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Sentence Structure

On this page: 

  • Fragmented sentences
  • Run-on sentences
  • Problems with subject/verb agreement
  • Suggested reading

 

As well as overall structure, it is important to ensure good sentence structure. 

Always read your work aloud to check for any problems with punctuation and grammar. Reading aloud will help you spot any mistakes and it will also make it easier to identify any sentences which are too long and rambling. 

This section will explore some of the common problems with sentence structure.

Fragmented Sentences

What are they? 

A fragmented sentence can occur when a sentence, beginning with a capital letter and ending in a full stop, does not make sense when read aloud. This is often because the sentence has a dependent clause. 

Example: 

While most dog owners recognise the need to exercise their dogs at least once a day. Many UK dog owners choose to use a dog-walking service.  

In this example, each sentence depends on the other to make one clear point. When a sentence starts with a conjunction, such as although, because, while, as or when, it is usually a dependent clause.  

How to fix them: 

This can be fixed by replacing the full stop with a comma. Like this: 

While most dog owners recognise the need to exercise their dogs at least once a day, many UK dog owners choose to use a dog-walking service.  

Run-on Sentences

What are they? 

Run-on sentences can occur when two complete, standalone sentences are joined with incorrect punctuation, or a lack of punctuation or joining words (conjunctions). 

Examples: 

The results of the survey showed that more than 70% of viewers enjoy soaps however only 20% of those surveyed were under the age of 25. 

The results of the survey showed that more than 70% of viewers enjoy soaps, only 20% of those surveyed were under the age of 25.  

 How to fix them: 

Run-on sentences can be fixed in several ways: 

The results of the survey showed that more than 70% of viewers enjoy soaps. However, only 20% of those surveyed were under the age of 25. 

The results of the survey showed that more than 70% of viewers enjoy soaps, but only 20% of those surveyed were under the age of 25.  

 Although the results of the survey showed that more than 70% of viewers enjoy soaps, only 20% of those surveyed were under the age of 25.  

Problems with subject/verb agreement

What is it? 

Any sentence requires a subject and a verb. Singular subjects need a singular verb and plural subjects need a plural verb. Problems occur when sentences with a singular subject contain a plural verb and when plural subjects contain a singular verb. 

Example: 

Regular brushing and yearly check-ups is essential in maintaining healthy gums. 

How to fix them: 

There is a problem with the subject-verb agreement in this sentence. The subjects in this sentence are regular brushing and yearly check-ups (plural), so they need the correct form of the verb, to be, which is ‘are’. 

Take care when using words or, not, either/or and neither /nor to link two subjects. If one of the subjects is singular and one is plural, then the verb needs to agree with the subject closest to it, as shown in the examples below: 

Neither the regular brushing nor the yearly check-ups are of more importance than the other. 

Neither the yearly check-ups nor the regular brushing is of more importance than the other. 

When using collective nouns like class, family and team, the singular form of the verb is used if the class, family or team are completing an action. In this case, ‘is’ instead of ‘are’. Here are some examples: 

The Parks and Gardens Committee is meeting on Monday. 

The Brown Family is away on holiday. 

The Yellow Team is renowned for winning.  

Plural verbs should be used if members of the whole unit are completing an action.  

Members of the Parks and Gardens Committee are meeting on Monday. 

The older members of the Brown Family are away on holiday. 

The female players of the Yellow Team are renowned for winning. 

Suggested reading

Academic Writing and Grammar for Students by Alex Osmond.

'This clear and practical book on academic grammar shows students how to avoid common mistakes and how to apply this to their essays quickly. It is unique in its focus on English grammar for academic purposes across a range of disciplines. Grappling with grammar? Struggling with punctuation? Whether you're writing an essay or assignment, report or dissertation, this useful guide shows you how to improve the quality of your work at university fast by identifying and using the correct use of English grammar and punctuation in your academic writing.'

 

Useful resource

University of Hull's Grammar Resource.

This guide was last updated: Feb 27, 2025 10:27 AM