Sentence Corrections

There are three things students must do to learn anything:

Are you ready?

Let's learn to proof-read and correct sentences.

There are two kinds of exercises: (a) sometimes I'll give you the answer and (b) sometimes you'll have to think for yourself about how to correct a sentence. The first is to see if you're paying attention and the second is to help you practice. You can ask questions anytime.

All corrections should be made above the sentence. DO NOT rewrite the entire sentence. Write as little as possible to make the corrections clear.

If you want to eliminate a word or phrase, draw a line or an X through it.

If you want to move a word or phrase, circle it and draw an arrow.

If you want to add a word or phrase, write it above the sentence
and indicate where it should go.

The main purpose of correcting sentences is to make them short and easy to understand. Try not to change the intended meaning of the sentence. Correct spelling and grammar come second. So the first thing you must do is . . .

A. Read the sentence and imagine what the writer intended to say.
If there is an empty box below the sentence write in Japanese
what you imagine the meaning to be.

B. Check S V O macro grammar:

What is the most appropriate verb to express the meaning
clearly and simply? There must be a verb. Every sentence has one.

What subject and object (or complement) match the verb?

What kind of verb is most appropriate: transitive, intransitive, or passive?

C. Check to see if S and C (noun) match

1. SVC verb or SVO verb?

2. C or +A ?

D. Check verb form and tense: V ... +A

1. present, past, progressive, perfect

E. Check clauses and prepositions: +A

1. because, so, and

2. at, on, in

F. Check articles and spelling

1. Articles

2. Spelling