A common issue in writing is lack of sentence variation (writers may fall into a pattern of using only one type of sentence). However, using more composite sentences that combine ideas and information allows writers to spice up sentence variety, avoid redundancy, and convey ideas more precisely.

In this issue of Grammatically Correct we’ll look at two ways to combine information: using compound sentences and using complex sentences. Now let’s look at the definitions of three types of sentences—simple, compound, and complex—and strategies for converting simple sentences into compound or complex ones.

Simple sentence: A simple sentence is also called an independent clause; a simple sentence should contain at least one subject and one verb and be a complete thought. In the following examples, the subject is highlighted in blue and the verbs are highlighted in green.

Examples

1.)    The cat meows at the door.

2.)    James goes to the pool and swims every evening.

Compound sentence: A compound sentence is one which contains two or more independent clauses usually joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, or, but, yet, so). Compound sentences work most effectively when the writer creates a balance or contrast between two or more equally-important pieces of information.

Strategy: Join independent clauses that are related and of relatively equal importance with a comma and a coordinating conjunction.

Examples

1.)    The stock market dropped by ten points, but the stock exchange increased by fifty percent.

2.)    The United States has one of the highest murder rates in the world, and it also has the least stringent gun-control laws.

In these examples, each clause is relatively equal in importance to the other clause in the sentence and both clauses relate to a common topic. Example one shows a relationship between the stock market and the stock exchange, while example two shows the relationship between murder rates and lax gun-control laws. Note that compound sentences are very useful for demonstrating relationships between equal or nearly equal ideas.

Complex sentence: A complex sentence should contain at least one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. The dependent clause must be signaled by either a subordinating conjunction (because, since, after, although, when, before, though, unless, until, etc.), a relative pronoun (which, that, who, or whom), or a relative adverb (why, where, or when).

Strategy: Add a dependent clause to the independent clause (simple sentence).

In the following examples, the dependent clauses are italicized and the signaling words are bolded.

Examples

1.)    Although they found promising results, the researchers could not guarantee that any repetition of the experiment was possible.

2.)    The mind-body problem, which has been debated in philosophy and science for centuries, may never truly be solved.

3.)    My friend Julia and I took a trip to Nebraska where we saw the famous timber wolves.

In the examples above, the information contained in the dependent clause is related to but less important than the other clauses. In other words, complex sentences are useful for showing unequal relationships or ideas.

As you revise, you may want to pay special attention to the number of simple sentences that you use. If you notice many simple sentences in the document, consider revising those sentences into compound or complex sentences in order to maintain sentence variety. Keep in mind that an effective paper uses all three types of sentences to promote variety, engage the audience, and avoid redundancy.

In addition to our own website, this week we recommend Webgrammar’s Writing Center. Webgrammar contains free tips about grammar, references, editing, spelling, and much more. Visit Webgrammar’s Writing Center at http://www.webgrammar.com/writingcenter.html.

Test your sentence variety by revising the following simple sentences into compound or complex sentences. Remember, there may be more than one correct answer based on the way you wish to combine ideas.

1. Researchers Smith and Jarrett (2002) exposed 200 fifth-graders to classical music over a period of three years. They found that classical music promotes accelerated learning.

2. The economic business model has been proven accurate within 98.65 percent. Economists always use it in their calculations.

3. The standard English text-book for high-school is the Norton Anthology of English Literature. This text contains works by over 100 classic British authors.

Answers

1. Researchers Smith and Jarrett (2002), who exposed 200 fifth-graders to classical music over a period three years, found that music promotes accelerated learning.

2. Since the economic business model has been proven accurate within 98.65 percent, economists always use it in their calculations.

3. The standard English text-book for high-school is the Norton Anthology of English Literature, which contains works by over 100 classic British authors.

Grammatically Correct is a grammar tip of the week created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors at the University of Houston-Victoria in Victoria, Texas.

Comments about this newsletter should be directed to Summer Leibensperger, leibenspergers@uhv.edu.

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