Improving Sentence Variety

Create sentences of different lengths. Use short, punchy sentences for emphasis: Marji’s long excursion to Austria was filled with strife: she missed her family, she endured bigotry, she felt like an outsider, and she faced the normal challenges all adolescents do. Her time in Europe was hell.

Vary Sentence Openings Adverbs and adverb pairs ◦Sadly, Marji’s felt alienated most of the time in Austria. ◦Excitedly and warmly Marji greeted her mother when she came to visit her in Austria. Your turn: ◦Marji’s parents sent their daughter to Austria.

Vary Sentence Openings Participial Phrases: verb forms that act as adjectives ◦Hoping to enjoy a holiday, Marji accompanied her roommate to the Tyrol. ◦Seeing her mother in the airport, Marji failed to recognize her since she had changed so much. Your turn: ◦Marji brought croissants to her boyfriend’s apartment.

Vary Sentence Openings Prepositional Phrases: phrases which begin with a preposition and end with a noun or pronoun ◦With great joy Marji welcomed her mother to Austria. ◦On the day of her mother’s arrival, Marji was anxious since it had been four long years since she had seen her. Your turn: ◦The nuns told Marji not to eat her food out of the pot.

Vary Sentence Openings Subordinate Clauses: group of related words with a sub and a verb which cannot stand alone: ◦Because her mother was visiting, Marji felt more happiness than she had in a long time. ◦Since she looked different, many people made rude comments about Marji’s appearance. Your turn: ◦Marji began to purchase and use drugs while in Austria.

Word Order Inversion Try an “inversion” from time to time: reverse normal word order. Marji ate loads of pasta while in Austria. ◦Loads of pasta did Marji eat while in Austria. Marji lived on the streets for nearly a month. ◦On the streets did Marji live for nearly a month Your turn: ◦Marji was enamored with Western culture. ◦Marji purchased several tapes by Western pop stars.

Pointers Don’t overdo it: these techniques are intended to create VARIETY. Clarity and conciseness are always paramount—THEN variety. Try to use the techniques for special emphases, not just for variety.