Sentence Variety

Use Sentence Variety to SWEETEN up your writing!

What is sentence variety?

Sentence variety is the use of all four different sentence types.

O SimpleO CompoundO ComplexO Compound-complex

NOTE: This prevents the writing from being boring or seeming redundant.

Which paragraph is more effective?

I love living in the city. I have a wonderful view of the entire city. I have an apartment. I can see the Golden Gate Bridge. I can see many cargo ships pass under the bridge each day. I like the restaurants in San Francisco. I can find wonderful food from just about every country. I don’t like the traffic in the city.

I love living in the city of San Francisco. I have a wonderful view of the entire city from my apartment window. In addition, I can see the Golden Gate Bridge under which many cargo ships pass each day. I also like San Francisco because I can find wonderful restaurants with food from just about every country; however, I don’t like the traffic in the city.

Simple SentencesO Has one single subject-verb combinationFor example:

Joe runs.The dog ate my homework.

O A simple sentence can have more than one subject, more than one verb, or several subjects and verbs.

Compound SentencesO A compound sentence is made up of two or

more simple sentences. Usually, the two complete statements are connected by a comma and a coordinating conjunction.

ForAndNorButOrYet So

For example: The dog ate my homework, so I am in

trouble.

Jo-Jo was in Tuscon, and Loretta was

in San Diego.

Addition

contrast

contrast

choice

choice

result

cause

Purpose of Simple/Compound Sentences

O Now that you know the differences between simple and compound sentences, let’s look at when they are used.

O Simple /Compound Sentences:

Often used to show equality of two ideas.

Practice:Join these two statements with equal emphasis.Statement 1: My sister and I are beginning dance lessons.Statement 2: We’ll finish in six weeks.

My sister and I are beginning dance lessons, and we’ll finish in six weeks.

Coordinating Conjunctions(and, but, or, nor, for, so) Used to join equal parts.

Comma, Coordinating Conjunction

Correlative Conjunctions

O Conjunctions such as either…or neither…nor not only…but alsoboth…andUsed in simple and compound sentences to give equal

emphasis.

Statement 1: We will order a pizza tonight.Statement 2: We will pick up burgers.

We will either order pizza tonight or pick up burgers.

Other ways to join compound sentences

O Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses.O I love living in the city ; there are so many

things to do.

O Use a transition word and the appropriate punctuation (a semicolon before the transition and a comma after the transition).O I love San Francisco ; however, I hate the

traffic.

Note: See notes for a list of transitions.

PracticeUse an appropriate conjunction to combine the following

statements with equal emphasis.1. Statement 1: Today we will learn the basic steps.

Statement 2: Tomorrow we will combine them.

2. Statement 1: I will help you with the first problem.Statement 2: You will do the rest by yourself.

3. Statement 1: A personal trainer can assess your strengths and weaknesses.Statement 2: A personal trainer can design an individual program for you.

4. Statement 1: You can read the story silently and answer questions to yourself.Statement 2: You can read the story orally in a group and answer the questions together.

5. Statement 1: They are so tired after the race.Statement 2: They have enough energy to sing.

Possible AnswersUse an appropriate conjunction to combine the following

statements with equal emphasis.

1. Today we will learn the basic steps, but tomorrow we will combine them.

2. I will help you with the first problem, but you will do the rest by yourself.

3. A personal trainer can not only assess your strengths and weaknesses but also design an individual program for you.

4. You can either read the story silently and answer the questions yourself or read the story orally in a group and answer the questions together.

5. They are so tired after the race, but they have enough energy to sing.

Common Errors O Example of a run-on sentence:

The weatherman gave his forecast he said snow.What is wrong with this sentence?

The weatherman gave his forecast he said snow.Independent Clause

Independent Clause

Correcting Run-on Sentences1. The weatherman gave his forecast. He said snow.

2. The weatherman gave his forecast; he said snow.

3. The weatherman gave his forecast, and he said snow.

Semicolon

Comma, Coordinating Conjunction

Complex SentencesO A complex sentence is made of a complete

simple sentence and dependent clause that may begin with a dependent word (such as: although, before, that, which.)

For example:Although I told him not to, the dog ate my homework.

Jo-Jo was in Tuscon, which is very strange.

Just like a train engine, the main clause in a complex sentence doesn’t need to be attached to anything to make sense. It can run on its own.

However, Just like the train cars cannot move on their own, subordinate clauses do not make up a complete thought and need the main clause to make sense.

