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What mixed and illogical constructions are?

A mixed construction is a sentence with incompatible elements that begins with one type of structure and shifts to another type of structure.

Probably the most serious error that can be made in writing is mixed sentences structure. Fragments and run-together sentences are minor errors in comparison.


Illogical constuction occurs when one part of the sentence does not agree with the other part in some logical way. The meaning of the sentences is no clear.

 

Let's Practice

Rewrite the following sentences, making them logical.

1.       Although the swimmers practiced twice a day, lost their first six meets.

2.       An example of discrimination is a cafe owner, especially after he has refused to serve foreigners.

3.        Because his feet are not the same size explains the difficulty he has finding shoes that fit.

4.        Friction is when one surface rubs against another.

5.       To be discreet is where a person carefully avoids saying or doing something tactless.

6.       The offer in which I have discussed previously is still open.

       7.       Just because you want it to happen doesn't mean that it will happen.

8.       The reason that I left was because I was sick.

9.       Advanced, miniaturized technology used for instant identification.

10. The people in a modern democracy no longer consist of small cities as they did in the days of Greek democracy.

11. Eighteenth-century literature was new and exciting period.

12. With increasing size of cars is another reason why we have parking problems.

13. Her hair is blond, and her eyes are clear gray with a cute little nose and a dimpled chin.

14. Twenty-five years ago was quite different from what it is now.

15. I think you can only have happiness is when you are with someone you love.

Tips to avoid or fix illogical constructions

1. Be sure that the subject makes sense in its relationship to the verbs:

VAGUE:

• The first case of smallpox dates back more than a thousand years before the birth of Christ and had gone unchecked until recently.

IMPROVED:

• The firs case of smallpox dates back more than a thousand years before the birth of Christ, but only recently has the desease been checked.

      2.  Every verb must have a clear-cut subject:

VAGUE:

• With a family to support makes his decision all the more important.

IMPROVED:

• His having a family to  support makes his decision all the more important.

      3. Adjust the form of an indirect quotation to the rest of the sentence:

VAGUE:

• The boy asked us would we give him a lift to Kenora.

IMPROVED:

• The boy asked us if we would give him a lift to Kenora.

      4. Avoid mixed constructions as we studied before.

      5. Avoid double negatives:

• I cannot hardly see you.
• He has not scarcely any money.

REVISED:

• I can hardly see you.
• He has scarcely any money.

keys to avoid and fix mixed constructions

•  The key to avoid mixed construction sentences is making sure that all of the parts of your sentence work together to comlete an idea.

• The key to fix a mixed construction sentence is often simplifying your writing.

For example:

MIXED:

• For most people who have pets live longer and happier lives.

REVISED:

• Most people who have pets live longer and happier lives.
• For most people who have pets, life is longer and happier.

REMEMBER, make sure that all the phrases and clauses work together logically.

MIXED:

• Although it is getting late, but I will wait for another hour.

REVISED:

• Although it is getting late, I will wait for another hour.
• It is getting late, but I will wait for another hour.

Examples of mixed construction

MIXED:

• By studying hard, partyingg less, and working less will give me better grades this semester.

REVISED:

• Studying hard, parting less, and working less will give me better grades this semester.

MIXED:

• The older generation knows that in their younger days how irresponsible and inmoral they were.

REVISED:

• The older generation knows that in their younger days they were irresponsible and immoral.
• The older generation knows how irresponsible and immoral they were in their younger days.

MIXED:

• In furthering my education here at the college by attending adult classes has been vey interesting.

REVISED:

• In furthering my education here at the college, I have taken several interesting courses.
• Furthering my eduucation here at the college  by attending adult classes has been interesting.