Untangle Grammatical Structures

Mixed constructions are common in rough drafts as writers are still organizing their thoughts. They tend to occur when a sentence begins intending to introduce something, but shifts to another structure without warning.

Avoid using two subjects when only one is necessary. For example:

The new trash tax charged to students, we began to use it in the fall. (Mixed Construction)

We began to charge students the new trash tax in the fall. (Revision)

Mixed constructions also occur when the subject is introduced with a prepositional phrase or adverb clause and is also treated as the subject of the sentence. Consider the following revisions:

For many students who do not use trash cans increases the risk of a charge. (Mixed Construction)

For many students who do not use trash cans, the risk of a charge is increased. (Revision)

Although the winter semester has not yet begun has caused the student government to get over anxious to raise money. (Mixed Construction)

Although the winter semester has not yet begun, the student government is anxious to raise money. (Revision)