Mechanics

Higher, Lower Order Concerns

This handout discusses the common Higher Order Concerns (HOCs) and Lower Order Concerns (LOCs) in writing.

Sentence Clarity

If you're having sentence clarity problems in your papers, this handout might be just what you need.

Parts of Speech Overview

This handout defines the basic parts of speech and provides examples of their uses in sentences. Links to more handouts and exercises on particular parts of speech are also provided. If you are learning English as a Second Language (ESL), you may also want to browse through a complete listing of our ESL resources.

Sentence Clarity Presentation

This presentation is designed to teach your students about common sentence clarity problems, including misplaced modifiers, dangling modifiers, and passive voice, as well as strategies for combining sentences together. The twenty-nine slides presented here are designed to aid the facilitator in an interactive presentation of methods for improving sentence structure. This presentation is ideal within a composition course or within any course as a refresher to common sentence problems.

Sentence Fragments

This handout provides an overview and examples of sentence fragments.

Transitions and Transitional Devices

A discussion of transition strategies and specific transitional devices.

Dangling Modifiers

This resource explains what a dangling modifier is and how to correct the problem.

Parallel Structure

This handout describes and provides examples of parallel structure (similar patterns of words).

Two-Part (Phrasal) Verbs (idioms)

Provides an overview and lists of phrasal/two part verbs.

Capital Letters

This resource details standard capitalization rules.

Gerunds, Participles, and Infinitives

This handout provides a detailed overview (including descriptions and examples) of gerunds, participles, and infinitives.