Use active voice instead of passive voice

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 77 views

Correcting Sentence Structure: A Guide to Proper Grammar

Introduction

In the given sentence, "Their sure the only sounds they will hear at night will be the wash of ocean waves or the croaks of bullfrogs," there are a few issues with the grammar and punctuation. The sentence is trying to convey a sense of certainty or confidence that the only sounds they will hear at night will be the ocean waves or the bullfrogs. However, the sentence structure is incorrect, and it needs to be revised to make it grammatically correct and easy to understand.

Correction Options

There are three possible corrections to the given sentence:

Change "Their" to "They're."
- The word "their" is a possessive pronoun, which means it shows ownership or possession. For example, "Their car is red." In this sentence, "their" is used to show that the car belongs to them.
- On the other hand, "they're" is a contraction of "they are." For example, "They're coming over tonight." In this sentence, "they're" is used to show that they are coming over tonight.
- In the given sentence, "Their sure" should be changed to "They're sure" because "they're" is the correct contraction to use in this context.
Insert a comma after "sure."
- The word "sure" is an adverb that means certain or confident. For example, "I'm sure I left my keys at home." In this sentence, "sure" is used to show that the speaker is certain about leaving their keys at home.
- In the given sentence, inserting a comma after "sure" would make the sentence grammatically correct. However, it would also change the meaning of the sentence slightly.
Change the sentence structure entirely.
- The given sentence is trying to convey a sense of certainty or confidence that the only sounds they will hear at night will be the ocean waves or the bullfrogs. However, the sentence structure is incorrect, and it needs to be revised to make it grammatically correct and easy to understand.
- A possible correction to the sentence structure would be to rephrase the sentence to make it more clear and concise. For example, "They're sure they'll only hear the sound of ocean waves or bullfrogs at night."

Conclusion

In conclusion, the given sentence, "Their sure the only sounds they will hear at night will be the wash of ocean waves or the croaks of bullfrogs," needs to be revised to make it grammatically correct and easy to understand. The three possible corrections to the sentence are:

Change "Their" to "They're."
Insert a comma after "sure."
Change the sentence structure entirely.

By revising the sentence structure and using the correct grammar and punctuation, we can make the sentence more clear and concise, and easier to understand.
Sentence Structure: A Guide to Proper Grammar - Q&A

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the importance of proper grammar and punctuation in sentence structure. We also looked at a sentence that needed to be revised to make it grammatically correct and easy to understand. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about sentence structure and provide additional tips and examples to help you improve your grammar skills.

Q&A

Q: What is the difference between "their" and "they're"? A: "Their" is a possessive pronoun, which means it shows ownership or possession. For example, "Their car is red." On the other hand, "they're" is a contraction of "they are." For example, "They're coming over tonight." In the given sentence, "Their sure" should be changed to "They're sure" because "they're" is the correct contraction to use in this context.

Q: Why is it important to use commas correctly in sentence structure? A: Commas are used to separate items in a list, to set off nonessential clauses, and to indicate a pause in the sentence. For example, "I had eggs, toast, and orange juice for breakfast." In this sentence, the commas are used to separate the items in the list. If we didn't use commas, the sentence would be confusing and difficult to read.

Q: How can I improve my sentence structure skills? A: To improve your sentence structure skills, you can practice writing and reading. Read books, articles, and other written materials to see how sentences are structured. Pay attention to the use of commas, semicolons, and other punctuation marks. Practice writing your own sentences and ask someone to review them for you.

Q: What is the difference between a simple sentence and a complex sentence? A: A simple sentence is a sentence that has only one independent clause. For example, "I went to the store." A complex sentence is a sentence that has one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. For example, "I went to the store because I needed to buy milk."

Q: How can I use sentence structure to make my writing more engaging? A: To make your writing more engaging, you can use a variety of sentence structures, including simple, complex, and compound sentences. You can also use active voice instead of passive voice, and vary your sentence length to create a sense of rhythm and flow.

Tips and Examples

Use active voice instead of passive voice: "The ball was thrown by John" is a passive sentence, while "John threw the ball" is an active sentence.
Vary your sentence length: "I went to the store. I bought some milk. I came home." is a series of short sentences, while "I went to the store, bought some milk, and came home" is a single sentence with a varied structure.
Use commas to separate items in a list: "I had eggs, toast, and orange juice for breakfast" is a sentence with a list of items separated by commas.
Use semicolons to separate independent clauses: "I went to the store; I bought some milk" is a sentence with two independent clauses separated by a semicolon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sentence structure is an important aspect of grammar and writing. By understanding the different types of sentences and how to use commas, semicolons, and other punctuation marks, you can improve your writing skills and make your writing more engaging. Remember to practice writing and reading, and to ask someone to review your work for you. With practice and patience, you can become a skilled writer and communicator.