Types of Subordinate Clauses

O Subordinate clauses can be used to modify (or describe) a noun or pronoun in the main clause.

O Example:

She is the teacher who influenced me most.

What is the main(independent) clause?What is the subordinate clause?

Words Used to Introduce Adjective Clauses

Who Whom Whose Which That When Where

She is the teacherwho influenced me most

Notice that the subordinate clause “who influenced me most” tells us something about the teacher.

An adjective clause usually follows the word it modifies!

O Dorene auditioned for the part. The part was the lead in a new school play.

O My father is a fireman. He taught me many safety tips.

O The young girl cried in embarrassment. Her dress was torn.

O Alexis fixed a soufflé for dessert. The soufflé unfortunately fell.

O The movie was entertaining and funny. I chose if from his collection.

Combine the following sentences making a complex sentence using the following:

who whose which that where when

O Dorene auditioned for the part that was the lead for the new school play.

O My father, who is a fireman, has taught me many safety tips.

O The young girl whose dress was torn cried in embarrassment.

O Alexis fixed a souffle for dessert that unfortunately fell.

O The movie that I chose from his collection was entertaining and funny.

Possible Answers

Types of Subordinate Clauses

O Subordinate clauses can be used to modify a verb but can also modify an adjective or adverb.

O Example:

When the bell rang, the students left the class.

Common Subordinating ConjunctionsAfter before than whereAlthough because though wheneverAs even though until whereverAs soon as if unlessAs if in order that whenAlthough since while

Notice the adverb clause begins with when and modifies the verb left. It tells when the students left.

May tell:When Where Why HowTo what extentUnder what conditions

Punctuating Subordinate Clauses

1. Introductory Clause-Needs a comma after the subordinate clause

Although it rained , I walked home.

2. If the subordinate clause does not begin the sentence, it usually does not need a comma.

I was out of breath because I walked fast.

3. If the subordinate clause interrupts the flow of the sentence, set it off with commas.

The walk , even though it was only a mile, seemed to take forever.

1. The burning building is a danger. The roof might collapse.

2. You will leave the puppy all day. He may have an accident.

3. The mall is air-conditioned. They walk every day in the mall.

4. The weather will turn warmer. He will take you fishing then.

5. I will go to the store for groceries. Then I will cook the meal.

Combine the following sentences into complex sentences. Underline/highlight the subordinate clauses. Pay close attention to your use of punctuation.

O The burning building is a danger because the roof might collapse.

O If you leave the puppy all day, he might have an accident.

O They walk in the mall every day because it is air-conditioned.

O As soon as the weather turns warmer, he will take you fishing.

O After I go to the store for groceries, I will cook the meal.

Possible Answers

Compound-complex Sentences

OA compound-complex sentence is made up of two (or more) simple sentences and at least one dependent statement.

For example:Before my dog arrived, I always handed

in my homework, and I always got perfect grades.

Unless you come over here, Jo-Jo will go back to Tuscon, and Loretta will start to cry.

Varying Sentence Beginnings

Makes Writing Even Sweeter!!!!

Prepositional PhraseO Begin a sentence with a prepositional phrase.

1 – Charles left the room without a word.2 – Without a word, Charles left the room.

Punctuation Note: Place a comma after a preposition phrase when it is placed at the beginning of the sentence.

Change this sentence so that it begins with a prepositional phrase.

A fat yellow cat lay sleeping on the narrow sill.

-ing Verbs (Gerund)O Join two independent clauses using –ing verbs.O Change the verb in one of the sentences to an

–ing verb1 - He peered through the microscope.2 - He discovered a squiggly creature.3 – Peering through the microscope, he

discovered a squiggly creature.Punctuation Note: Be sure to place a comma after the gerund phrase and before your independent clause.

Gerund Practice

Combine these two sentences using a gerund (-ing verb).

1 – We drove to Tompkins Road.2 – We were surprised by the number of

“for sale” signs.

-ed Verbs (past participial)O Some sentences can be joined with a past

participial modifier. A sentence that contains a to be verb and a past participial can be changed into a past participial modifier.

1 – Judith is alarmed by the increase in meat prices.

2 – Judith has become a vegetarian.3 – Alarmed by the increase in meat prices,

Judith has become a vegetarian.Punctuation Note: Be sure to place a comma after the dependent clause and before your independent clause.

-ed verbsCombine the two sentences using a participial

phrase.

