Combining Sentences By combining sentences, we can take two or more short, plain sentences and turn them into one longer, more detailed sentence. Combining sentences is one trick writers use to make themselves sound “smarter”!

Example 1 I applied for a job at the mall. I was called for an interview the next day. Combined Sentence: I applied for a job at the mall, and was called for an interview the next day.  Notice these two sentences were combined into one sentence by using a comma and the conjunction and with a comma.

Example 2 Alaina bought a new bicycle. The bicycle has white rims. Combined Sentences: Alaina bought a new bicycle with white rims. Notice these two sentences were combined using a prepositional phrase.

Example 4: The pilot was stranded for twelve hours inside his jet. The pilot was a former mechanic. His jet was a Cessna Skylane. Combined Sentence: The pilot, a former pilot, was stranded for twelve hours inside his jet, a Cessna Skylane. Notice this sentence is combined with an appositive phrases.

Example 5: The old man handed me a photograph of a woman. He did this silently. The man was old. The woman was beautiful. Combined Sentence: The old man silently handed me a photograph of a beautiful woman. Notice the sentence was added together with adjectives that describes the man and the woman.

Another Example: a. Josie studied the lab results. b. She determined that Glen would need further treatment. Combined Sentence: After Josie studied the lab results, she determined that Glen would need further treatment. Notice that the sentences were combined using subordinate after.