GED Language Arts: Sentence Structure and Clarity Concepts
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Overview
This chapter covers how sentences are built and how to make them clear. GED editing questions ask you to fix run-on sentences and fragments, move misplaced or dangling modifiers, keep lists parallel, join ideas with the right connecting word, cut wordiness, and pick transition words that fit the meaning.
A complete sentence has a subject and a verb and expresses a full thought. Two complete sentences joined with nothing between them form a run-on; joined with only a comma, they form a comma splice. Fix them with a period, a semicolon, or a comma plus a joining word such as and, but, or so. Words like however, otherwise, and then are not joining words, so a comma alone before them is not enough. A fragment, such as a clause that begins with because and stops, needs to be attached to a main clause.
A modifier is a word or phrase that describes something, and it should sit right next to what it describes. An opening phrase like walking into the office must be followed by the person who was walking. In a list, every item should take the same form, such as answers, schedules, and orders. When joining two ideas, choose a connector that matches the logic: although for contrast, because for cause, so for result. Finally, cut words that repeat an idea, like in my personal opinion, I think.
Key concepts
Run-on and comma splice
A run-on joins two complete sentences with no punctuation; a comma splice joins them with only a comma. Both are errors.
Memory tipFix with a period, a semicolon, or a comma plus and, but, or so.
Sentence fragment
A group of words punctuated as a sentence that is missing a subject, a verb, or a complete thought.
Memory tipA clause starting with because, when, or although needs a main clause.
Misplaced modifier
A describing word or phrase placed next to the wrong word, which changes or confuses the meaning (almost fixed all vs. fixed almost all).
Memory tipMove the describing word or phrase right next to the word it describes.
Dangling modifier
An opening phrase that does not describe the subject that follows it, such as Walking into the office, the carpet smelled.
Memory tipRight after the comma, name the person or thing that did the action.
Parallel structure
Using the same grammatical form for items in a list or paired ideas, such as trained, licensed, and insured.
Memory tipRead each item alone after the shared start of the sentence; each should fit the same way.
Subordination and coordination
Joining ideas with words that show their relationship: although (contrast), because (cause), so (result), and (addition).
Memory tipDecide the relationship between the two ideas first, then choose the word.
Wordiness
Using more words than needed, such as due to the fact that (because) or repeat again (repeat).
Memory tipIf two words say the same thing, cut one.
Often tested
- A comma alone cannot join two complete sentences.
- Use a semicolon before however or otherwise when it joins two sentences, and a comma after it.
- After an opening -ing phrase, name who did the action.
- All items in a list should use the same form.
- Pick the shortest choice that keeps the full meaning and is grammatical.
Easy to confuse: Ways to join two complete sentences
| Method | Example | Correct? |
|---|---|---|
| Period | The printer is out of toner. I ordered more. | Yes |
| Semicolon | The printer is out of toner; I ordered more. | Yes |
| Comma + and/but/so | The printer is out of toner, so I ordered more. | Yes |
| Comma only | The printer is out of toner, I ordered more. | No (comma splice) |
| Nothing | The printer is out of toner I ordered more. | No (run-on) |
3 sample questions
Verified practice questions from this unit.
Question 1. Read this sentence from a work email. The printer is out of toner I ordered more this morning. Which revision is correct?
- ① The printer is out of toner I ordered, more this morning.
- ② The printer, is out of toner I ordered more this morning.
- ③ The printer is out of toner. I ordered more this morning.
- ④ The printer is out of toner, I ordered more this morning.
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Answer: ③ The printer is out of toner. I ordered more this morning.
Key point: Run-on sentences: separate two complete thoughts
"The printer is out of toner" and "I ordered more this morning" are both complete sentences. Without punctuation they form a run-on. A period between them fixes it.
Wrong choices
- "The printer is out of toner I ordered, more this morning.": The comma is in the wrong place and changes the meaning.
- "The printer, is out of toner I ordered more this morning.": This comma splits the subject from its verb and leaves the run-on unfixed.
- "The printer is out of toner, I ordered more this morning.": A comma alone between two complete sentences is a comma splice, which is still an error.
Question 2. Read this sentence from an employee handbook. Because the parking lot is being repaved. Which revision fixes the sentence fragment?
- ① Because, the parking lot is being repaved.
- ② Because the parking lot is being repaved, please park on Elm Street.
- ③ Because the parking lot is being repaved and.
- ④ Because the parking lot. Is being repaved.
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Answer: ② Because the parking lot is being repaved, please park on Elm Street.
Key point: Fragments: a 'because' clause needs a main clause
A clause that starts with "Because" cannot stand alone; it needs a main idea. Adding "please park on Elm Street" completes the thought.
Wrong choices
- "Because, the parking lot is being repaved.": A comma after "Because" does not complete the sentence.
- "Because the parking lot is being repaved and.": Adding "and" leaves the thought unfinished.
- "Because the parking lot. Is being repaved.": This creates two fragments instead of one.
Question 3. Which sentence from a job description uses parallel structure correctly?
- ① The assistant answering phones, schedules meetings, and orders supplies.
- ② The assistant answers phones, scheduling meetings, and to order supplies.
- ③ The assistant answers phones, schedules meetings, and ordering supplies.
- ④ The assistant answers phones, schedules meetings, and orders supplies.
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Answer: ④ The assistant answers phones, schedules meetings, and orders supplies.
Key point: Parallel structure: items in a list match in form
Each item in the list uses the same verb form: "answers," "schedules," "orders." Matching forms make the sentence parallel.
Wrong choices
- "The assistant answering phones, schedules meetings, and orders supplies.": "The assistant answering" leaves the sentence without a main verb for its first item.
- "The assistant answers phones, scheduling meetings, and to order supplies.": The list mixes three different forms.
- "The assistant answers phones, schedules meetings, and ordering supplies.": "Ordering" does not match "answers" and "schedules."
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