0

I found 1a on a Jr. High EFL listening test. Is the punctuation here in 1a acceptable in this context?

1a) There are many things I have to do on Saturday. To clean my room and to water my garden.

I agree that there are better ways that 1a could be written. But my question is, is it acceptable to treat an infinitive phrase as a complete sentence like this?

Please answer with a reputable source.

1 Answer 1

1

I would say that is incorrect, especially if it's on an EFL test. A complete sentence must have a subject and verb. Your second clause is a sentence fragment that probably should be joined with the first sentence. I'd suggest, "There are many things I have to do on Saturday, like clean my room and water my garden."

3
  • I would say like cleaning my room and watering my garden.
    – Anonym
    Oct 14, 2015 at 2:47
  • I would personally just exchange the period with a semicolon . But it's not that easy. I have to be able to show proof that this is wrong. I believe it is wrong. I need to see the linguistic rule from a reputable source that says this is wrong. Otherwise it is just an opinion and I cannot influence the teacher I'm in contest with. Oct 14, 2015 at 2:57
  • Thank you. I just looked at the link that you provided. I think it will be enough. Who is the authority on what is an incorrect sentence anyway? I've seen the craziest shenanigans being passed for acceptable. Oct 14, 2015 at 3:00

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.