Correct Sentence Construction

Correct Sentence Construction

Effective writing means sentences are not only grammatically correct but also balanced. Awareness holds the key to better sentence construction.

e.g. We like not only watching soccer but also enjoy drinking beer.

e.g. We not only like watching soccer but also enjoy drinking beer. (improved)

If "not only" is followed by a verb, then "but also" should also be followed by a verb.

e.g.The man shot not only the policeman but also killed himself.

e.g. The man not only shot the policeman but also killed himself. (balanced)

e.g. I have and will support the politician. ("will support" is correct, but "have support" is incorrect)

e.g. I have supported and will support the politician. (improved)

e.g. This is not about your income but how you perform in your work.(not balanced)

e.g. This is not about your income but about your work performance. (improved)

e.g. This is not about how much you earn but about how well your perform. (improved)

e.g. Your tennis is better than your son. (incorrect: it is the "tennis" that is better, and not the person)

e.g. Your tennis is better than your son's tennis. (correct)

e.g. The schools in the suburbs are better than the city. (unclear)

e.g. The schools in the suburbs are better than the schools in the city. (improved)

e.g. The schools in the suburbs are better than those in the city. (improved)

e.g. The schools in the suburbs are better than the city's. (improved)

Stephen Lau

Copyright© by Stephen Lau