Outcome: Sentence Structure

Explain common sentence types and common errors in sentence composition

It’s important to have variety in your sentence length and structure. In order to create this variety, you need to know how sentences work and how to create them. Even in the illustration below, the sentences offer a wide variety of content even by using a very restricted vocabulary and structure.

Poster containing various sentences on blue background. "This sentence is right in the top left corner. This sentence is rather narrow. This sentence is much too large. This sentence is sideways and you will tilt your head to read it. This sentence is the only one without a period This sentence is somewhere in the middle; ignore it. This sentence will be your friend. This sentence is regrettably upside-down. This sentence is so close to being dead center but ultimately fails. This sentence contains an unfortuate typographical error. This sentence is :) happy. This sentence envies the orange one. This sentence is nowhere special but it is also a lovely shade of orange. This sentence is in the corner right above the weird flat one. This sentence is flat and runs neatly along the bottom."

In this outcome we will analyze the parts of sentences and learn how they fit together to create the effect you seek on your readers.

What You Will Learn to Do

  • Explain common sentence structures
  • Explain sentence punctuation patterns
  • Explain run-on sentences
  • Explain sentence fragments
  • Explain parallel structure

The Learning Activities for this Outcome Include

  • Text: Parts of a Sentence
  • Text: Common Sentence Patterns
  • Text: Run-on Sentences
  • Text: Sentence Fragments
  • Text: Parallel Structure
  • Self Check: Sentence Structure
  • Try It: Sentence Structure