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

Which sentence forgot to pack a vital element before it left for the Bahamas?

Sitting in the sand, we ordered strawberry slushies until our tongues were as red as our sunburns.
(B) Riding the catamaran, the couple got seasick and had to spend most of the trip bent over the back of the boat.
(C) Taking in the beautiful view, the tropical sunset was a mix of yellow, purple, hot pink, and lime green.
(D) Learning how to surf for the first time, my uncoordinated father looked more awkward than a baby giraffe.

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.

Identify the sentence that uses active voice.

(A) On the first of the month, the country was invaded and all their chocolate was stolen.
(B) If you were to be loved by someone like me, then you would experience what life as a princess would be like.
(C) I was running away from the wolf when I found a huge castle made of candy in the middle of the forest.
(D) Our baby hamsters are being taken care of by my sister's boyfriend, who is an aspiring veterinarian.

Your class goldfish is missing. Some weirdo stole her and left a ransom note. You're the first one to notice, so you must alert your teacher to the injustice. After you take a few breaths and calm down, what's the best way to break the news?

(A) "Goldilocks is gone forever."
(B) "Another student stole Goldilocks."
(C) "Goldilocks was taken."
(D) "The principal fishnapped Goldilocks.

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