Blog about English
Frequent learner mistakes involving sentence structure.
Practice: build the sentences →Identify the main subject, verb, object, complement, and adverbial before analyzing a sentence structure.
For example, She became a doctor contains a subject, linking verb, and subject complement, while She opened the door contains a subject, verb, and direct object.
She became a doctor.
Она стала врачом.
Subject "She" + linking verb "became" + subject complement "a doctor".
She became a doctor.
Она стала врачом.
Subject "She" + linking verb "became" + subject complement "a doctor".
She opened the door.
Она открыла дверь.
Subject "She" + verb "opened" + direct object "the door".
She opened the door.
Она открыла дверь.
Subject "She" + verb "opened" + direct object "the door".
The children are playing outside.
Дети играют на улице.
Subject "The children" + verb phrase "are playing" + adverbial "outside".
The children are playing outside.
Дети играют на улице.
Subject "The children" + verb phrase "are playing" + adverbial "outside".
He gave me a present.
Он дал мне подарок.
Subject "He" + verb "gave" + indirect object "me" + direct object "a present".
He gave me a present.
Он дал мне подарок.
Subject "He" + verb "gave" + indirect object "me" + direct object "a present".
The room is quiet.
Комната тихая.
Subject "The room" + linking verb "is" + subject complement "quiet".
The room is quiet.
Комната тихая.
Subject "The room" + linking verb "is" + subject complement "quiet".
They elected him president.
Они избрали его президентом.
Subject "They" + verb "elected" + object "him" + object complement "president".
They elected him president.
Они избрали его президентом.
Subject "They" + verb "elected" + object "him" + object complement "president".
The baby slept.
Ребёнок спал.
Subject "The baby" + intransitive verb "slept".
The baby slept.
Ребёнок спал.
Subject "The baby" + intransitive verb "slept".
She works in London.
Она работает в Лондоне.
Subject "She" + verb "works" + adverbial "in London".
She works in London.
Она работает в Лондоне.
Subject "She" + verb "works" + adverbial "in London".
An object and a complement have different grammatical functions even when both follow a verb.
Compare She became a doctor, where a doctor is a subject complement, with She met a doctor, where a doctor is a direct object.
She became a doctor.
Она стала врачом.
"a doctor" is a subject complement, not a direct object.
She became a doctor.
Она стала врачом.
"a doctor" is a subject complement, not a direct object.
She met a doctor.
Она встретила врача.
"a doctor" is a direct object, not a complement.
She met a doctor.
Она встретила врача.
"a doctor" is a direct object, not a complement.
The news made her angry.
Новость рассердила её.
"angry" is an object complement describing "her".
The news made her angry.
Новость рассердила её.
"angry" is an object complement describing "her".
They elected him president.
Они избрали его президентом.
"president" is an object complement identifying "him".
They elected him president.
Они избрали его президентом.
"president" is an object complement identifying "him".
He is a teacher.
Он учитель.
"a teacher" is a subject complement after the linking verb "is".
He is a teacher.
Он учитель.
"a teacher" is a subject complement after the linking verb "is".
She called him a liar.
Она назвала его лжецом.
"a liar" is an object complement identifying "him".
She called him a liar.
Она назвала его лжецом.
"a liar" is an object complement identifying "him".
We found the movie boring.
Мы нашли фильм скучным.
"boring" is an object complement describing "the movie".
We found the movie boring.
Мы нашли фильм скучным.
"boring" is an object complement describing "the movie".
The room is quiet.
Комната тихая.
"quiet" is a subject complement after the linking verb "is".
The room is quiet.
Комната тихая.
"quiet" is a subject complement after the linking verb "is".
Not every verb takes a direct object because intransitive and linking verbs have different patterns.
For example, The baby slept is complete, while She opened requires an object in the intended transitive use.
The baby slept.
Ребёнок спал.
The intransitive verb "slept" does not take a direct object.
The baby slept.
Ребёнок спал.
The intransitive verb "slept" does not take a direct object.
She opened the door.
Она открыла дверь.
The transitive verb "opened" requires a direct object "the door".
She opened the door.
Она открыла дверь.
The transitive verb "opened" requires a direct object "the door".
The guests arrived.
Гости прибыли.
The intransitive verb "arrived" does not take a direct object.
The guests arrived.
Гости прибыли.
The intransitive verb "arrived" does not take a direct object.
She became a doctor.
Она стала врачом.
The linking verb "became" takes a subject complement, not an object.
She became a doctor.
Она стала врачом.
The linking verb "became" takes a subject complement, not an object.
They bought a new car.
Они купили новую машину.
The transitive verb "bought" requires a direct object "a new car".
They bought a new car.
Они купили новую машину.
The transitive verb "bought" requires a direct object "a new car".
He is happy.
Он счастлив.
The linking verb "is" takes a subject complement "happy".
He is happy.
Он счастлив.
The linking verb "is" takes a subject complement "happy".
The children laughed.
Дети смеялись.
The intransitive verb "laughed" does not take a direct object.
The children laughed.
Дети смеялись.
The intransitive verb "laughed" does not take a direct object.
She wrote a letter.
Она написала письмо.
The transitive verb "wrote" requires a direct object "a letter".
She wrote a letter.
Она написала письмо.
The transitive verb "wrote" requires a direct object "a letter".
The subject and object have different grammatical roles and should not be identified merely by whether they are nouns or pronouns.
For example, In John called Mary, John is the subject and Mary is the object.
John called Mary.
Джон позвонил Мэри.
"John" is the subject; "Mary" is the object.
John called Mary.
Джон позвонил Мэри.
"John" is the subject; "Mary" is the object.
Mary called John.
Мэри позвонила Джону.
"Mary" is the subject; "John" is the object.
Mary called John.
Мэри позвонила Джону.
"Mary" is the subject; "John" is the object.
She read the book.
Она прочитала книгу.
"She" is the subject; "the book" is the object.
She read the book.
Она прочитала книгу.
"She" is the subject; "the book" is the object.
The dog chased the cat.
Собака погналась за кошкой.
"The dog" is the subject; "the cat" is the object.
The dog chased the cat.
Собака погналась за кошкой.
"The dog" is the subject; "the cat" is the object.
He answered the question.
Он ответил на вопрос.
"He" is the subject; "the question" is the object.
He answered the question.
Он ответил на вопрос.
"He" is the subject; "the question" is the object.
They invited us.
Они пригласили нас.
"They" is the subject; "us" is the object.
They invited us.
Они пригласили нас.
"They" is the subject; "us" is the object.
The teacher praised the student.
Учитель похвалил ученика.
"The teacher" is the subject; "the student" is the object.
The teacher praised the student.
Учитель похвалил ученика.
"The teacher" is the subject; "the student" is the object.
We watched the film.
Мы смотрели фильм.
"We" is the subject; "the film" is the object.
We watched the film.
Мы смотрели фильм.
"We" is the subject; "the film" is the object.
Ordinary English statements normally place the subject before the finite verb and the direct object after the verb.
For example, She bought a car, not She a car bought in normal neutral English.
She bought a car.
Она купила машину.
Correct order: subject "She" + verb "bought" + object "a car".
She bought a car.
Она купила машину.
Correct order: subject "She" + verb "bought" + object "a car".
She a car bought.
Она машину купила.
Incorrect order for neutral English; object should follow the verb.
She a car bought.
Она машину купила.
Incorrect order for neutral English; object should follow the verb.
The children are playing outside.
Дети играют на улице.
Correct order: subject + verb + adverbial.
The children are playing outside.
Дети играют на улице.
Correct order: subject + verb + adverbial.
He a letter wrote.
Он письмо написал.
Incorrect order; object should follow the verb.
He a letter wrote.
Он письмо написал.
Incorrect order; object should follow the verb.
They bought a new car.
Они купили новую машину.
Correct order: subject + verb + object.
They bought a new car.
Они купили новую машину.
Correct order: subject + verb + object.
The dog the cat chased.
Собака кошку погнала.
Incorrect order; object should follow the verb.
The dog the cat chased.
Собака кошку погнала.
Incorrect order; object should follow the verb.
She opened the door.
Она открыла дверь.
Correct order: subject + verb + object.
She opened the door.
Она открыла дверь.
Correct order: subject + verb + object.
We the film watched.
Мы фильм смотрели.
Incorrect order; object should follow the verb.
We the film watched.
Мы фильм смотрели.
Incorrect order; object should follow the verb.
