Section 2.3: Sentence Structure and Syntax

Section 2.3: Sentence Structure and Syntax

Syntax is the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences. In professional writing, logical syntax ensures that ideas are expressed clearly, directly, and without grammatical ambiguity. On the FSOT, the English Usage and Comprehension section contains multiple items targeting syntax defects. These include sentence fragments, run-on sentences, comma splices, misplaced or dangling modifiers, and faulty parallel structure. Recognizing these structural flaws and knowing how to systematically repair them is essential for FSO candidates.

Comma Splices and Run-on Sentences

Independent clauses must be separated by more than just a comma. A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by only a comma. A run-on sentence (or fused sentence) occurs when two independent clauses are joined with no punctuation at all.

1. Identifying the Flaw

• Comma Splice: The trade negotiations are complex, the delegations are meeting daily.
• Run-on: The trade negotiations are complex the delegations are meeting daily.
• Analysis: "The trade negotiations are complex" and "the delegations are meeting daily" are both independent clauses, each containing a subject and a verb and expressing a complete thought.

2. Four Strategies for Correction

To fix a comma splice or run-on sentence, you must employ one of four distinct grammatical strategies:

1. Separate into two sentences: Use a period.
   • The trade negotiations are complex. The delegations are meeting daily.
2. Use a semicolon: Link the clauses if they are closely related.
   • The trade negotiations are complex; the delegations are meeting daily.
3. Insert a coordinating conjunction: Use a comma followed by a FANBOYS conjunction.
   • The trade negotiations are complex, so the delegations are meeting daily.
4. Subordinate one clause: Convert one of the independent clauses into a dependent clause.
   • Because the trade negotiations are complex, the delegations are meeting daily.

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Sentence Fragments: Missing Core Elements

A complete sentence requires a subject, a verb, and a complete thought. A sentence fragment is a group of words that is punctuated as a sentence but lacks one of these elements or begins with a subordinating word that leaves the thought unfinished.

1. Dependent Clause Fragments

Starting a sentence with a subordinating conjunction (because, although, since, if, while) without completing the independent clause is a common error.

• Incorrect: Although the consular staff worked overtime to process the visa backlog. (Lacks an independent main clause).
• Correct: Although the consular staff worked overtime to process the visa backlog, many applicants still had to wait.

2. Phrase Fragments

Verbal phrases (gerunds, participles, or infinitives) and prepositional phrases cannot stand alone as sentences.

• Incorrect: The political chief spoke with the foreign minister. Hoping to clarify the government's stance on the border dispute.
• Correct: The political chief spoke with the foreign minister, hoping to clarify the government's stance on the border dispute.

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Misplaced and Dangling Modifiers

Modifiers are words, phrases, or clauses that add detail to other elements of a sentence. To avoid confusion, a modifier must be placed as close as possible to the word it modifies.

1. Misplaced Modifiers

A misplaced modifier is separated from the word it describes, making the sentence awkward or nonsensical.

• Incorrect: The economic officer analyzed the trade data sitting in her office on the computer. (Is the office or the data on the computer?)
• Correct: Sitting in her office, the economic officer analyzed the trade data on the computer.

2. Dangling Modifiers

A dangling modifier occurs when the word or phrase being described is missing from the sentence entirely. Typically, a dangling modifier begins a sentence with a verbal phrase, but the subject of that phrase does not match the subject of the main clause.

• Incorrect: After reviewing the security report, the evacuation order was signed by the Ambassador.
• Analysis: The opening phrase is "After reviewing the security report." The subject of the main clause is "the evacuation order." However, the evacuation order did not review the security report. The true actor is the Ambassador.
• Correct: After reviewing the security report, the Ambassador signed the evacuation order.
• Correct: After the Ambassador reviewed the security report, the evacuation order was signed.

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Parallel Structure: Grammatical Symmetry

Parallelism requires that coordinate parts of a sentence have the same grammatical form. This structural symmetry makes sentences easier to read and process.

1. Parallelism in Series and Lists

When listing items, ensure all elements are in the same grammatical category (nouns, verbs, gerunds, or infinitives).

• Incorrect: The political officer's duties include drafting cables, hosting foreign dignitaries, and to brief the Ambassador. (Drafting/hosting are gerunds; to brief is an infinitive).
• Correct: The political officer's duties include drafting cables, hosting foreign dignitaries, and briefing the Ambassador.

2. Parallelism with Correlative Conjunctions

Correlative conjunctions (either...or, neither...nor, not only...but also, both...and) must connect grammatically identical structures.

• Incorrect: The delegation was not only seeking economic aid but also to establish a security pact.
• Correct: The delegation was seeking not only economic aid but also a security pact. (Nouns follow both parts).
• Correct: The delegation was not only seeking economic aid but also establishing a security pact. (Gerund phrases follow both parts).

3. Parallelism in Comparisons

When comparing two things, ensure the comparison is grammatically parallel and logical.

• Incorrect: The Secretary's speech was more persuasive than the President. (Compares a speech to a person).
• Correct: The Secretary's speech was more persuasive than the President's speech.
• Correct: The Secretary's speech was more persuasive than that of the President.