Sentence Structure and Syntax Flashcards

Which of the following sentences demonstrates an error in parallel structure?

Answer: To succeed in this role, you must be a strong communicator, a creative problem-solver, and work well under pressure.

This sentence violates the rule of parallelism. The list begins with two noun phrases ('a strong communicator', 'a creative problem-solver') but ends with a verb phrase ('work well under pressure'). To be parallel, the final item should also be a noun phrase, such as 'a team player who works well under pressure'.

Identify the structure of the following sentence: 'Although the new software has many advanced features, our team prefers the old system because it is more reliable.'

Answer: Complex Sentence

This is a complex sentence. It contains one independent clause ('our team prefers the old system') and two dependent (subordinate) clauses ('Although the new software has many advanced features' and 'because it is more reliable'). A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

Which of the following sentences contains a dangling modifier?

Answer: Having completed the training, the new system was much easier for me to use.

This sentence contains a dangling modifier. The introductory phrase 'Having completed the training' has no logical subject to modify in the main clause. It seems to imply that 'the new system' completed the training. A corrected version would be: 'Having completed the training, I found the new system much easier to use.'

A junior analyst has written two short sentences: 'The data was collected. The team then analyzed it.' Which option correctly combines these into a single, grammatically sound sentence without creating a run-on?

Answer: After the data was collected, the team analyzed it.

This option correctly turns the first sentence into a dependent clause ('After the data was collected') and joins it to the independent clause with a comma, creating a complex sentence. Option B is a comma splice, and Option C is a fused (run-on) sentence. Option D is awkward and slightly changes the active voice.

Which of the following is a sentence fragment?

Answer: Because the server was down all morning, delaying our work.

This is a sentence fragment because it begins with a subordinating conjunction ('Because') which creates a dependent clause, but it is not attached to an independent clause to complete the thought. It explains a cause but does not state the effect.

In the following sentence, what type of sentence structure is used? 'The marketing team developed a new campaign, and while it was initially expensive, it ultimately generated a significant return on investment.'

Answer: Compound-Complex

This is a compound-complex sentence because it contains two independent clauses ('The marketing team developed a new campaign' and 'it ultimately generated a significant return on investment') and one dependent clause ('while it was initially expensive').