1 – The term paper was revised and rewritten.2 – It received an A.

AppositivesO An appositive is a word or group of words that

renames or describes a noun or pronoun.1 – Carlos is the new wrestling champion.2 – He is a native of Argentina.3 – A native of Argentina, Carlos is the new

wrestling champion.O Punctuation Note: Be sure to place a

comma after the dependent clause and before your independent clause.

Appositive PracticeCombine these sentences using an

appositive.1 – My uncle taught me to use water

colors.2 – He is a well-known artist.

Subordinate clauseO Begin a sentence with a subordinate

conjunction. When you want to emphasize the subordinate clause.

AlthoughAfterAsWhileWhenUntilBeforeBecauseIfSince (pronunciation—Ah-Whoo-bus)

I used to walk to school when I was little.

NOW Flip it!

When I was little, I used to walk to school.

Punctuation Note: When you start a sentence with a subordinating conjunction, place a comma between the subordinate clause and the independent clause.

Subordinate clause practice

Flip this sentence.

I went to bed after I completed the difficult homework assignment.

Emphasis of SentencesSentence 1: My dog is big and strong.Sentence 2: He is very gentle.OEqual emphasis: Join two sentences using a coordinating conjunction. (compound sentence)

O My dog is big and strong, but he is also very gentle.

OEmphasis of one sentence over another: Join the two statements as a complex sentence. This means that one statement will be dependent (subordinate), and one will be independent. The statement that you want to emphasize should be in the independent clause.

O My dog is big and strong although he is also very gentle.

O Even though my dog is big and strong, he is very gentle.

PracticeCombine these sentences so that statement 2 is emphasized.Practice 1Sentence 1: The towels are dirty.Sentence 2: We will wash the towels.

Practice 2:Sentence 1:It is raining now.Sentence 2:He will not cut the grass.

Practice 3(1) Geese are migratory as wild birds and are always associated with water. (2) They eat a mostly vegetarian diet of seeds and grass. (3) They can be nuisances to farmers with crops and to homeowners with newly planted grass. (4) They will also consume invertebrates if they are available.dependentWhich of the following sentences combines sentences 2 and 3 using subordination to emphasize the geese being a nuisance?A.They eat a mostly vegetarian diet of seeds or grass, so they can be nuisances to farmers with crops and homeowners with newly planted grass.B.They eat a mostly vegetarian diet of seeds or grass and can be nuisances to farmer with crops and homeowners with newly planted grass.C.Since they eat a mostly vegetarian diet of seeds or grass, they can be nuisances to farmers with crops and homeowners with newly planted grass.D.Although they can be nuisances to farmers with crops and homeowners with newly planted grass, they eat a mostly vegetarian diet of seeds or grass.

(1) Geese are migratory as wild birds and are always associated with water. (2) They eat a mostly vegetarian diet of seeds and grass. (3) They can be nuisances to farmers with crops and to homeowners with newly planted grass. (4) They will also consume invertebrates if they are available.Which of the following sentences combines sentences 2 and 3 using subordination to emphasize the geese being a nuisance?A. They eat a mostly vegetarian diet of seeds or grass, so they

can be nuisances to farmers with crops and homeowners with newly planted grass.

B. They eat a mostly vegetarian diet of seeds or grass and can be nuisances to farmer with crops and homeowners with newly planted grass.

C. Since they eat a mostly vegetarian diet of seeds or grass, they can be nuisances to farmers with crops and homeowners with newly planted grass.D. Although they can be nuisances to farmers with crops and homeowners with newly planted grass, they eat a mostly vegetarian diet of seeds or grass.Subordinate

IndependentSubordinate

Conjunction = emphasis

Practice 4(1) Scrapbooking can be a satisfying hobby with valuable results. (2) Family and friends can enjoy scrapbooks of photographs for years or even generations. (3) The journaling, or written facts, are helpful. (4) They give the viewer names, dates, and descriptions of the event pictured. (5) Scrapbooks are treasured gifts of unforgettable memories.dependentWhich of the following sentences combines sentences 3 and 4 using subordination to emphasize sentence 3? A. The journaling, or written facts, are helpful and give the

viewer names, dates, and descriptions of the event pictured.B. The journaling, or written facts, which give names, dates, and

descriptions, are helpful to the viewer.C. Since journaling, or written facts, are helpful, they give the

viewer names, dates, and descriptions of the events pictured.D. The journaling, or written facts, are helpful, and they give the

viewer names, dates, and descriptions of the event pictured.

