ENG 114 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Independent Clause, Infinitive, Dependent Clause
Document Summary
Definition: a sentence is awkward if it is carelessly or illogically constructed. Such faulty constructions can occur for many reasons: shifted constructions, shift in tense. A verb signals whether it is past, present, future, and so on. Wrong: the shipping department told us that it would not accept parcels unless we clearly mark the postal code. Correct: the shipping department told us that it would not accept parcels unless we clearly marked the postal code. Mistake: unwarranted shift from past to present: shift in voice. Voice indicates whether the subject acts (active) or is acted upon (passive). Wrong: the schedule gives exact times, and room numbers are also mentioned on it. Correct: the schedule gives exact times and room numbers: shift in mood. Mood indicates whether the writer is asking, commanding, wishing, and so on. Wrong: it is important that a student buy a dictionary and uses it.