Auxiliary inversion used in questions should not normally be transferred to ordinary statements.
For example, He works here is correct, while Works he here is not standard neutral English.
He works here.
Он работает здесь.
Correct statement order: subject "He" + verb "works".
He works here.
Он работает здесь.
Correct statement order: subject "He" + verb "works".
Works he here.
Работает он здесь.
Incorrect: question inversion is not used in ordinary statements.
Works he here.
Работает он здесь.
Incorrect: question inversion is not used in ordinary statements.
She is ready.
Она готова.
Correct statement order: subject "She" + verb "is".
She is ready.
Она готова.
Correct statement order: subject "She" + verb "is".
Is she ready.
Готова она.
Incorrect: this is question order, not statement order.
Is she ready.
Готова она.
Incorrect: this is question order, not statement order.
They have finished.
Они закончили.
Correct statement order: subject + auxiliary + main verb.
They have finished.
Они закончили.
Correct statement order: subject + auxiliary + main verb.
Have they finished.
Закончили они.
Incorrect: this is question order, not statement order.
Have they finished.
Закончили они.
Incorrect: this is question order, not statement order.
She can swim.
Она умеет плавать.
Correct statement order: subject + modal + verb.
She can swim.
Она умеет плавать.
Correct statement order: subject + modal + verb.
Can she swim.
Умеет она плавать.
Incorrect: this is question order, not statement order.
Can she swim.
Умеет она плавать.
Incorrect: this is question order, not statement order.
Present and past simple questions and negatives normally require do, does, or did when no other auxiliary is present.
For example, Does she work here? and She does not work here.
Does she work here?
Она работает здесь?
Do-support with "does" in the present simple question.
Does she work here?
Она работает здесь?
Do-support with "does" in the present simple question.
She does not work here.
Она здесь не работает.
Do-support with "does" in the present simple negative.
She does not work here.
Она здесь не работает.
Do-support with "does" in the present simple negative.
Did they leave?
Они ушли?
Do-support with "did" in the past simple question.
Did they leave?
Они ушли?
Do-support with "did" in the past simple question.
They did not leave.
Они не ушли.
Do-support with "did" in the past simple negative.
They did not leave.
Они не ушли.
Do-support with "did" in the past simple negative.
Do you understand?
Ты понимаешь?
Do-support with "do" in the present simple question.
Do you understand?
Ты понимаешь?
Do-support with "do" in the present simple question.
I do not understand.
Я не понимаю.
Do-support with "do" in the present simple negative.
I do not understand.
Я не понимаю.
Do-support with "do" in the present simple negative.
Does he like coffee?
Он любит кофе?
Do-support with "does" in the present simple question.
Does he like coffee?
Он любит кофе?
Do-support with "does" in the present simple question.
He does not like coffee.
Он не любит кофе.
Do-support with "does" in the present simple negative.
He does not like coffee.
Он не любит кофе.
Do-support with "does" in the present simple negative.
Do-support is not normally used with be or modal verbs.
Use Is she ready? and Can she swim?, not Does she be ready? or Does she can swim?
Is she ready?
Она готова?
Correct: "be" forms questions without do-support.
Is she ready?
Она готова?
Correct: "be" forms questions without do-support.
Does she be ready?
Она бывает готова?
Incorrect: do-support is not used with "be".
Does she be ready?
Она бывает готова?
Incorrect: do-support is not used with "be".
Can she swim?
Она умеет плавать?
Correct: modals form questions without do-support.
Can she swim?
Она умеет плавать?
Correct: modals form questions without do-support.
Does she can swim?
Она умеет плавать?
Incorrect: do-support is not used with modals.
Does she can swim?
Она умеет плавать?
Incorrect: do-support is not used with modals.
Are they coming?
Они придут?
Correct: "be" forms questions without do-support.
Are they coming?
Они придут?
Correct: "be" forms questions without do-support.
Do they be coming?
Они бывают приходят?
Incorrect: do-support is not used with "be".
Do they be coming?
Они бывают приходят?
Incorrect: do-support is not used with "be".
Should we leave?
Нам следует уйти?
Correct: modal forms question without do-support.
Should we leave?
Нам следует уйти?
Correct: modal forms question without do-support.
Do we should leave?
Нам следует уйти?
Incorrect: do-support is not used with modals.
Do we should leave?
Нам следует уйти?
Incorrect: do-support is not used with modals.
Subject questions normally do not use auxiliary inversion.
For example, Who called you? is correct, not Who did call you? unless did is deliberately emphatic.
Who called you?
Кто тебе звонил?
Correct: no inversion because "Who" is the subject.
Who called you?
Кто тебе звонил?
Correct: no inversion because "Who" is the subject.
Who did call you?
Кто тебе звонил?
Usually incorrect unless "did" is emphatic; normal subject question has no inversion.
Who did call you?
Кто тебе звонил?
Usually incorrect unless "did" is emphatic; normal subject question has no inversion.
What happened?
Что случилось?
Correct: no inversion because "What" is the subject.
What happened?
Что случилось?
Correct: no inversion because "What" is the subject.
What did happen?
Что случилось?
Usually incorrect unless "did" is emphatic; normal subject question has no inversion.
What did happen?
Что случилось?
Usually incorrect unless "did" is emphatic; normal subject question has no inversion.
Who knows the answer?
Кто знает ответ?
Correct: no inversion because "Who" is the subject.
Who knows the answer?
Кто знает ответ?
Correct: no inversion because "Who" is the subject.
Who does know the answer?
Кто знает ответ?
Usually incorrect unless "does" is emphatic; normal subject question has no inversion.
Who does know the answer?
Кто знает ответ?
Usually incorrect unless "does" is emphatic; normal subject question has no inversion.
Which team won?
Какая команда победила?
Correct: no inversion because "Which team" is the subject.
Which team won?
Какая команда победила?
Correct: no inversion because "Which team" is the subject.
Which team did win?
Какая команда победила?
Usually incorrect unless "did" is emphatic; normal subject question has no inversion.
Which team did win?
Какая команда победила?
Usually incorrect unless "did" is emphatic; normal subject question has no inversion.
Object questions normally use auxiliary inversion or do-support when required.
For example, Who did you call? and What did she buy?
Who did you call?
Кому ты звонил?
Correct: inversion with "did" because "Who" is the object.
Who did you call?
Кому ты звонил?
Correct: inversion with "did" because "Who" is the object.
What did she buy?
Что она купила?
Correct: inversion with "did" because "What" is the object.
What did she buy?
Что она купила?
Correct: inversion with "did" because "What" is the object.
Which book did you read?
Какую книгу ты прочитал?
Correct: inversion with "did" because "Which book" is the object.
Which book did you read?
Какую книгу ты прочитал?
Correct: inversion with "did" because "Which book" is the object.
Who did they invite?
Кого они пригласили?
Correct: inversion with "did" because "Who" is the object.
Who did they invite?
Кого они пригласили?
Correct: inversion with "did" because "Who" is the object.
What did he say?
Что он сказал?
Correct: inversion with "did" because "What" is the object.
What did he say?
Что он сказал?
Correct: inversion with "did" because "What" is the object.
Whom did you meet?
Кого ты встретил?
Correct: inversion with "did" because "Whom" is the object.
Whom did you meet?
Кого ты встретил?
Correct: inversion with "did" because "Whom" is the object.
What did they discuss?
Что они обсуждали?
Correct: inversion with "did" because "What" is the object.
What did they discuss?
Что они обсуждали?
Correct: inversion with "did" because "What" is the object.
Which film did she watch?
Какой фильм она смотрела?
Correct: inversion with "did" because "Which film" is the object.
Which film did she watch?
Какой фильм она смотрела?
Correct: inversion with "did" because "Which film" is the object.
A sentence with a compound subject or predicate can still be simple because it may contain only one independent clause.
For example, Tom and Sarah work here is simple, while Tom works here and Sarah works there is compound.
Tom and Sarah work here.
Том и Сара работают здесь.
Simple sentence with a compound subject; one independent clause.
Tom and Sarah work here.
Том и Сара работают здесь.
Simple sentence with a compound subject; one independent clause.
Tom works here and Sarah works there.
Том работает здесь, а Сара работает там.
Compound sentence with two independent clauses.
Tom works here and Sarah works there.
Том работает здесь, а Сара работает там.
Compound sentence with two independent clauses.
She opened the door and walked inside.
Она открыла дверь и вошла внутрь.
