SENTENCE STRUCTURE

SENTENCE STRUCTURE

1. INTRODUCTION

   • A group of words makes a sentence. But how we arrange those words, makes all the difference. Poetry and songs, given to artistic liberty, often defy the rules of sentence construction and structure. However, academic writing is different. When writing your manuscript, it is important to convey research concepts and complex scientific ideas clearly; there should be no ambiguity in the reader’s understanding. For authors looking to publish their research in reputed international journals, it is crucial to adhere to English grammar rules, sentence construction and the use of different types of sentence structures to improve readability and give your manuscript the best chances of acceptance.
     • What is sentence structure?
       • Sentence structure is the order in which words are arranged to create a sentence that makes complete sense and is also easy to read and understand. But it’s not just word order, punctuation can also drastically change the meaning of a sentence.
         • What are 4 types of Sentence Structure?
           • Simple sentences: have one independent clause, which means that it can stand alone as a complete sentence.
             • Compound sentences have at least two independent clauses, joined together using a coordinating conjunction such as for, and, or nor, or by using a semicolon between the two.
               • Complex sentences are a type of sentence structure that comprises one independent and at least one dependent clause.
                 • Compound-complex sentences have at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.
                   • For example, The surgeon removed a cancer-affected tumor, weighing 1,750 grams, from the liver of a 70-year-old man; the surgery was the surgeon’s first.
                 • For example, The surgeon removed a cancer-affected tumor, weighing 1,750 grams, from the liver of a 70-year-old man.
               • For example, The surgeon removed a cancer-affected tumor; it weighed 1,750 grams.
             • For example, The surgeon removed a cancer-affected tumor.
         • Common Errors in Sentence Construction in Academic Writing
           • Even tiny changes in sentence construction can make or break your chances of keeping your readers – journal editors, peer reviewers, funders and sponsors, and your target audience – engaged with your paper. Be sure to read your writing carefully to ensure it flows well before you submit. To give you an idea of what to look for, we’ve put together some of the common sentence-construction errors researchers make while writing and how to correct them:
             • Sentence fragments that are incomplete can. For example, a sentence that is missing a verb.
               • INCORRECT: The patient suffering from dementia. CORRECTED: The patient is suffering from dementia.
               • Long sentences that do not use punctuations correctly, also called run-on sentences, are hard to read and understand, especially for ESL readers.
                 • INCORRECT: The survey shows that 80% of the patients agreed that smoking cigarettes leads to lung cancer however only 30% called themselves active smokers. CORRECT: The survey shows that 80% of the patients agreed that smoking cigarettes leads to lung cancer. However, only 30% called themselves active smokers
                 • Fused sentences can be exhausting to read; they can be corrected by using a full stop, a semicolon, or a comma and a coordinating conjunction between them.
                   • INCORRECT: People with acute diverticulitis can be treated with medications, the recurrence rates may be high. CORRECT: People with acute diverticulitis can be treated with medications; the recurrence rates may be high.
                   • Incorrectly placed modifiers or adjectives in a sentence can be confusing. For example, in the sentence below “with severe bipolar disorder” incorrectly modifies “specialist”, which is misleading.
                     • INCORRECT: The patient was referred to a specialist with severe bipolar disorder. CORRECT: The patient with severe bipolar disorder was referred to a specialist
                     • Faulty parallelism, especially when listing things, makes your writing look unpolished.
                       • INCORRECT: The patients were asked to remove the cap, shaking the inhaler, and then inhaling the drug. CORRECT: The patients were asked to remove the cap, shake the inhaler, and then inhale the drug.
         • 4 types of sentences
           • A declarative sentence makes a declaration or a statement. It can also express an opinion. This sentence ends in a period. Here's a list of examples:
             • The article contains at least 1,000 words. Vanilla is the best ice cream flavor. My smartphone allows me to take pictures and record audio messages
               • A declarative sentence is usually a general statement that imparts information. You might use this type of sentence to give information to coworkers or just in informal conversation. This is a common type of sentence, so it is one you might use often during your day. For example, "I just woke up," or "I have to get coffee before work today," are both declarative sentences that you could use daily.
             • An interrogative sentence asks a question. This sentence might begin with words, such as who, what, where, when or why. It ends with a question mark. Examples include:
               • What website do you use to edit your photographs? When are you going to apply for the job? Why do you like pineapples on your pizza?
                 • An interrogative sentence asks a question where you expect a response. You may use this sentence type regularly to gather more information and form clearer plans for your own work. "Did you finish the slides for the presentation?" is an example of an interrogative sentence that may help you learn more about the next steps that you plan to take.
               • An imperative sentence issues a command or a request to the reader directly. This sentence can end in a period or an exclamation point. Here's a list of examples:
                 • Lock the door when you leave the house. Schedule an appointment with the dentist this week. Don't walk around with scissors in your hand!
                   • Consider using imperative sentences when delivering instructions when you're composing an email or developing training programs. For instance, to show an employee how to use their login credentials for the company's database, you can write, "Click the link to create a new username and password." Compile imperative sentences together to communicate to your audience that you're requesting them to take specific actions. They can also understand that following your request is essential to achieving the desired result.
                 • An exclamatory sentence illustrates great emotion, such as surprise, excitement and anger. It ends with an exclamation point. Examples include:
                   • My strawberry lemonade spilled on my beige carpet! We didn't know you were planning this party for us!
                     • Use exclamatory sentences to highlight urgency. This sentence can deliver information, similar to the declarative type, but the exclamation point can suggest that your message is emotional, so it can capture your audience's attention. For example, when communicating with a teammate, you may write, "The client has moved the deadline to tomorrow!" in a chat.
           • When to use different types of sentences
     • Run-On Sentences
       • A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses (also known as complete sentences) are connected improperly
         • I love to write papers I would write one every day if I had the time.I love to write papers.
         • One common type of run-on sentence is a comma splice. A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined with just a comma.
           • Participants could leave the study at any time, they needed to indicate their preference.
           • Some comma splices occur when a writer attempts to use a transitional expression in the middle of a sentence.
             • The results of the study were inconclusive, therefore more research needs to be done on the topic.
       • Correcting Run-On Sentences
         • Use a period. The easiest way to fix a run-on is to split the sentence into smaller sentences using a period. This revision works especially well with longer sentences. Check, however, to make sure that this solution does not result in short, choppy sentences.
           • Use a semicolon. Inserting a semicolon between independent clauses creates a grammatically correct sentence. Using a semicolon is a stylistic choice that establishes a close relationship between the two sentences.
             • Use a comma and a coordinating conjunction. A comma, paired with a coordinating conjunction (e.g., "and," "but," or "or"), corrects a run-on sentence. This method emphasizes the relationship between the two clauses.
               • Use a subordinating conjunction. Turn one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause. A subordinating conjunction (e.g., "because," "unless," and "although") connects two clauses to create a complex sentence. This option works to cement the relationship between the two parts of the sentence and may improve the flow of the clauses.