sentence structure | Writing with Clarity

Sentence Variety: Tweak the Beginning but Keep it Short

Oct 21, 2013 | Effective Writing

Occasionally using an introductory clause or phrase adds variety to sentence structure, but keep the opening elements short. The goal of a writer should be to create clear, graceful prose that a reader can easily absorb and process. One way to achieve that is through...

Structure Sentences for Variety and Emphasis

Nov 15, 2012 | Editing, Effective Writing

We are familiar with the subject-verb-object sentence structure, but a series of consecutive sentences constructed that way is boring to read. Add a little variety to make the writing more lively and more emphatic. Part of what distinguishes good writing is that...

Where Clear Writing Comes From: Words, Sentence Structure, Punctuation

Nov 13, 2012 | Editing, Effective Writing

Clarity is always the preeminent concern when writing, and the most important factors that determine a clear sentence are word choice, sentence structure, and punctuation. People often associate clarity with sentence length, but a 55-word sentence can be immediately...

Make Writing More Lively and Effective: Vary Your Sentence Patterns

Jul 7, 2011 | Effective Writing

The simple, direct sentence is a key element of clear writing, but if you want to distinguish your prose from all the mediocrity, vary sentence structures. The ability to craft sentences for a purpose, such as to create variety or emphasis, is a hallmark of good...