Identifying Sentence Problems

As this chapter says, sentences can have a wide range of problems that cause readers trouble. This activity will test your understanding of the following problems:

$-$Mixed constructions $($sentences that confusingly combine two different kinds of sentences$).$

$-$Incomplete constructions $($sentences that don't complete an expected pattern of words$).$

$-$Dangling and misplaced modifiers $($modifiers that don't go with anything or that are in the wrong place$).$

$-$Faulty parallelism $($pairs or series of items that are grammatically unalike$).$

Instructions: Select the sentence problem described in each sentence below.

At the present time we are not in need of additional fire safety equipment.

Sales writer $-$ This sales writer is creative, smart, and has excellent writing skills.

In order to receive your gift by Christmas, it is necessary to submit your order by November $30$th$.$

My volunteer activities have helped prepare me for working with people, including fund$-$raising for Children's Hospital and campaigning for a city council candidate.

While doing quality testing on the new software, the power went out.