Simple sentence with a compound predicate; one independent clause.
She opened the door and walked inside.
Она открыла дверь и вошла внутрь.
Simple sentence with a compound predicate; one independent clause.
She opened the door, and he walked inside.
Она открыла дверь, и он вошёл внутрь.
Compound sentence with two independent clauses.
She opened the door, and he walked inside.
Она открыла дверь, и он вошёл внутрь.
Compound sentence with two independent clauses.
My brother and I visited the museum.
Мы с братом посетили музей.
Simple sentence with a compound subject.
My brother and I visited the museum.
Мы с братом посетили музей.
Simple sentence with a compound subject.
My brother visited the museum, and I visited the gallery.
Мой брат посетил музей, а я посетил галерею.
Compound sentence with two independent clauses.
My brother visited the museum, and I visited the gallery.
Мой брат посетил музей, а я посетил галерею.
Compound sentence with two independent clauses.
The children laughed and played.
Дети смеялись и играли.
Simple sentence with a compound predicate.
The children laughed and played.
Дети смеялись и играли.
Simple sentence with a compound predicate.
The children laughed, and the parents smiled.
Дети смеялись, и родители улыбались.
Compound sentence with two independent clauses.
The children laughed, and the parents smiled.
Дети смеялись, и родители улыбались.
Compound sentence with two independent clauses.
Compound sentences contain coordinated independent clauses, while complex sentences contain an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.
For example, I was tired, so I went home is compound, while Because I was tired, I went home is complex.
I was tired, so I went home.
Я устал, поэтому пошёл домой.
Compound sentence: two independent clauses joined by "so".
I was tired, so I went home.
Я устал, поэтому пошёл домой.
Compound sentence: two independent clauses joined by "so".
Because I was tired, I went home.
Поскольку я устал, я пошёл домой.
Complex sentence: dependent clause "Because I was tired" + main clause.
Because I was tired, I went home.
Поскольку я устал, я пошёл домой.
Complex sentence: dependent clause "Because I was tired" + main clause.
She studied hard, and she passed the exam.
Она усердно училась, и она сдала экзамен.
Compound sentence: two independent clauses joined by "and".
She studied hard, and she passed the exam.
Она усердно училась, и она сдала экзамен.
Compound sentence: two independent clauses joined by "and".
Because she studied hard, she passed the exam.
Поскольку она усердно училась, она сдала экзамен.
Complex sentence: dependent clause "Because she studied hard" + main clause.
Because she studied hard, she passed the exam.
Поскольку она усердно училась, она сдала экзамен.
Complex sentence: dependent clause "Because she studied hard" + main clause.
It was raining, so we stayed home.
Шёл дождь, поэтому мы остались дома.
Compound sentence: two independent clauses joined by "so".
It was raining, so we stayed home.
Шёл дождь, поэтому мы остались дома.
Compound sentence: two independent clauses joined by "so".
Because it was raining, we stayed home.
Поскольку шёл дождь, мы остались дома.
Complex sentence: dependent clause "Because it was raining" + main clause.
Because it was raining, we stayed home.
Поскольку шёл дождь, мы остались дома.
Complex sentence: dependent clause "Because it was raining" + main clause.
He was tired, but he continued working.
Он устал, но продолжал работать.
Compound sentence: two independent clauses joined by "but".
He was tired, but he continued working.
Он устал, но продолжал работать.
Compound sentence: two independent clauses joined by "but".
Although he was tired, he continued working.
Хотя он устал, он продолжал работать.
Complex sentence: dependent clause "Although he was tired" + main clause.
Although he was tired, he continued working.
Хотя он устал, он продолжал работать.
Complex sentence: dependent clause "Although he was tired" + main clause.
A dependent clause or incomplete phrase should not normally be used as an independent sentence.
For example, Because I was tired is a fragment when it is intended to stand alone.
Because I was tired.
Потому что я устал.
Fragment when used alone; needs a main clause.
Because I was tired.
Потому что я устал.
Fragment when used alone; needs a main clause.
When the meeting ended.
Когда собрание закончилось.
Fragment when used alone; needs a main clause.
When the meeting ended.
Когда собрание закончилось.
Fragment when used alone; needs a main clause.
Although it was raining.
Хотя шёл дождь.
Fragment when used alone; needs a main clause.
Although it was raining.
Хотя шёл дождь.
Fragment when used alone; needs a main clause.
The tall man in the blue suit.
Высокий мужчина в синем костюме.
Fragment when used alone; lacks a finite verb.
The tall man in the blue suit.
Высокий мужчина в синем костюме.
Fragment when used alone; lacks a finite verb.
Running down the street.
Бегущий по улице.
Fragment when used alone; lacks subject and finite verb.
Running down the street.
Бегущий по улице.
Fragment when used alone; lacks subject and finite verb.
After the long and difficult journey.
После долгого и трудного путешествия.
Fragment when used alone; needs a main clause.
After the long and difficult journey.
После долгого и трудного путешествия.
Fragment when used alone; needs a main clause.
The book that I bought yesterday.
Книга, которую я купил вчера.
Fragment when used alone; lacks a main verb.
The book that I bought yesterday.
Книга, которую я купил вчера.
Fragment when used alone; lacks a main verb.
Who lives next door.
Который живёт по соседству.
Fragment when used alone; needs a main clause.
Who lives next door.
Который живёт по соседству.
Fragment when used alone; needs a main clause.
Two independent clauses must be correctly separated or joined rather than simply placed next to each other.
For example, I was tired. I went home is correct, while I was tired I went home is a run-on.
I was tired. I went home.
Я устал. Я пошёл домой.
Correct: two separate sentences.
I was tired. I went home.
Я устал. Я пошёл домой.
Correct: two separate sentences.
I was tired I went home.
Я устал я пошёл домой.
Run-on: two independent clauses without punctuation or coordination.
I was tired I went home.
Я устал я пошёл домой.
Run-on: two independent clauses without punctuation or coordination.
She arrived. We started dinner.
Она приехала. Мы начали ужинать.
Correct: two separate sentences.
She arrived. We started dinner.
Она приехала. Мы начали ужинать.
Correct: two separate sentences.
She arrived we started dinner.
Она приехала мы начали ужинать.
Run-on: two independent clauses without punctuation or coordination.
She arrived we started dinner.
Она приехала мы начали ужинать.
Run-on: two independent clauses without punctuation or coordination.
The weather was terrible. We decided to stay home.
Погода была ужасной. Мы решили остаться дома.
Correct: two separate sentences.
The weather was terrible. We decided to stay home.
Погода была ужасной. Мы решили остаться дома.
Correct: two separate sentences.
The weather was terrible we decided to stay home.
Погода была ужасной мы решили остаться дома.
Run-on: two independent clauses without punctuation or coordination.
The weather was terrible we decided to stay home.
Погода была ужасной мы решили остаться дома.
Run-on: two independent clauses without punctuation or coordination.
He did not call. He did not send a message.
Он не позвонил. Он не отправил сообщение.
Correct: two separate sentences.
He did not call. He did not send a message.
Он не позвонил. Он не отправил сообщение.
Correct: two separate sentences.
He did not call he did not send a message.
Он не позвонил он не отправил сообщение.
Run-on: two independent clauses without punctuation or coordination.
He did not call he did not send a message.
Он не позвонил он не отправил сообщение.
Run-on: two independent clauses without punctuation or coordination.
Two independent clauses should not normally be joined by a comma alone.
For example, I was tired, so I went home is correct, while I was tired, I went home is a comma splice.
I was tired, so I went home.
Я устал, поэтому пошёл домой.
Correct: comma and coordinating conjunction "so".
I was tired, so I went home.
Я устал, поэтому пошёл домой.
Correct: comma and coordinating conjunction "so".
I was tired, I went home.
Я устал, я пошёл домой.
Comma splice: two independent clauses joined by only a comma.
I was tired, I went home.
Я устал, я пошёл домой.
Comma splice: two independent clauses joined by only a comma.
She arrived, and we started dinner.
Она приехала, и мы начали ужинать.
Correct: comma and coordinating conjunction "and".
She arrived, and we started dinner.
Она приехала, и мы начали ужинать.
Correct: comma and coordinating conjunction "and".
She arrived, we started dinner.
Она приехала, мы начали ужинать.
Comma splice: two independent clauses joined by only a comma.
She arrived, we started dinner.
Она приехала, мы начали ужинать.
