Edit like an Editor: A Wattpad Featured Guide ✔

ANSWERS: Writing

1. Is this clause independent or dependent?

Until the sun sets.

This clause is dependent. What will or won't happen until the sun sets? We don't know. While this clause can pass by in dialogue, if it is in your narrative, it is an incomplete sentence and should be fixed. However, fiction is also an art. If it's part of your character's stream of consciousness, it can stand on it's own.

2. Is this clause independent or dependent?

I went to the store, but forgot to buy milk.

This clause is independent. It is a complete sentence and can stand on its own.

3. Is this a run-on sentence?

Sherry turned the doorknob and peeked into the room, risking the wrath of Mrs. Mauzy, who has no patience for students walking into class late.

No, it is a complete sentence.

4. Is there a comma splice in this paragraph? If so, how many?

Participants could leave the study at any time, they needed to indicate their preference. The results of the study were inconclusive, therefore more research needs to be done on the topic. The patient shows no improvement in any of the vital signs. The doctors, who were using peer-reviewed research articles that contributed to the body of knowledge in their field, improved their knowledge of obstetrics.

Yes, there are two comma splices. In the first sentence - in between time and they. In the second sentence - in between inconclusive and therefore. This is how it should be properly formatted:

Participants could leave the study at any time. They needed to indicate their preference. The results of the study were inconclusive; therefore, more research needs to be done on the topic. The patient shows no improvement in any of the vital signs. The doctors, who were using peer-reviewed research articles that contributed to the body of knowledge in their field, improved their knowledge of obstetrics.

5. Mix and match the following verbs with its correct verb tense.

Future Simple: By the time we finish this, the show will begin.

Past Perfect Progressive: Last time we had driven to the theatre hall, we had almost been late.

Present Perfect: We need to leave now if we're going to make it on time.

6. Would you change any of the verb tenses in this paragraph? If so, which verbs and what would you change them to?

"Thank you for helping me out yesterday. It was a handful by myself, if it had not been for you two. I told you, she wasn't actually going to show up. She never keeps promises, anymore. I have been wondering what could have happened for her to just keep going back on her word. It is a real shame."

7. Is this showing or telling?

She shook her head in disbelief.

Telling. You are showing she is dumbfounded by shaking her head, but then tell the reader what it means with "disbelief."

8. Is this showing or telling?

"I'm sure she wanted to help out," he said.

Showing, because it's apparent in the dialogue that he's trying to convince her otherwise.

9. What literary devices can you spot in this example?