Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Clauses

Clauses are an essential part of any sentence. They serve as the building blocks of a well-structured sentence, helping to convey complex ideas and establish connections between different parts of a sentence. However, the use of clauses can be tricky, and even the most proficient writers tend to make mistakes with them. It is crucial to understand the various types of clauses and how to use them correctly to enhance the clarity and coherence of your writing. In this article, we will discuss some common mistakes that writers should avoid when using clauses, along with practical examples to clarify their usage.

Mistake #1: Using a Fragment instead of a Clause

A complete sentence must contain at least one independent clause, which consists of a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a sentence. However, novice writers often confuse fragments with clauses, resulting in incomplete and grammatically incorrect sentences. A fragment is a group of words that is missing either a subject or a verb and lacks a clear meaning. For example:

Incorrect: Eating breakfast.

Correct: I always start my day by eating breakfast.

In the above example, the first sentence is a fragment that is missing the subject and verb and cannot function as a standalone sentence. Adding the subject “I” and the verb “start” completes the sentence and transforms it into a proper clause.

Mistake #2: Misusing Dependent Clauses

A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a sentence. These clauses are often used to provide additional information or context to the main clause. However, writers often place the dependent clause in the wrong position within the sentence, resulting in confusion and incorrect meaning. For example:

Incorrect: After I finished my dinner, I went to the gym.

Correct: I went to the gym after I finished my dinner.

In the first sentence, the dependent clause “after I finished my dinner” is placed in the beginning, making the sentence appear as if the speaker went to the gym before having dinner. Placing the dependent clause after the main clause clarifies the sequence of events and creates a logical flow in the sentence.

Mistake #3: Punctuating Clauses Incorrectly

Punctuation is critical in differentiating between different types of clauses and adds structure to sentences. However, writers often struggle with punctuating clauses correctly, resulting in unclear and awkward sentences. A comma is often used to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence, but its placement can change the meaning of the sentence. For example:

Incorrect: I bought a new laptop, but I forgot my charger.

Correct: I bought a new laptop, but I forgot my charger.

In the first sentence, the comma is placed after “laptop,” making it seem like there are three separate items instead of two. The correct placement of the comma after “charger” clarifies that the speaker forgot to buy their charger for the new laptop.

Mistake #4: Using Too Many Clauses in a Sentence

While clauses can add depth and complexity to a sentence, using too many of them can make the sentence convoluted and difficult to understand. This mistake is especially common among academic writers, who tend to use complex sentences with multiple clauses to convey their ideas. However, using simple sentences or breaking down a long sentence into smaller ones can improve the readability and coherence of the writing. For example:

Incorrect: The results of the study, which was conducted in three different locations, showed that there was a significant decrease in air pollution levels, but the sample size was not large enough to draw a definitive conclusion.

Correct: The study, conducted in three locations, showed a significant decrease in air pollution levels. However, due to the small sample size, a definitive conclusion could not be drawn.

In the above example, breaking down the long sentence into two shorter ones makes the information easier to digest and understand.

In conclusion, using clauses correctly is crucial in creating grammatically correct and coherent sentences. By avoiding these common mistakes, writers can improve the clarity and readability of their writing significantly. However, it is essential to remember that the rules for clauses may vary depending on the writing style and context. As you become more familiar with clauses, it is essential to practice and read widely to identify and rectify any potential mistakes in your writing.