the sentence has no clear subject. Revising mixed constructions means making sure the subjects and verbs in dependent and independent clauses are clear.

Correction: Because grocery prices increased, many families were unable to purchase all the food and supplies they needed.

Other mixed constructions are not so difficult for readers to understand, but the following constructions should still be avoided in formal writing such as school papers and business documents: is when, is where, or the reason is because.

In an incomplete construction, needed words are missing. The resulting sentence does not make sense. Comparisons and with verbs and adjectives that include prepositions are likely to cause incomplete constructions.

Error: Were the voter turnout rates any worse in Georgia than many other states?

Correction: Were the voter turnout rates any worse in Georgia than turnout rates in many other states?

Mixed or incomplete constructions occur when a sentence does not follow grammatical rules. Be sure to combine sentence parts correctly and include all needed words to keep your writing clear and logical.

CONTINUE THROUGH THE UNIT

The study pages explain strategies for avoiding mixed and incomplete constructions.

This unit does not have a LearningCurve activity. To prepare for the post-test, if assigned, review your results from the pre-test.