Comma splice: two independent clauses joined by only a comma.
It was raining, so we stayed home.
Шёл дождь, поэтому мы остались дома.
Correct: comma and coordinating conjunction "so".
It was raining, so we stayed home.
Шёл дождь, поэтому мы остались дома.
Correct: comma and coordinating conjunction "so".
It was raining, we stayed home.
Шёл дождь, мы остались дома.
Comma splice: two independent clauses joined by only a comma.
It was raining, we stayed home.
Шёл дождь, мы остались дома.
Comma splice: two independent clauses joined by only a comma.
He was tired, but he continued working.
Он устал, но продолжал работать.
Correct: comma and coordinating conjunction "but".
He was tired, but he continued working.
Он устал, но продолжал работать.
Correct: comma and coordinating conjunction "but".
He was tired, he continued working.
Он устал, он продолжал работать.
Comma splice: two independent clauses joined by only a comma.
He was tired, he continued working.
Он устал, он продолжал работать.
Comma splice: two independent clauses joined by only a comma.
A coordinating conjunction should express a relationship appropriate to the clauses or elements being joined.
For example, but is appropriate for contrast, while so commonly expresses result.
I wanted to go, but I was too tired.
Я хотел пойти, но был слишком уставшим.
Correct: "but" expresses contrast.
I wanted to go, but I was too tired.
Я хотел пойти, но был слишком уставшим.
Correct: "but" expresses contrast.
I wanted to go, so I was too tired.
Я хотел пойти, поэтому был слишком уставшим.
Incorrect: "so" expresses result, not contrast.
I wanted to go, so I was too tired.
Я хотел пойти, поэтому был слишком уставшим.
Incorrect: "so" expresses result, not contrast.
It was raining, so we stayed home.
Шёл дождь, поэтому мы остались дома.
Correct: "so" expresses result.
It was raining, so we stayed home.
Шёл дождь, поэтому мы остались дома.
Correct: "so" expresses result.
It was raining, but we stayed home.
Шёл дождь, но мы остались дома.
Possible but changes the relationship to contrast.
It was raining, but we stayed home.
Шёл дождь, но мы остались дома.
Possible but changes the relationship to contrast.
She studied hard, and she passed the exam.
Она усердно училась, и она сдала экзамен.
Correct: "and" adds information.
She studied hard, and she passed the exam.
Она усердно училась, и она сдала экзамен.
Correct: "and" adds information.
She studied hard, or she passed the exam.
Она усердно училась, или она сдала экзамен.
Incorrect: "or" presents alternatives, not addition.
She studied hard, or she passed the exam.
Она усердно училась, или она сдала экзамен.
Incorrect: "or" presents alternatives, not addition.
He was tired, yet he continued working.
Он устал, но продолжал работать.
Correct: "yet" expresses unexpected contrast.
He was tired, yet he continued working.
Он устал, но продолжал работать.
Correct: "yet" expresses unexpected contrast.
He was tired, for he continued working.
Он устал, ибо он продолжал работать.
Incorrect: "for" expresses reason, not contrast.
He was tired, for he continued working.
Он устал, ибо он продолжал работать.
Incorrect: "for" expresses reason, not contrast.
A subordinate clause must be attached to an appropriate main clause and should express a clear logical relationship.
For example, Because it was raining, we stayed home is complete, while Because it was raining is not.
Because it was raining, we stayed home.
Поскольку шёл дождь, мы остались дома.
Correct: dependent clause "Because it was raining" attached to main clause.
Because it was raining, we stayed home.
Поскольку шёл дождь, мы остались дома.
Correct: dependent clause "Because it was raining" attached to main clause.
Because it was raining.
Поскольку шёл дождь.
Incorrect: fragment; dependent clause stands alone.
Because it was raining.
Поскольку шёл дождь.
Incorrect: fragment; dependent clause stands alone.
Although she was tired, she continued working.
Хотя она устала, она продолжала работать.
Correct: dependent clause attached to main clause.
Although she was tired, she continued working.
Хотя она устала, она продолжала работать.
Correct: dependent clause attached to main clause.
Although she was tired.
Хотя она устала.
Incorrect: fragment; dependent clause stands alone.
Although she was tired.
Хотя она устала.
Incorrect: fragment; dependent clause stands alone.
When the meeting ended, we left.
Когда собрание закончилось, мы ушли.
Correct: dependent clause attached to main clause.
When the meeting ended, we left.
Когда собрание закончилось, мы ушли.
Correct: dependent clause attached to main clause.
When the meeting ended.
Когда собрание закончилось.
Incorrect: fragment; dependent clause stands alone.
When the meeting ended.
Когда собрание закончилось.
Incorrect: fragment; dependent clause stands alone.
If you study hard, you will pass.
Если ты будешь усердно учиться, ты сдашь.
Correct: dependent condition attached to main clause.
If you study hard, you will pass.
Если ты будешь усердно учиться, ты сдашь.
Correct: dependent condition attached to main clause.
If you study hard.
Если ты будешь усердно учиться.
Incorrect: fragment; dependent clause stands alone.
If you study hard.
Если ты будешь усердно учиться.
Incorrect: fragment; dependent clause stands alone.
Coordinated elements should normally have matching grammatical structures when they perform the same function.
For example, She likes reading, writing, and travelling is parallel, while She likes reading, to write, and travelling is poorly balanced.
She likes reading, writing, and travelling.
Она любит читать, писать и путешествовать.
Parallel: all coordinated elements are gerunds.
She likes reading, writing, and travelling.
Она любит читать, писать и путешествовать.
Parallel: all coordinated elements are gerunds.
She likes reading, to write, and travelling.
Она любит читать, писать и путешествовать.
Non-parallel: mixes gerund and infinitive.
She likes reading, to write, and travelling.
Она любит читать, писать и путешествовать.
Non-parallel: mixes gerund and infinitive.
He is intelligent, hardworking, and reliable.
Он умный, трудолюбивый и надёжный.
Parallel: all coordinated elements are adjectives.
He is intelligent, hardworking, and reliable.
Он умный, трудолюбивый и надёжный.
Parallel: all coordinated elements are adjectives.
He is intelligent, works hard, and reliable.
Он умный, усердно работает и надёжный.
Non-parallel: mixes adjective and verb phrase.
He is intelligent, works hard, and reliable.
Он умный, усердно работает и надёжный.
Non-parallel: mixes adjective and verb phrase.
We can go by bus, by train, or by car.
Мы можем поехать на автобусе, на поезде или на машине.
Parallel: all coordinated elements are prepositional phrases.
We can go by bus, by train, or by car.
Мы можем поехать на автобусе, на поезде или на машине.
Parallel: all coordinated elements are prepositional phrases.
We can go by bus, take a train, or by car.
Мы можем поехать на автобусе, сесть на поезд или на машине.
Non-parallel: mixes prepositional phrase and verb phrase.
We can go by bus, take a train, or by car.
Мы можем поехать на автобусе, сесть на поезд или на машине.
Non-parallel: mixes prepositional phrase and verb phrase.
She opened the door, walked inside, and sat down.
Она открыла дверь, вошла и села.
Parallel: all coordinated elements are past-tense verb phrases.
She opened the door, walked inside, and sat down.
Она открыла дверь, вошла и села.
Parallel: all coordinated elements are past-tense verb phrases.
She opened the door, walking inside, and sat down.
Она открыла дверь, входя внутрь, и села.
Non-parallel: mixes finite verb and participle.
She opened the door, walking inside, and sat down.
Она открыла дверь, входя внутрь, и села.
Non-parallel: mixes finite verb and participle.
Adverbs should be placed where their intended grammatical and semantic scope is clear.
For example, She often works late is natural, while placing an adverb incorrectly can change emphasis or make the sentence difficult to interpret.
She often works late.
Она часто работает допоздна.
Natural placement: frequency adverb "often" before the main verb.
She often works late.
Она часто работает допоздна.
Natural placement: frequency adverb "often" before the main verb.
She works often late.
Она работает часто допоздна.
Less natural: adverb placed after the verb.
She works often late.
Она работает часто допоздна.
Less natural: adverb placed after the verb.
He carefully opened the box.
Он осторожно открыл коробку.
Natural: manner adverb before the verb.
He carefully opened the box.
Он осторожно открыл коробку.
Natural: manner adverb before the verb.
He opened the box carefully.
Он открыл коробку осторожно.
Also natural: manner adverb after the object.
He opened the box carefully.
