Error (Pet Peeve) #1: Poor Sentence Structure and Variety (continued)

POOR SENTENCE VARIETY

To avoid poor writing, avoid poor sentence structure. Always ensure that your sentences have a subject and verb.

Poor sentence variety is another common error that results in poor writing. Some individuals use too many complex sentences that result in reader confusion. Other individuals use too many simple sentences; this renders choppy writing. For example:

Jane is a girl. Jane is happy. She likes to play with dolls. Jane also likes to play with toy trucks. She does not like to stop playing. She throws temper tantrums.  

Good writers use a combination of both complex and simple sentences.

The use of coordination and subordination can make your writings interesting to your readers and can increase clarity and flow of thought.

Coordination Coordination combines simple sentences using a coordinating conjunction and a comma or a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb. Each sentence is given equal attention.   Coordination Examples   Example 1: Sentence 1 [comma] (coordinating conjunction) Sentence 2.   Coordinating conjunctions:  and, but, or, yet, etc.    Jane likes to play with dolls and trucks, but she does not like to stop playing.    Example 2: Sentence 1 [semicolon] (conjunctive adverb) [comma] Sentence 2.   Conjunctive adverbs: however, therefore, moreover, consequently, etc.   Jane has a difficult time transitioning between activities; consequently, she needs to be given a five minute warning before she transitions.   Punctuation Tip: The first sentence that ends is followed by a semicolon, a conjunctive adverb, a comma, and then the second sentence.   Example 3: Sentence 1 [semicolon] Sentence 2.   Punctuation Tip: The sentences must be related to use a semicolon.   Jane likes to play with dolls and trucks; she does not like to stop playing.

 

 

Subordination Subordination combines simple sentences and makes one dependent upon the other.    Subordination Examples   Example 1: Sentence 1 (subordinating word) Sentence 2.   Subordinate words: Because, since, when, although, if, etc.   Jane will throw a tantrum if you ask her to stop playing with her toys.   Punctuation Tip: No comma is used when the subordinate word is between two sentences.   Example 2: (Subordinating word) Sentence 1 [comma] Sentence 2.   When you ask Jane to stop playing with her toys, she will throw a tantrum.   Punctuation Tip: A comma separates the dependent sentence (first sentence) from the independent one (second sentence).

Check Your Understanding Activity

Directions: Read the paragraph.

Jane is a seven year old young lady. She has many positive attributes___ however, these attributes are often overshadowed by her many behavioral problems. Jane is caring, loving, and helpful___ she enjoys helping her mother clean and her father work in the yard. When Jane is in a good mood___ she plays and shares with others. When Jane is not in a good mood___ she does not get along with others. Jane will hit her friends___ when they try to play with her toys. Jane often throws tantrums and is non compliant toward adults.

 

Directions: Now that you have read the paragraph, use the coordination and subordination rules to fill in the correct punctuation for each of the sentences. If no punctuation is needed, type the word "none" as your answer.

 

 

 

 

 

MIND MOLDER

Be Precise:  The use of coordination and subordination can make your writings interesting and increase clarity and flow of thought.  However, the use of too many transitional words, which are used in coordination and subordination, can also result in less precise writing. APA style requires precision in writing.  Use transitional words; however, make sure that you limit their use. Read pp. 65-70 of the Publication Manual, 3.05 - 3.11Writing Style.

 

Download the sentence variety chart to assist you in your writing.

 

 

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