Chapter 4: Sentence Structure and Composition A sentence is a statement that makes a complete thought. Sentence structure
is composed of many parts with the subject and predicate being the
foundation of every sentence structure. In this chapter, we will explore errors
that can arise from the wrong usage of various parts of a sentence.
Present Tense A present tense describes an event that is currently taking place or a state of
being. For example, “I am glad” is a present tense. Present tenses are
considered to be easy to master. However, people still make mistakes despite
their simplicity. Here are some common mistakes that are often made with
the use of present tense:
Don’t forget to add “s” to the end of the third-person singular in the present
sample.
Incorrect: Kid’s health
depend on eating enough vegetables.
Correct:
Kids’ health
depends on eating enough vegetables.
Don’t use the present simple instead of present continuous for actions that are
happening at the moment.
Incorrect: He
walks so slowly.
Correct:
He is
walking so slowly.
Don’t use
will instead of the present simple to express a future action after
words such as
whether ,
if ,
as soon as ,
and
before .
Incorrect: If the weather
will be bad, we will not go to the mall.
Correct:
If the weather
is bad, we will not go to the mall.
Don’t use the present continuous instead of present simple when talking
about well-known facts.
Incorrect: The earth
is revolving around the sun.
Correct:
The earth
revolves around the sun.
Don’t use the present continuous after words that express emotions.
