Sentence Structure Exercises

Directions:  Think about how you would rewrite each sentence to correct all errors. 

1.  An actor knows how to memorize his lines and getting

into character.

• An actor knows how to memorize his lines and (how to) get into character.

2.  Tell me where you were, what you were doing, and your reasons for doing it.

• Tell me where you were, what you were doing, and why you were doing it.

3.  Clark's daily exercises include running, swimming, and to lift

weights.

• Clark's daily exercises include running, swimming, and lifting weights.

4.  To donate money to the homeless shelter is helping

people stay warm in the winter.

• To donate money to the homeless shelter is to help people stay warm in the winter.

5.  We followed the path through the forest, over the hill, and we

went across the river.

• We followed the path through the forest, over the hill, and across the river.

6. The writer was brilliant but a recluse.

• The writer was brilliant but reclusive.

7.  After the party, we want to either go to a movie or the KTV.

• After the party, we want to go to either a movie or the KTV.

8. She told Jake to take out the trash, to mow the lawn, and be

listening for the phone call.

• She told Jake to take out the trash, to mow the lawn, and to listen for the phone call.

9.  Marcie studied for the test by reviewing her class notes and

she read her textbook.

• Marcie studied for the test by reviewing her class notes and reading her textbook.

10.  It is easier to tell the truth than lying to people you love.

• It is easier to tell the truth than to lie to people you love.

11.  For her birthday, Marsha received a cake, some clothes, and she got a new CD player.

• For her birthday, Marcie received a cake, some clothes, and a new CD player.

12.  Jim wanted to scare us by telling us a ghost story and he

showed us a horror movie.

• Jim wanted to scare us by telling us a ghost story and by showing us a horror movie.

13.  The witness described the suspect as tall, light-skinned,

and with a beard.

• The witness described the suspect as tall, light-skinned, and bearded.

14. Spending the day with you is better than if we were apart.

• Spending the day with you is better than spending the day apart.

15.  Brian disliked not only playing basketball but also to run

long distances.

• Brian disliked not only playing basketball but also running long distances.

16.  The new house has a large porch, an eat-in kitchen, and the

floors are carpeted.

• The new house has a large porch, an eat-in kitchen, and carpeted floors.

17.  This plan is creative but a risk.

• This plan is creative but risky.

18.  I want neither your sympathy nor do I want your pity.

• I want neither your sympathy nor your pity.

19.  Managing your money well is to be prepared for the future.

• Managing your money well is being prepared for the future.