Он открыл коробку осторожно.
Also natural: manner adverb after the object.
She always is happy.
Она всегда счастлива.
Incorrect: frequency adverb should come after "is".
She always is happy.
Она всегда счастлива.
Incorrect: frequency adverb should come after "is".
She is always happy.
Она всегда счастлива.
Correct: frequency adverb after "is".
She is always happy.
Она всегда счастлива.
Correct: frequency adverb after "is".
He speaks clearly and confidently.
Он говорит чётко и уверенно.
Natural: manner adverbs after the verb.
He speaks clearly and confidently.
Он говорит чётко и уверенно.
Natural: manner adverbs after the verb.
He clearly speaks and confidently.
Он чётко говорит и уверенно.
Incorrect: adverb placement breaks coordination.
He clearly speaks and confidently.
Он чётко говорит и уверенно.
Incorrect: adverb placement breaks coordination.
The position of only can change which element it modifies and therefore change the meaning.
Compare Only John saw Mary with John only saw Mary.
Only John saw Mary.
Только Джон видел Мэри.
"Only" modifies "John", meaning no one else saw Mary.
Only John saw Mary.
Только Джон видел Мэри.
"Only" modifies "John", meaning no one else saw Mary.
John only saw Mary.
Джон только видел Мэри.
"Only" modifies the verb "saw", meaning John did nothing else with Mary.
John only saw Mary.
Джон только видел Мэри.
"Only" modifies the verb "saw", meaning John did nothing else with Mary.
John saw only Mary.
Джон видел только Мэри.
"Only" modifies "Mary", meaning he saw no one else.
John saw only Mary.
Джон видел только Мэри.
"Only" modifies "Mary", meaning he saw no one else.
Only she understood the question.
Только она поняла вопрос.
"Only" modifies "she", meaning no one else understood.
Only she understood the question.
Только она поняла вопрос.
"Only" modifies "she", meaning no one else understood.
She only understood the question.
Она только поняла вопрос.
"Only" modifies the verb "understood", meaning she did nothing else with the question.
She only understood the question.
Она только поняла вопрос.
"Only" modifies the verb "understood", meaning she did nothing else with the question.
She understood only the question.
Она поняла только вопрос.
"Only" modifies "the question", meaning she understood nothing else.
She understood only the question.
Она поняла только вопрос.
"Only" modifies "the question", meaning she understood nothing else.
Only in London did I feel at home.
Только в Лондоне я чувствовал себя как дома.
"Only" modifies "in London" and triggers inversion.
Only in London did I feel at home.
Только в Лондоне я чувствовал себя как дома.
"Only" modifies "in London" and triggers inversion.
I only spoke to John.
Я только поговорил с Джоном.
"Only" modifies the verb "spoke", meaning I did nothing else with John.
I only spoke to John.
Я только поговорил с Джоном.
"Only" modifies the verb "spoke", meaning I did nothing else with John.
When several adverbials occur together, their order should be chosen according to normal English patterns and communicative emphasis.
A neutral sequence often places manner before place and time, as in She worked quietly in the office all day.
She worked quietly in the office all day.
Она тихо работала в офисе весь день.
Neutral order: manner "quietly" + place "in the office" + time "all day".
She worked quietly in the office all day.
Она тихо работала в офисе весь день.
Neutral order: manner "quietly" + place "in the office" + time "all day".
She worked all day in the office quietly.
Она работала весь день в офисе тихо.
Less natural order: time before place and manner.
She worked all day in the office quietly.
Она работала весь день в офисе тихо.
Less natural order: time before place and manner.
He sang beautifully at the concert last night.
Он красиво пел на концерте вчера вечером.
Neutral order: manner + place + time.
He sang beautifully at the concert last night.
Он красиво пел на концерте вчера вечером.
Neutral order: manner + place + time.
He sang last night at the concert beautifully.
Он пел вчера вечером на концерте красиво.
Less natural order.
He sang last night at the concert beautifully.
Он пел вчера вечером на концерте красиво.
Less natural order.
They played happily in the park yesterday.
Они счастливо играли в парке вчера.
Neutral order: manner + place + time.
They played happily in the park yesterday.
Они счастливо играли в парке вчера.
Neutral order: manner + place + time.
They played yesterday in the park happily.
Они играли вчера в парке счастливо.
Less natural order.
They played yesterday in the park happily.
Они играли вчера в парке счастливо.
Less natural order.
She waited patiently at the station for an hour.
Она терпеливо ждала на вокзале в течение часа.
Neutral order: manner + place + time.
She waited patiently at the station for an hour.
Она терпеливо ждала на вокзале в течение часа.
Neutral order: manner + place + time.
She waited for an hour at the station patiently.
Она ждала час на вокзале терпеливо.
Less natural order.
She waited for an hour at the station patiently.
Она ждала час на вокзале терпеливо.
Less natural order.
Separable phrasal verbs allow some variation with noun objects but normally require pronoun objects to occur before the particle.
For example, turn off the light, turn the light off, but turn it off.
Turn off the light.
Выключи свет.
Noun object can come after the particle.
Turn off the light.
Выключи свет.
Noun object can come after the particle.
Turn the light off.
Выключи свет.
Noun object can come before the particle.
Turn the light off.
Выключи свет.
Noun object can come before the particle.
Turn it off.
Выключи это.
Pronoun object must come before the particle.
Turn it off.
Выключи это.
Pronoun object must come before the particle.
Pick up the book.
Подними книгу.
Noun object can come after the particle.
Pick up the book.
Подними книгу.
Noun object can come after the particle.
Pick the book up.
Подними книгу.
Noun object can come before the particle.
Pick the book up.
Подними книгу.
Noun object can come before the particle.
Pick it up.
Подними это.
Pronoun object must come before the particle.
Pick it up.
Подними это.
Pronoun object must come before the particle.
She turned the TV on.
Она включила телевизор.
Noun object before particle.
She turned the TV on.
Она включила телевизор.
Noun object before particle.
She turned on the TV.
Она включила телевизор.
Noun object after particle.
She turned on the TV.
Она включила телевизор.
Noun object after particle.
Embedded and indirect questions normally use statement word order rather than direct-question inversion.
For example, Do you know where she lives? not Do you know where does she live?
Do you know where she lives?
Ты знаешь, где она живёт?
Correct: statement word order "where she lives".
Do you know where she lives?
Ты знаешь, где она живёт?
Correct: statement word order "where she lives".
Do you know where does she live?
Ты знаешь, где она живёт?
Incorrect: direct-question inversion not used in indirect questions.
Do you know where does she live?
Ты знаешь, где она живёт?
Incorrect: direct-question inversion not used in indirect questions.
Can you tell me what time it is?
Можешь сказать мне, который час?
Correct: statement word order "what time it is".
Can you tell me what time it is?
Можешь сказать мне, который час?
Correct: statement word order "what time it is".
Can you tell me what time is it?
Можешь сказать мне, который час?
Incorrect: direct-question inversion not used in indirect questions.
Can you tell me what time is it?
Можешь сказать мне, который час?
Incorrect: direct-question inversion not used in indirect questions.
I wonder if she is coming.
Интересно, придёт ли она.
Correct: statement word order "if she is coming".
I wonder if she is coming.
Интересно, придёт ли она.
Correct: statement word order "if she is coming".
I wonder if is she coming.
Интересно, придёт ли она.
Incorrect: direct-question inversion not used in indirect questions.
I wonder if is she coming.
Интересно, придёт ли она.
Incorrect: direct-question inversion not used in indirect questions.
Do you know why he left?
Ты знаешь, почему он ушёл?
Correct: statement word order "why he left".
Do you know why he left?
Ты знаешь, почему он ушёл?
Correct: statement word order "why he left".
Do you know why did he leave?
Ты знаешь, почему он ушёл?
Incorrect: direct-question inversion not used in indirect questions.
Do you know why did he leave?
Ты знаешь, почему он ушёл?
Incorrect: direct-question inversion not used in indirect questions.
Coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions create different grammatical relationships between clauses.
Compare She was tired, so she went home with Because she was tired, she went home.
She was tired, so she went home.
Она устала, поэтому пошла домой.
Coordination with "so": two equal independent clauses.
She was tired, so she went home.
Она устала, поэтому пошла домой.
Coordination with "so": two equal independent clauses.
Because she was tired, she went home.
Поскольку она устала, она пошла домой.
Subordination with "because": dependent clause + main clause.
