Improving Sentence Fluency TWA #4 Improving Sentence Fluency

What is Sentence Fluency? Sentence Fluency= Varying your sentence structure 1 Way to Add Sentence Fluency: Different sentence beginnings (dependent clause, appositive phrase , verbal phrase, prepositional phrase, infinitive phrase)

Dependent Clause Begins with a group of words that cannot stand as a sentence by itself subordinate conjunction begins the clause Comma after the dependent clause if it begins the sentence EXAMPLES: Although they were very hungry, students were not allowed to eat in class. Because she studied every night, Mrs. Cook earned her Masters degree while keeping a 4.0 GPA. Even if she aced her test, she could not pass the course.

Appositive Phrase Rewording the subject of the sentence Commas are placed around the phrase to separate it EXAMPLES: My husband, Eric, has dark hair. Eric, my husband, has dark hair My school, the Union 9th Grade Center, is large. My job, teaching, makes me happy.

Verbal Phrase A phrase that uses a verbal and its modifiers (what it describes). Easiest to use “-ing” words Comma after the verbal clause if it begins the sentence EXAMPLES: Running every day, Brandi hoped to lose weight. Practicing for the lead role, Mary suddenly developed severe stage fright. Leaving early this morning, I forgot to eat my breakfast.

Prepositional Phrase Sentences that begin with a prepositional phrase Commas after the prep. phrase at the beginning of sentence EXAMPLES: Around the room, Mrs. Cook has a lot of Edgar Allan Poe items. To me, I think that studying is very important. In my group, we think Mean Girls is the best movie ever.

Infinitive Phrase Begins with an infinitive phrase (to + a verb) NO commas after phrase after it begins EXAMPLES: To run is to keep your cardiovascular system in shape. To earn an “A” is my only goal in school. To educate students makes me love my life.

An Example of Poor Sentence Fluency I love shopping. My friend and I will go shopping. We love to buy clothes. She likes buying jeans. I like buying shoes more. Why is this wrong? All sentences begin with a subject immediately followed by a verb. = No variety in sentence structure which makes the writing choppy and hard to read.

An Example of Good Sentence Fluency (1)On any day of the week, I enjoy shopping at the mall. (2)Hoping to find the best deal, I stop in every store. (3) Rachel, my best friend, always comes along. (4)While she prefers buying clothes, I purchase shoes. (5)“To shop is to live” is the motto we chant. Why is this better? Begins with a prepositional phrase. Begins with a verbal phrase Begins with an appositive phrase Begins with a dependent clause Begins with an infinitive phrase = Sentence structure has variety and reads more smoothly.

TWA #4 – DAY 1 Assignment- PROMPT: REQUIREMENTS: Write a paragraph stating your opinion on wearing school uniforms. REQUIREMENTS: MLA heading (upper left hand corner) Creative title 1 Paragraph- total of 5 sentences using each of the 5 sentence beginnings (order doesn’t matter) Indent your paragraph Skip lines NO Spelling/Capitalization Errors Correct punctuation No 1st/2nd person pronouns (I, me, my, you)

Dependent clause-blue Prepositional phrase - black TWA #4 – DAY 2 Assignment 1.Underline and Label Your Paper for the Following: Dependent clause-blue Prepositional phrase - black Infinitive phrase -red Appositive - yellow Verbal phrase (- green)