Use the basic elements of sentence construction, wherein you use the technique of setting the stage and identifying the major actors. Remember that elements of sentence construction include a subject and predicate. All parts of speech have specific duties to perform when placed together in a sentence. The subject takes center stage in the sentence because it’s the person or thing the sentence discusses. You also need a verb, or action word. When paired with a subject in a sentence, the verb functions as the sentence predicate.
The subject and verb, such as "Jon jumped," involve your main actors. A sentence involves minor actors who play a role in its construction, however. They help provide details in your sentence. Phrases encompass group of related words that doesn’t express a complete though or include a subject or verb pair. A prepositional phrase, such as “at the store,” and verbal phrase are two examples. Another minor player is a clause, which consists of a group of related words that have a subject and predicate.
Parallel sentence construction, which provides a list of similar words or phrases in a sentence), is akin to arranging the parts in a play. You must present components in the same way in the sentence. “Jon went to work, school and home” is an example of a parallel construction. “Jon went to work, school and is going to the store" is an incorrect parallel construction.
Checking the sentence is similar to a play’s dress rehearsal before an audience sees it, allowing you to find and fix any problems with the sentence. Four main problems can prevent you from writing a complete and grammatically correct sentence: lack of subject-verb agreement, run-on sentence, sentence fragment and no parallel structure. Locate the subject of the sentence, and check to verify the reader knows what or whom you’re talking about. Another problem involves the subject-verb agreement. Your subject and verb must be either singular or plural; you can’t have a sentence that keeps going without completing a thought. A run-on sentence contains two or more complete sentences in one. Watch out for comma splices. Don’t have a comma or semicolon in a place it shouldn’t be. You must, however, have a period in the sentence.