Sentence Structure and Syntax
What this domain tests
Sentence Structure and Syntax assesses whether sentences are complete, logically connected, parallel, and clear. It tests your ability to recognize fragments and run-ons and to choose constructions that place modifiers and comparisons correctly.
Core rules
- Complete sentences: A sentence needs an independent clause. A subordinate clause (because the report was late) or participial phrase cannot stand alone unless attached to a main clause.
- Coordination and subordination: Use coordination for equal ideas; use subordination for background, cause, condition, or concession. Choose the connector that matches the logical relationship.
- Parallelism: Items in a list, comparison, or paired construction must share grammatical form: to plan, to implement, and to evaluate; not only... but also....
- Modifier placement: Place a modifier next to what it describes. An introductory participial phrase modifies the subject of the main clause.
- Comparisons: Compare like with like and complete the comparison: The new process is faster than the old one, not faster than the old process did.
- Concision and voice: Prefer active voice when the actor matters; avoid stacked nominalizations that hide the action.
Worked example
Having reviewed the budget, the recommendation was revised by the director. The introductory phrase Having reviewed the budget should describe the person who reviewed it. In this sentence it grammatically modifies the recommendation, producing a dangling modifier. Revision: Having reviewed the budget, the director revised the recommendation. The active version also clarifies who acted.
Traps that cost marks
- Treating a long phrase as a sentence because it contains a verb: The team working late on the proposal. is a fragment.
- Joining two independent clauses with only a comma or with however: The plan was sound, however it was expensive. Use a semicolon, period, or subordinate clause.
- Breaking parallelism: The role involves writing reports, to attend meetings, and analysis.
- Misplacing only: She only reviewed the draft means she did nothing else; She reviewed only the draft means she reviewed nothing else.
- Comparing a thing to a person or to an action rather than to a comparable thing.