Because she was tired, she went home.
Поскольку она устала, она пошла домой.
Subordination with "because": dependent clause + main clause.
He studied hard, and he passed the exam.
Он усердно учился, и он сдал экзамен.
Coordination with "and": two equal independent clauses.
He studied hard, and he passed the exam.
Он усердно учился, и он сдал экзамен.
Coordination with "and": two equal independent clauses.
Because he studied hard, he passed the exam.
Поскольку он усердно учился, он сдал экзамен.
Subordination with "because": dependent clause + main clause.
Because he studied hard, he passed the exam.
Поскольку он усердно учился, он сдал экзамен.
Subordination with "because": dependent clause + main clause.
It was raining, but we went for a walk.
Шёл дождь, но мы пошли гулять.
Coordination with "but": two equal independent clauses.
It was raining, but we went for a walk.
Шёл дождь, но мы пошли гулять.
Coordination with "but": two equal independent clauses.
Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
Хотя шёл дождь, мы пошли гулять.
Subordination with "although": dependent clause + main clause.
Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
Хотя шёл дождь, мы пошли гулять.
Subordination with "although": dependent clause + main clause.
She was tired, yet she continued working.
Она устала, но продолжала работать.
Coordination with "yet": two equal independent clauses.
She was tired, yet she continued working.
Она устала, но продолжала работать.
Coordination with "yet": two equal independent clauses.
Even though she was tired, she continued working.
Даже хотя она устала, она продолжала работать.
Subordination with "even though": dependent clause + main clause.
Even though she was tired, she continued working.
Даже хотя она устала, она продолжала работать.
Subordination with "even though": dependent clause + main clause.
Sentence connectors such as however and therefore should not be punctuated as though they were ordinary coordinating conjunctions.
For example, The plan was expensive; however, we approved it.
The plan was expensive; however, we approved it.
План был дорогим; однако мы его одобрили.
Correct: semicolon before "however".
The plan was expensive; however, we approved it.
План был дорогим; однако мы его одобрили.
Correct: semicolon before "however".
The plan was expensive, however, we approved it.
План был дорогим, однако мы его одобрили.
Incorrect punctuation: comma splice with connector.
The plan was expensive, however, we approved it.
План был дорогим, однако мы его одобрили.
Incorrect punctuation: comma splice with connector.
It was raining. Therefore, we stayed home.
Шёл дождь. Поэтому мы остались дома.
Correct: full stop before "Therefore".
It was raining. Therefore, we stayed home.
Шёл дождь. Поэтому мы остались дома.
Correct: full stop before "Therefore".
It was raining, therefore, we stayed home.
Шёл дождь, поэтому мы остались дома.
Incorrect punctuation: comma splice with connector.
It was raining, therefore, we stayed home.
Шёл дождь, поэтому мы остались дома.
Incorrect punctuation: comma splice with connector.
The task was difficult; nevertheless, we completed it.
Задача была трудной; тем не менее мы её выполнили.
Correct: semicolon before "nevertheless".
The task was difficult; nevertheless, we completed it.
Задача была трудной; тем не менее мы её выполнили.
Correct: semicolon before "nevertheless".
The task was difficult, nevertheless, we completed it.
Задача была трудной, тем не менее мы её выполнили.
Incorrect punctuation: comma splice with connector.
The task was difficult, nevertheless, we completed it.
Задача была трудной, тем не менее мы её выполнили.
Incorrect punctuation: comma splice with connector.
The data were incomplete; thus, further research was required.
Данные были неполными; таким образом, потребовалось дальнейшее исследование.
Correct: semicolon before "thus".
The data were incomplete; thus, further research was required.
Данные были неполными; таким образом, потребовалось дальнейшее исследование.
Correct: semicolon before "thus".
The data were incomplete, thus, further research was required.
Данные были неполными, таким образом, потребовалось дальнейшее исследование.
Incorrect punctuation: comma splice with connector.
The data were incomplete, thus, further research was required.
Данные были неполными, таким образом, потребовалось дальнейшее исследование.
Incorrect punctuation: comma splice with connector.
However and but both express contrast but have different grammatical behavior.
For example, The plan was expensive, but we approved it, versus The plan was expensive; however, we approved it.
The plan was expensive, but we approved it.
План был дорогим, но мы его одобрили.
"But" is a coordinating conjunction joining clauses with a comma.
The plan was expensive, but we approved it.
План был дорогим, но мы его одобрили.
"But" is a coordinating conjunction joining clauses with a comma.
The plan was expensive; however, we approved it.
План был дорогим; однако мы его одобрили.
"However" is a sentence connector requiring a semicolon or full stop.
The plan was expensive; however, we approved it.
План был дорогим; однако мы его одобрили.
"However" is a sentence connector requiring a semicolon or full stop.
She was tired, but she continued working.
Она устала, но продолжала работать.
"But" joins two independent clauses with a comma.
She was tired, but she continued working.
Она устала, но продолжала работать.
"But" joins two independent clauses with a comma.
She was tired; however, she continued working.
Она устала; однако она продолжала работать.
"However" requires a semicolon or full stop.
She was tired; however, she continued working.
Она устала; однако она продолжала работать.
"However" requires a semicolon or full stop.
It was raining, but we went for a walk.
Шёл дождь, но мы пошли гулять.
"But" joins two independent clauses with a comma.
It was raining, but we went for a walk.
Шёл дождь, но мы пошли гулять.
"But" joins two independent clauses with a comma.
It was raining; however, we went for a walk.
Шёл дождь; однако мы пошли гулять.
"However" requires a semicolon or full stop.
It was raining; however, we went for a walk.
Шёл дождь; однако мы пошли гулять.
"However" requires a semicolon or full stop.
He was tired, yet he continued working.
Он устал, но продолжал работать.
"Yet" is a coordinating conjunction like "but".
He was tired, yet he continued working.
Он устал, но продолжал работать.
"Yet" is a coordinating conjunction like "but".
He was tired; nevertheless, he continued working.
Он устал; тем не менее он продолжал работать.
"Nevertheless" is a sentence connector, not a coordinating conjunction.
He was tired; nevertheless, he continued working.
Он устал; тем не менее он продолжал работать.
"Nevertheless" is a sentence connector, not a coordinating conjunction.
Therefore and so can both express result, but they differ in grammatical behavior and register.
For example, It was late, so we left and It was late; therefore, we left.
It was late, so we left.
Было поздно, поэтому мы ушли.
"So" is a coordinating conjunction joining clauses with a comma.
It was late, so we left.
Было поздно, поэтому мы ушли.
"So" is a coordinating conjunction joining clauses with a comma.
It was late; therefore, we left.
Было поздно; поэтому мы ушли.
"Therefore" is a sentence connector requiring a semicolon or full stop.
It was late; therefore, we left.
Было поздно; поэтому мы ушли.
"Therefore" is a sentence connector requiring a semicolon or full stop.
The roads were closed, so we stayed home.
Дороги были закрыты, поэтому мы остались дома.
"So" joins two independent clauses with a comma.
The roads were closed, so we stayed home.
Дороги были закрыты, поэтому мы остались дома.
"So" joins two independent clauses with a comma.
The roads were closed; therefore, we stayed home.
Дороги были закрыты; поэтому мы остались дома.
"Therefore" requires a semicolon or full stop.
The roads were closed; therefore, we stayed home.
Дороги были закрыты; поэтому мы остались дома.
"Therefore" requires a semicolon or full stop.
She studied hard, so she passed the exam.
Она усердно училась, поэтому сдала экзамен.
"So" joins two independent clauses with a comma.
She studied hard, so she passed the exam.
Она усердно училась, поэтому сдала экзамен.
"So" joins two independent clauses with a comma.
She studied hard; therefore, she passed the exam.
Она усердно училась; поэтому она сдала экзамен.
"Therefore" requires a semicolon or full stop.
She studied hard; therefore, she passed the exam.
Она усердно училась; поэтому она сдала экзамен.
"Therefore" requires a semicolon or full stop.
It was raining, so we took a taxi.
Шёл дождь, поэтому мы взяли такси.
"So" joins two independent clauses with a comma.
It was raining, so we took a taxi.
Шёл дождь, поэтому мы взяли такси.
"So" joins two independent clauses with a comma.
It was raining; therefore, we took a taxi.
Шёл дождь; поэтому мы взяли такси.
"Therefore" requires a semicolon or full stop.
