Key Takeaways
- Sentences need both a subject and a complete predicate to avoid being fragments
- Run-ons can be fixed with proper punctuation, conjunctions, or subordination
- A comma alone cannot join two independent clauses (comma splice)
- Parallel structure requires matching grammatical forms in lists and comparisons
- Modifiers must be placed near the words they modify to avoid confusion
Sentence Structure
Understanding sentence structure helps you construct clear, grammatically correct sentences. The TEAS tests your ability to identify sentence types, avoid fragments and run-ons, and use clauses correctly.
Sentence Components
Subject: Who or what the sentence is about Predicate: What the subject does or is (contains the verb)
Example: The nurse (subject) administered the medication (predicate).
Phrases vs. Clauses
| Type | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Phrase | Group of words WITHOUT a subject-verb pair | "in the morning," "running quickly" |
| Clause | Group of words WITH a subject-verb pair | "when she arrived," "the patient slept" |
Types of Clauses:
| Type | Definition | Can Stand Alone? |
|---|---|---|
| Independent | Expresses complete thought | Yes |
| Dependent | Cannot stand alone (starts with subordinator) | No |
Sentence Types by Structure
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | One independent clause | The nurse checked vitals. |
| Compound | Two+ independent clauses | The nurse checked vitals, and the doctor reviewed the chart. |
| Complex | Independent + dependent clause | When the patient arrived, the nurse checked vitals. |
| Compound-Complex | Two+ independent + dependent | When the patient arrived, the nurse checked vitals, and the doctor was notified. |
Joining Independent Clauses
Correct methods:
| Method | Punctuation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Comma + coordinating conjunction | , and/but/or | She ran tests, and she called the doctor. |
| Semicolon | ; | She ran tests; she called the doctor. |
| Semicolon + conjunctive adverb | ; however, | She ran tests; however, results were normal. |
| Period | . | She ran tests. She called the doctor. |
Sentence Fragments
A fragment is an incomplete sentence missing a subject, verb, or complete thought.
Examples of Fragments:
- ❌ "Running down the hall." (no subject)
- ❌ "The patient who came in yesterday." (no complete predicate)
- ❌ "Because she was tired." (dependent clause alone)
Corrections:
- ✅ "The nurse was running down the hall."
- ✅ "The patient who came in yesterday was discharged."
- ✅ "She went home because she was tired."
Run-On Sentences
A run-on joins independent clauses incorrectly.
Types of Run-Ons:
| Type | Error | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Fused sentence | No punctuation between clauses | The patient arrived the nurse took vitals. |
| Comma splice | Only a comma between clauses | The patient arrived, the nurse took vitals. |
Corrections:
- ✅ Add period: "The patient arrived. The nurse took vitals."
- ✅ Add comma + conjunction: "The patient arrived, and the nurse took vitals."
- ✅ Add semicolon: "The patient arrived; the nurse took vitals."
- ✅ Add subordination: "When the patient arrived, the nurse took vitals."
Parallel Structure
Parallelism means using the same grammatical form for items in a list or comparison.
Incorrect: "The nurse enjoys helping patients, teaching students, and to do research." Correct: "The nurse enjoys helping patients, teaching students, and doing research."
Incorrect: "The procedure is both effective and has minimal risks." Correct: "The procedure is both effective and safe."
Modifier Placement
Misplaced Modifier: Modifier placed far from what it describes.
- ❌ "The doctor gave instructions to the patient wearing a white coat."
- ✅ "The doctor wearing a white coat gave instructions to the patient."
Dangling Modifier: Modifier with no clear word to modify.
- ❌ "After reviewing the chart, the medication was administered."
- ✅ "After reviewing the chart, the nurse administered the medication."
Subject-Verb Agreement
Rules:
- Singular subjects take singular verbs
- Plural subjects take plural verbs
- Words between subject and verb don't change agreement
Examples:
- "The nurse is here." (singular)
- "The nurses are here." (plural)
- "The group of nurses is here." (singular—"group" is subject)
- "Each of the patients needs attention." (singular—"each" is subject)
Which of the following is a comma splice?
Which sentence demonstrates correct parallel structure?
Which sentence contains a dangling modifier?