Independent clause

Show What You KnowWhich paragraph below effectively utilizes a variety of sentence structures?

A. Since the persimmon, a hearty tree, grows well in many climates, it has become a cultivated fruit much larger and more delectable than they once were. The improved varieties of the orange fruit can be eaten like an apple or cooked in sweet baked goods, like cakes and pies. Healthier to eat, the persimmon helps to lower cholesterol, prevent heart problems, and lower blood pressure.

B. The persimmon tree is hearty and grows well in many climates. It has become a cultivated fruit and is much larger and more delectable than they used to be. The newer varieties can be cooked in sweet baked goods, like cakes or pies, or simply eaten like an apple. They are healthier fruits for people. They help to lower cholesterol, prevent heart problems, and lower blood pressure.

C. The hearty persimmon tree grows well in many climates. The newer varieties have been cultivated to make them better. They are larger and more delectable than in the past. The orange fruit can be simply eaten like an apple. It can be cooked in sweet baked goods, like cakes and pies. They are healthier because they help to lower cholesterol, prevent heart problems, and lower blood pressure.

D. The hearty persimmon tree has been cultivated since it grows well in many climates. New varieties are larger and more delectable. The orange fruit can be eaten simply like an apple. It can be cooked in sweet baked goods like cakes and pies. They are healthier to eat because they help to lower cholesterol, prevent heart problems, and lower blood pressure.

Color CodePink- simple sentenceBlue-compound sentenceYellow- complex sentenceGreen-compound-complex sentence

Show What You KnowWhich paragraph below effectively utilizes a variety of sentence structures?

A.Since the persimmon, a hearty tree, grows well in many climates, it has become a cultivated fruit much larger and more delectable than they once were. The improved varieties of the orange fruit can be eaten like an apple or cooked in sweet baked goods, like cakes and pies. Healthier to eat, the persimmon helps to lower cholesterol, prevent heart problems, and lower blood pressure.B.The persimmon tree is hearty and grows well in many climates. It has become a cultivated fruit and is much larger and more delectable than they used to be. The newer varieties can be cooked in sweet baked goods, like cakes or pies, or simply eaten like an apple. They are healthier fruits for people. They help to lower cholesterol, prevent heart problems, and lower blood pressure.C.The hearty persimmon tree grows well in many climates. The newer varieties have been cultivated to make them better. They are larger and more delectable than in the past. The orange fruit can be simply eaten like an apple. It can be cooked in sweet baked goods, like cakes and pies. They are healthier because they help to lower cholesterol, prevent heart problems, and lower blood pressure.D.The hearty persimmon tree has been cultivated since it grows well in many climates. New varieties are larger and more delectable. The orange fruit can be eaten simply like an apple. It can be cooked in sweet baked goods like cakes and pies. They are healthier to eat because they help to lower cholesterol, prevent heart problems, and lower blood pressure.

On Your Own…Which paragraph below effectively utilizes a variety of sentence structures?

A. I had anticipated my brother’s thirtieth birthday for two years and had planned every detail of his surprise party. I got so much pleasure from planning every black decoration and making a list of gag gifts as he dreaded his birthday more and more. He felt being thirty meant he was truly old, but he thoroughly enjoyed every gag gift. He has an album to remember it by.

B. Having anticipated my brother’s thirtieth birthday for two years, I had planned every detail of his surprise party. The more he dreaded his upcoming birthday, the more I enjoyed planning every black decoration and making a list of gag gifts. Even though he felt thirty meant he was truly old, he thoroughly enjoyed every gag gift and has an album to remind him of this momentous day.

C. I had anticipated my brother’s thirtieth birthday for two years. I had planned every detail of a party that was to be a surprise. I enjoyed planning every black decoration. Making a list of gag gifts was fun. He dreaded the birthday and thought it meant he was truly old. He thoroughly enjoyed every gag gift and has an album for all the memories of the party.

D. I could hardly wait for my brother to turn thirty because for two years I had planned a surprise birthday party for him. It was such fun to plan every black decoration and to make a list of gag gifts. He dreaded the birthday for months. He felt that turning thirty meant he was truly old. Still he enjoyed the party and every gag gift. He has an album to remind him of this important day.

Color CodePink- simple sentenceBlue-compound sentenceYellow- complex sentenceGreen-compound-complex sentence