It was raining; therefore, we took a taxi.
Шёл дождь; поэтому мы взяли такси.
"Therefore" requires a semicolon or full stop.
Moving an element to the front of a sentence does not automatically require subject-auxiliary inversion.
For example, Yesterday, I went home uses fronting without inversion, while Never have I seen this uses inversion.
Yesterday, I went home.
Вчера я пошёл домой.
Fronting of "Yesterday" does not require inversion.
Yesterday, I went home.
Вчера я пошёл домой.
Fronting of "Yesterday" does not require inversion.
Never have I seen this.
Никогда я не видел этого.
Inversion after negative adverbial "Never".
Never have I seen this.
Никогда я не видел этого.
Inversion after negative adverbial "Never".
In the morning, we usually work from home.
Утром мы обычно работаем из дома.
Fronting of time adverbial without inversion.
In the morning, we usually work from home.
Утром мы обычно работаем из дома.
Fronting of time adverbial without inversion.
Rarely does he complain.
Редко он жалуется.
Inversion after negative adverbial "Rarely".
Rarely does he complain.
Редко он жалуется.
Inversion after negative adverbial "Rarely".
On the table, there was a book.
На столе была книга.
Fronting of place adverbial without inversion.
On the table, there was a book.
На столе была книга.
Fronting of place adverbial without inversion.
Only then did she realize the truth.
Только тогда она осознала правду.
Inversion after restrictive "Only then".
Only then did she realize the truth.
Только тогда она осознала правду.
Inversion after restrictive "Only then".
This book I really enjoyed.
Эту книгу я действительно наслаждался.
Object fronting without inversion.
This book I really enjoyed.
Эту книгу я действительно наслаждался.
Object fronting without inversion.
Not only did she finish, but she also improved it.
Она не только закончила, но и улучшила.
Inversion after "Not only".
Not only did she finish, but she also improved it.
Она не только закончила, но и улучшила.
Inversion after "Not only".
Inversion should occur only in constructions that license it and should use the appropriate auxiliary and subject order.
For example, Never have I seen such a thing is grammatical, but ordinary fronted expressions do not automatically trigger inversion.
Never have I seen such a thing.
Никогда я не видел такого.
Correct inversion after "Never".
Never have I seen such a thing.
Никогда я не видел такого.
Correct inversion after "Never".
Yesterday have I seen such a thing.
Вчера я видел такое.
Incorrect: ordinary fronted adverbial does not trigger inversion.
Yesterday have I seen such a thing.
Вчера я видел такое.
Incorrect: ordinary fronted adverbial does not trigger inversion.
Only then did she realize the truth.
Только тогда она осознала правду.
Correct inversion after "Only then".
Only then did she realize the truth.
Только тогда она осознала правду.
Correct inversion after "Only then".
Only then she realized the truth.
Только тогда она осознала правду.
Incorrect: missing inversion after "Only then".
Only then she realized the truth.
Только тогда она осознала правду.
Incorrect: missing inversion after "Only then".
Not only did she finish, but she also improved it.
Она не только закончила, но и улучшила.
Correct inversion after "Not only".
Not only did she finish, but she also improved it.
Она не только закончила, но и улучшила.
Correct inversion after "Not only".
Not only she finished, but she also improved it.
Она не только закончила, но и улучшила.
Incorrect: missing inversion after "Not only".
Not only she finished, but she also improved it.
Она не только закончила, но и улучшила.
Incorrect: missing inversion after "Not only".
Rarely does he complain.
Редко он жалуется.
Correct inversion after "Rarely".
Rarely does he complain.
Редко он жалуется.
Correct inversion after "Rarely".
Rarely he complains.
Редко он жалуется.
Incorrect: missing inversion after "Rarely".
Rarely he complains.
Редко он жалуется.
Incorrect: missing inversion after "Rarely".
A grammatically possible sentence may still be difficult to understand if it contains too many unnecessary clauses or embeddings.
Break long sentences into smaller units when the relationships between ideas become difficult to follow.
The report that was written by the committee that was appointed last year was approved.
Отчёт, написанный комитетом, который был назначен в прошлом году, был одобрен.
Grammatically correct but overly complex with multiple relative clauses.
The report that was written by the committee that was appointed last year was approved.
Отчёт, написанный комитетом, который был назначен в прошлом году, был одобрен.
Grammatically correct but overly complex with multiple relative clauses.
The report was approved. It was written by the committee. The committee was appointed last year.
Отчёт был одобрен. Он был написан комитетом. Комитет был назначен в прошлом году.
Simpler: broken into shorter sentences for clarity.
The report was approved. It was written by the committee. The committee was appointed last year.
Отчёт был одобрен. Он был написан комитетом. Комитет был назначен в прошлом году.
Simpler: broken into shorter sentences for clarity.
The data that were collected during the experiment that was conducted over five years were analyzed.
Данные, собранные в ходе эксперимента, который проводился пять лет, были проанализированы.
Overly complex with embedded relative clauses.
The data that were collected during the experiment that was conducted over five years were analyzed.
Данные, собранные в ходе эксперимента, который проводился пять лет, были проанализированы.
Overly complex with embedded relative clauses.
The experiment was conducted over five years. The data were collected during it. Then the data were analyzed.
Эксперимент проводился пять лет. Данные были собраны в ходе него. Затем данные были проанализированы.
Simpler: broken into shorter sentences.
The experiment was conducted over five years. The data were collected during it. Then the data were analyzed.
Эксперимент проводился пять лет. Данные были собраны в ходе него. Затем данные были проанализированы.
Simpler: broken into shorter sentences.
The theory that was proposed by the scientist who won the prize that was awarded last year is controversial.
Теория, предложенная учёным, который получил премию, присуждённую в прошлом году, является спорной.
Overly complex with multiple embeddings.
The theory that was proposed by the scientist who won the prize that was awarded last year is controversial.
Теория, предложенная учёным, который получил премию, присуждённую в прошлом году, является спорной.
Overly complex with multiple embeddings.
The scientist won a prize last year. He proposed a theory. The theory is controversial.
Учёный получил премию в прошлом году. Он предложил теорию. Теория спорна.
Simpler: broken into shorter sentences.
The scientist won a prize last year. He proposed a theory. The theory is controversial.
Учёный получил премию в прошлом году. Он предложил теорию. Теория спорна.
Simpler: broken into shorter sentences.
The book that I bought that was recommended by the teacher who teaches at the school that is near my house is excellent.
Книга, которую я купил, которую рекомендовал учитель, который преподаёт в школе, которая находится рядом с моим домом, отличная.
Overly complex with multiple relative clauses.
The book that I bought that was recommended by the teacher who teaches at the school that is near my house is excellent.
Книга, которую я купил, которую рекомендовал учитель, который преподаёт в школе, которая находится рядом с моим домом, отличная.
Overly complex with multiple relative clauses.
I bought a book. The teacher recommended it. The teacher works at a school near my house. The book is excellent.
Я купил книгу. Учитель рекомендовал её. Учитель работает в школе рядом с моим домом. Книга отличная.
Simpler: broken into shorter sentences.
I bought a book. The teacher recommended it. The teacher works at a school near my house. The book is excellent.
Я купил книгу. Учитель рекомендовал её. Учитель работает в школе рядом с моим домом. Книга отличная.
Simpler: broken into shorter sentences.
Sentence structure should make clear which words and phrases modify or relate to each other.
Poor placement of modifiers, pronouns, or clauses can create multiple possible interpretations.
I saw the man with the telescope.
Я видел мужчину с телескопом.
Ambiguous: the man had a telescope, or I used a telescope to see him.
I saw the man with the telescope.
Я видел мужчину с телескопом.
Ambiguous: the man had a telescope, or I used a telescope to see him.
I used a telescope to see the man.
Я использовал телескоп, чтобы увидеть мужчину.
Clear: the telescope was used by the speaker.
I used a telescope to see the man.
Я использовал телескоп, чтобы увидеть мужчину.
Clear: the telescope was used by the speaker.
I saw the man who had a telescope.
Я видел мужчину, у которого был телескоп.
Clear: the man had the telescope.
I saw the man who had a telescope.
Я видел мужчину, у которого был телескоп.
Clear: the man had the telescope.
She told her sister that she was wrong.
Она сказала своей сестре, что она была неправа.
Ambiguous: "she" could refer to the speaker or the sister.
She told her sister that she was wrong.
Она сказала своей сестре, что она была неправа.
