1. Brown wrote to Roberts that he had made a mistake.
  2. We heard a voice through the door which told us to enter.
  3. There is a walk leading from the street to the house which is made of thin slabs of stone.
  4. A milking stool was beside the cow on which he was accustomed to sit.
  5. Should a community, such as a small village, spend the money they do on roads?
  6. This magazine prints many special articles on politics and social reforms that are always instructive.
  7. I wish I could do something for the protection of birds in our country which is neglected.
  8. After a man has failed in one business, it is no sign he will fail in every other.
  9. Sometimes cane syrup is mixed with the maple syrup, which reduces the value of the product.
  10. It means hard and diligent work to study Latin, but it strengthens our brain or at least it gives it good exercise.
  11. In the class room the students become acquainted, which may develop into lifelong friendships.
  12. He was delighted with a ride on horseback, which animal he had been familiar with in his childhood on the farm.
  13. It says in our history that the battle of New Orleans was fought after the treaty of peace had been signed.
  14. Sparks flew about in the air, and it reminded me of a huge Fourth of July celebration.
  15. The doctor gave me medicine to stop the dull pain in my head. This made me feel much better.
[B. Dangling Modifiers]

Remembering that a participle is used as an adjective and must therefore refer to a noun or pronoun, correct the following sentences. Gerund phrases and a few elliptical sentences are included in the list.

  1. Having planned the basement, the next thing considered was the first floor.
  2. Glancing around the room, the ugly wall paper at once confronted me.
  3. After ringing the bell, and waiting a few moments, a maid came to the door.
  4. When selecting a site for an orchard, it should be well drained.
  5. Not being a skilled dancer, my feet moved awkwardly.
  6. Having no watch, the clock must be consulted.
  7. He was sick, caused by eating too much dessert.
  8. Radium is very difficult to get, making it the most valuable metal.
  9. One man goes home and beats his wife, resulting in internal injuries.
  10. Over the paper and kindling a few small chunks of coal are scattered, taking care not to choke the draft.
  11. In speaking of character, it does not mean to be a governor or a general.
  12. This town draws trade for a radius of twenty miles, thus accounting for the large volume of business.
  13. While talking to Ralph yesterday, he spoke about his recent success in the hardware business.
  14. The bus holds fifteen people, and when full, the bus man shuts the door.
  15. If bright and pleasant, the rabbit will be found sitting at the entrance of his burrow.
[C. Coherence]

Secure a clear, smooth, natural order for the following sentences.

  1. I have a lot for sale near the city limits.
  2. Many men can only speak their native tongue.
  3. I saw yesterday, crossing the street, a beautiful woman.
  4. They entered the room, and sitting on the floor they saw a baby.
  5. I put down my book when the clock struck and yawned.
  6. She dropped the money on the sidewalk which she was carrying home.
  7. The horse did not notice that the gate was open for several minutes.
  8. It was worth the trouble. I do not wish to have the experience again, however.
  9. My first trip away from home, of any distance, was made on a steamboat from St. Louis to New Orleans.
  10. He gazed at a young man who was waving his hands violently, called a cheer leader.
  11. Any soil will grow some variety of strawberry, except sand and clay.
  12. I turned triumphantly to Will, who was still gazing at the place where the muskrat sank with a beaming face.
  13. Only the interest, the principal being kept intact, is spent.
  14. A student should see that external conditions are favorable for study, such as light, temperature, and clothing.
  15. Draw a heavy line using a ruler to connect New York and San Francisco across the map.

[PARALLEL STRUCTURE]

When the structure of a sentence is simple and uniform, the important words strike the eye at once. Compare the following: