Understanding Mixed Constructions in Writing

Definition

• Mixed Construction: A sentence that starts with one grammatical pattern but ends with another, causing confusion and disrupting flow.
• Common issue: The initial subject or structure doesn't logically align with the rest of the sentence.

Examples of Mixed Constructions

1. Subject Misalignment:

   • Incorrect: "The fact that design elements are as important to a play's success as actors."
   • Issue: The subject is actually "the fact," not "design elements."
   • Correction: "The fact that design elements are as important to a play's success as actors is often overlooked by students."

2. Adverbial Clauses:

   • Incorrect: "When a set is successful design pleases actors and theatergoers alike."
   • Issue: "Successful" should complete the adverbial phrase properly.
   • Correction: "When a set is successful, it pleases actors and theatergoers alike."

3. Subject and Predicate Inconsistency:

   • Incorrect: "The most valued trait in an employee is a person who is loyal."
   • Issue: "A person" cannot be a "trait."
   • Correction: "The most valued trait in an employee is loyalty."

4. Phrases like 'is when,' 'is where,' or 'the reason is because':

   • Incorrect: "Indigestion is when you cannot digest food."
   • Correction: "Indigestion is the inability to digest food."

Identifying and Fixing Mixed Constructions

• Look for Structure Changes: Sentences that shift structure midway often indicate mixed constructions.

  • Example: "The fact that the marathon is 26 miles, a length that explains why I never have finished it."
  • Issue: Starts with "the fact" but never completes the independent clause.

• Dangling Participles:

  • Example: "Walking into the room, the book on the table caught his eye."
  • Issue: Unclear who is "walking into the room."

• Ensuring Logical Consistency:

  • Check that phrases or clauses work together logically.
  • Ensure subject and predicate are consistent.
  • Example Correction: "Learning to ballroom dance has shown increased agility and longevity." Corrected to "Studies have shown that learning to ballroom dance increases agility and lengthens lifespan."

Summary

• Mixed Constructions: These sentences confuse readers by mixing incompatible grammatical elements.
• Solution: Be mindful of these errors and revise sentences for clarity, coherence, and engagement.