In order to bring a paper to the next level, the paper must contain sentence variety. Sentence variety means using a variety of sentence patterns, lengths, and rhythms. This makes writing flow better. Some ways to create sentence variety include combining sentences, transitions, beginning with an adverb, and beginning with a prepositional phrase.
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The first way to create sentence variety would be to combine sentences. Too many simple sentences can make your writing seem choppy. One way to combine the sentences is to use a verb ending in –ing. For example, you can combine the following two sentences into one:
“He studied all night. He passed the exam.”
“Having studied all night, he passed the exam.”
The second way to combine two simple sentences would be to use a verb ending in an –ed verb. An example of this would be instead of having the two sentences:
“The child ran through the house hollering. The child was excited about her gift.” “Excited by her gift, the child ran through the house hollering.”
Transitions, adverbs, and prepositional phrases can all be used in addition to combined sentences to create sentence variety. Transitions are another great way to create sentence variety. Some examples of transitions include: after that, however, furthermore, and in addition. Adverbs work great for creating for sentence variety. Luckily, unfortunately, and interestingly are all adverbs that could be used to create sentence variety in your writing. Beginning a sentence with a prepositional phrase can create sentence variety in an interesting way. Some prepositional phrases are in the morning, at lunchtime, and under the desk.
Sentence variety can create a more advanced paper and improve your writing level. Combining sentences, adding transitions, using adverbs and prepositional phrases to begin your sentences are all great and simple ways to create sentences.
BIO: Stephanie is a sophomore working towards getting a dual degree in Fashion Merchandising & Management and Psychology. This is her first semester being a writing tutor.
Sources:
Herring, D. (n.d.). Sentence Variety [PPT]. Brenham: Brenham Writing Room.
Weber, R., & Brizee, A. (2013, March 1). Purdue OWL: Strategies for Variation. Retrieved from https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/573/01/
