Syntax Introduction

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Syntax may sound like a diabolical super-villain sent from the future to destroy all mankind, but it actually refers to the rules that we use to create vibrant, concise, easy-to-understand sentences.

Close enough.

We know what you're thinking. "Rules? Ha! I don't follow the rules." We appreciate your renegade spirit, Shmooper. We really do. But understanding syntax is what lets you make meaningful sentences, convey ideas, and achieve your purpose as a writer extraordinaire.

So why not rebel against confusing sentences instead? You'll be armed with the knowledge of modifiers, parallelism, active voice vs. passive voice, wordiness, idioms, and point-of-view… and maybe a really cool outfit.

Quiz Yourself on Syntax

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Annalise wants to dye her hair red, so she asks her sister to help her use an at-home dye kit. Which of the sentences describing the outcome contains a misplaced modifier?

I. Annalise went to the professional stylist with an at-home dye job gone bad.

II. Vivid Expressions had turned her hair a way-too-vivid shade of purple.

III. The stylist told her to carefully read the instructions that were enclosed in the box with her sister before attempting to dye her hair again.

(A) I
(B) II
(C) I and II
(D) I and III

Your teacher returns your paper on A Christmas Carol with "Don't modify absolutes!" written at the top. Which sentence is she referring to?

I. Scrooge was the inspiration for Dr. Seuss' Grinch.

II. Marley was deader than a doornail.

III. The Christmas Carol teaches us an extremely excellent lesson about the true meaning of Christmas

IV. The Ghost of Christmas Past gave me nightmares.

(A) I
(B) II, IV
(C) III
(D) II, III

How would you correct this sentence?

Rhoda's a character actor, so she prefers to be the best friend, bit player, and provide comic relief.

(A) Change provide comic relief to comic relief.
(B) Omit the comma after actor.
(C) Change Rhoda's to Rhodas'
(D) Both A and B

Can you name the error in this sentence?


Having seen Werner Herzog's videos on texting and driving, my phone will stay in the back seat from now on.


wordiness
(B) dangling modifier
(C) faulty parallelism
(D) misplaced comma

Which sentence has a misplaced modifier?

(A) Watching Friday the 13th, we clung to each other for dear life.
(B) Oblivious to the surrounding world, Beyoncé on repeat helped him run 15 miles on the treadmill.
(C) Sensitive to a fault, my sister cries every time we watch Air Bud, without fail.
(D) Drumming her steering wheel fiercely, the girl in the car next to me was clearly enjoying her music.

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