EGL 111: Introduction to Business/Technical Writing
                               
Maureen Douglas, Professor of English
                                                       Coordinator, Business/Technical Writing
                                                               Oakton Community College

847/635-1848                                     douglas@oakton.edu             office: 2602/DesPlaines Campus
copyright 1999 Maureen Douglas

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Grammar and Sentence Structure

Dear Writing Student:

Since the sentence is the primary unit of written expression, the structure of the sentence to a large extent, dictates the clarity and fluency of the communication.

It is important for a good writer to:

  • Understand the units that comprise an English sentence (clauses and phrases)

  • Consciously build sentences that clearly and emphatically convey intended meaning.

  • Use subordinating and coordinating conjunctions correctly and effectively to establish relationships between ideas and achieve emphasis.

  • Expand your vocabulary!  You cannot write fluently, concisely or clearly without using precise words.

    If you need to review clauses and phrases, be sure to do so. The following grammar resources are available:

A Grammar Handbook (several available - required)
    Prentice-Hall (recommended)

Online Writing Labs
    Purdue University's online writing lab- (the best)