In the following paragraphs, identify the incomplete sentences and then change them so that they are correct.

Example 1

The study of French requires patience. Because the grammar rules are different from those of the English language. This should not discourage you from learning a new language. It important to be able to communicate with people from other countries. In fact, in Canada it is doubly important to learn French. So you will be better able to communicate with your fellow citizens. Which include getting a job and being able to travel. For these reasons encourage you to accept the challenge and learn French.

Example 3:

I prefer living in smaller communities. While they may not offer all the services of larger cities. They are advantageous in many ways. Less pollution, less noise and fewer people. Knowing your neighbours is another advantage. Being part of a community. Having a feeling of belonging is rare in high-rise apartments. Because they are overcrowded and poorly designed. Perhaps living away from the city means fewer choices for entertainment, shopping and excitement, but means more time for family and friends.

Example 3 

When preparing a meal, you should pay special attention to proper food handling techniques. Following these guidelines. Which can help to keep you and your family, safe and healthy. First, you should wash your hands. Before handling any food. You should also ensure that dishes, utensils and work surfaces are clean. Next, food needs to be stored in the refrigerator until it is used. In addition, all fruits and vegetables must be washed throughly. Because there could be chemicals or bacteria on their peel. When cooking with meat, ensure it fully cooked. Fully cooked before serving so any bacteria are killed by the heat. Finally, you serve food on clean dishes, not those which previous held raw meat or unwashed produce. This may appear to be time-consuming work. But it can save your life.

Example 4

I often wonder. While looking out my window. How far do birds travel to land here? And sit in the tree by my house. And then, I think about the power it takes to fly an airplane. And see how small the birds are. They must be very well adapted to survive their yearly migrations. As they travel north and south with the changing seasons. If I was a bird. I might choose to stay in warmer climates all year. Instead of flying north. Where it is colder. That is definitely what I would do. If given a choice. I can only imagine the adventures my flying friends have experienced. Traveling much further than I have. Maybe than I ever will. Must finish my physics homework. So I can someday to learn fly. An airplane to these far off places.

Example 1: A corrected version

The study of French requires patience because (1) the grammar rules are different from those of the English language. This should not discourage you from learning a new language. It is (2) important to be able to communicate with people from other countries. In fact, in Canada it is doubly important to learn French. You (3) will be able to better communicate with your fellow citizens. There are many other benefits of studying French which (4) include getting a job and being able to travel. For these reasons I (5) encourage you to accept the challenge and learn French.

(1) The dependent clause is joined to the preceding independent clause.

(2) The verb “to be” is inserted.

(3) The subordinating word is removed to change a dependent clause to an independent clause.

(4) An independent clause is inserted and joined to a dependent clause.

(5 ) The subject “I” is inserted.

Example 2: A corrected version

I prefer living in smaller communities. While they may not offer all the services of larger cities, they (1) are advantageous in many ways. Less pollution, less noise and fewer people are among the benefits of small town living (2). Knowing your neighbors and being part of a community are other advantages (3). Having a feeling of belonging is rare in high-rise apartments. Their poor design and overcrowded population add to the feeling of isolation (4). Perhaps living away from the city means fewer choices for entertainment, shopping and excitement, but this sacrifice (5) means more time for family and friends.

(1) The dependent clause was joined to the next independent clause.

(2) An explanation of the significance of these three phenomenon was added to them, turning the construction from a mere list into a complete thought.

(3) A sentence and a sentence fragment were combined to form a new sentence.

(4) The dependent clause (because they are overcrowded and poorly designed ) was rewritten to form an independent clause. As an alternative correction, it could have been joined to the preceding independent clause.

(5) A subject for the verb “means” was added to the sentence.