Ambiguous: "she" could refer to the speaker or the sister.
She told her sister, "I was wrong."
Она сказала своей сестре: «Я была неправа».
Clear: "I" refers to the speaker.
She told her sister, "I was wrong."
Она сказала своей сестре: «Я была неправа».
Clear: "I" refers to the speaker.
She told her sister that the sister was wrong.
Она сказала своей сестре, что сестра была неправа.
Clear: "the sister" refers to the sister.
She told her sister that the sister was wrong.
Она сказала своей сестре, что сестра была неправа.
Clear: "the sister" refers to the sister.
The chicken was too hot to eat.
Курица была слишком горячей, чтобы есть.
Ambiguous: the chicken was too hot for us to eat, or the chicken was too hot to eat anything.
The chicken was too hot to eat.
Курица была слишком горячей, чтобы есть.
Ambiguous: the chicken was too hot for us to eat, or the chicken was too hot to eat anything.
The chicken was so hot that we could not eat it.
Курица была такой горячей, что мы не могли её есть.
Clear: the chicken was too hot for us to eat.
The chicken was so hot that we could not eat it.
Курица была такой горячей, что мы не могли её есть.
Clear: the chicken was too hot for us to eat.
A modifier should clearly refer to the noun or clause it logically describes.
For example, Walking down the street, I saw the church is clear, while Walking down the street, the church appeared can create a dangling-modifier interpretation.
Walking down the street, I saw the church.
Идя по улице, я увидел церковь.
Clear: the subject "I" is the one walking.
Walking down the street, I saw the church.
Идя по улице, я увидел церковь.
Clear: the subject "I" is the one walking.
Walking down the street, the church appeared.
Идя по улице, церковь появилась.
Dangling modifier: the church was not walking.
Walking down the street, the church appeared.
Идя по улице, церковь появилась.
Dangling modifier: the church was not walking.
Having finished the report, she submitted it.
Закончив отчёт, она отправила его.
Clear: she finished the report and she submitted it.
Having finished the report, she submitted it.
Закончив отчёт, она отправила его.
Clear: she finished the report and she submitted it.
Having finished the report, the submission was made.
Закончив отчёт, отправка была сделана.
Dangling modifier: the submission did not finish the report.
Having finished the report, the submission was made.
Закончив отчёт, отправка была сделана.
Dangling modifier: the submission did not finish the report.
To improve your writing, you should read more.
Чтобы улучшить своё письмо, ты должен больше читать.
Clear: "you" is the one improving writing.
To improve your writing, you should read more.
Чтобы улучшить своё письмо, ты должен больше читать.
Clear: "you" is the one improving writing.
To improve your writing, reading more is helpful.
Чтобы улучшить своё письмо, больше читать полезно.
Dangling modifier: reading is not improving your writing.
To improve your writing, reading more is helpful.
Чтобы улучшить своё письмо, больше читать полезно.
Dangling modifier: reading is not improving your writing.
While studying for the exam, he fell asleep.
Готовясь к экзамену, он заснул.
Clear: he was studying.
While studying for the exam, he fell asleep.
Готовясь к экзамену, он заснул.
Clear: he was studying.
While studying for the exam, the book fell on the floor.
Готовясь к экзамену, книга упала на пол.
Dangling modifier: the book was not studying.
While studying for the exam, the book fell on the floor.
Готовясь к экзамену, книга упала на пол.
Dangling modifier: the book was not studying.
Some verbs require complements or objects to form a complete clause in a particular meaning.
For example, She put the keys requires a place complement in the intended sense, so She put the keys is incomplete in that use.
She put the keys on the table.
Она положила ключи на стол.
Complete: "put" requires an object and a place expression.
She put the keys on the table.
Она положила ключи на стол.
Complete: "put" requires an object and a place expression.
She put the keys.
Она положила ключи.
Incomplete: "put" requires a place complement.
She put the keys.
Она положила ключи.
Incomplete: "put" requires a place complement.
He gave me a present.
Он дал мне подарок.
Complete: "gave" requires an indirect and direct object.
He gave me a present.
Он дал мне подарок.
Complete: "gave" requires an indirect and direct object.
He gave me.
Он дал мне.
Incomplete: "gave" requires a direct object as well.
He gave me.
Он дал мне.
Incomplete: "gave" requires a direct object as well.
She became a doctor.
Она стала врачом.
Complete: "became" requires a subject complement.
She became a doctor.
Она стала врачом.
Complete: "became" requires a subject complement.
She became.
Она стала.
Incomplete: "became" requires a subject complement.
She became.
Она стала.
Incomplete: "became" requires a subject complement.
They elected him president.
Они избрали его президентом.
Complete: "elected" requires an object and an object complement.
They elected him president.
Они избрали его президентом.
Complete: "elected" requires an object and an object complement.
They elected him.
Они избрали его.
Incomplete: "elected" requires an object complement in this sense.
They elected him.
Они избрали его.
Incomplete: "elected" requires an object complement in this sense.
Do not add objects or complements that the verb or construction does not require or support.
For example, The baby slept is complete, and adding an unnecessary direct object can make the structure ungrammatical.
The baby slept.
Ребёнок спал.
Complete: "slept" is intransitive and takes no object.
The baby slept.
Ребёнок спал.
Complete: "slept" is intransitive and takes no object.
The baby slept the bed.
Ребёнок спал кровать.
Incorrect: "slept" does not take a direct object.
The baby slept the bed.
Ребёнок спал кровать.
Incorrect: "slept" does not take a direct object.
She arrived.
Она прибыла.
Complete: "arrived" is intransitive.
She arrived.
Она прибыла.
Complete: "arrived" is intransitive.
She arrived the station.
Она прибыла вокзал.
Incorrect: "arrived" does not take a direct object.
She arrived the station.
Она прибыла вокзал.
Incorrect: "arrived" does not take a direct object.
He is happy.
Он счастлив.
Complete: "is" takes a subject complement.
He is happy.
Он счастлив.
Complete: "is" takes a subject complement.
He is happy a man.
Он счастлив мужчина.
Incorrect: unnecessary complement after "happy".
He is happy a man.
Он счастлив мужчина.
Incorrect: unnecessary complement after "happy".
They laughed.
Они смеялись.
Complete: "laughed" is intransitive.
They laughed.
Они смеялись.
Complete: "laughed" is intransitive.
They laughed the joke.
Они смеялись шутку.
Incorrect: "laughed" does not take a direct object.
They laughed the joke.
Они смеялись шутку.
Incorrect: "laughed" does not take a direct object.
Accurate sentence structure requires control of word order, clause boundaries, sentence types, coordination, subordination, complements, adverbials, ellipsis, substitution, connectors, and emphasis.
Before correcting a sentence, identify its clauses and grammatical functions first, then determine whether the problem concerns structure, word order, punctuation, or information organization.
She opened the door.
Она открыла дверь.
Correct: subject + verb + object.
She opened the door.
Она открыла дверь.
Correct: subject + verb + object.
The children are playing outside.
Дети играют на улице.
Correct: subject + verb phrase + adverbial.
The children are playing outside.
Дети играют на улице.
Correct: subject + verb phrase + adverbial.
I was tired, so I went home.
Я устал, поэтому пошёл домой.
Correct: compound sentence with "so".
I was tired, so I went home.
Я устал, поэтому пошёл домой.
Correct: compound sentence with "so".
Because I was tired, I went home.
Поскольку я устал, я пошёл домой.
Correct: complex sentence with dependent clause.
Because I was tired, I went home.
Поскольку я устал, я пошёл домой.
Correct: complex sentence with dependent clause.
The plan was expensive; however, we approved it.
План был дорогим; однако мы его одобрили.
Correct: sentence connector with semicolon.
The plan was expensive; however, we approved it.
План был дорогим; однако мы его одобрили.
Correct: sentence connector with semicolon.
Never have I seen such a thing.
Никогда я не видел такого.
Correct: inversion after negative adverbial.
Never have I seen such a thing.
Никогда я не видел такого.
Correct: inversion after negative adverbial.
It was John who called me.
Это Джон мне позвонил.
Correct: cleft sentence for emphasis.
It was John who called me.
Это Джон мне позвонил.
Correct: cleft sentence for emphasis.
What I need is more time.
Что мне нужно, так это больше времени.
Correct: pseudo-cleft with "What".
What I need is more time.
Что мне нужно, так это больше времени.
Correct: pseudo-cleft with "What".