diff --git a/README b/README
index 5a35bc0..68b20f9 100644
--- a/README
+++ b/README
@@ -18,15 +18,16 @@ commented, although currently there is only one author. Buyer beware!
 Requirements:
     1. python 2.3 or higher
     2. ncurses
+    3. bash
 
 Optional Dependencies:
-    1. ispell
-    2. aespipe
-    3. perl
-    4. ctags
-    5. cvs
-    6. svn
-    7. grep
+    * aespipe [for aes-encrypted buffers]
+    * ctags   [for ctags support]
+    * cvs     [for cvs-based commands]
+    * grep    [for grep-based commands]
+    * ispell  [for spell-as-you-type]
+    * perl    [for perl syntax-checking]
+    * svn     [for svn-based commands]
 
 Quick Start Guide:
     1. Download and unpack the pmacs tarball file. After this, there should be
diff --git a/mode/sh.py b/mode/sh.py
index fcaf7dd..a8ae144 100644
--- a/mode/sh.py
+++ b/mode/sh.py
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
+import commands
 import color, mode2, tab2
 from lex3 import Grammar, PatternRule, RegionRule
+from method import Method
 
 class StringGrammar(Grammar):
     rules = [
@@ -94,5 +96,18 @@ class Sh(mode2.Fundamental):
         'comment':         ('red', 'default'),
         'continuation':    ('red', 'default'),
     }
-    def name(self):
-        return "Sh"
+    def __init__(self, w):
+        mode2.Fundamental.__init__(self, w)
+        self.add_action_and_bindings(ShCheckSyntax(), ('C-c s',))
+
+class ShCheckSyntax(Method):
+    '''Check the syntax of a shell script'''
+    def _execute(self, w, **vargs):
+        app = w.application
+        cmd = "bash -n %r" % w.buffer.path
+        (status, output) = commands.getstatusoutput(cmd)
+        if status == 0:
+            app.set_error("Syntax OK")
+            app.data_buffer("*Sh-Check-Syntax*", output, switch_to=False)
+        else:
+            app.data_buffer("*Sh-Check-Syntax*", output)