Guides for Varying Sentence Types and Elements

A long series of sentences identical or very similar in length and structure is monotonous. But a series of well-written, varied sentences provides the reader with more than mere absence of monotony. It reflects the writer's careful molding of form to thought and the careful choice of length and structure to supply emphasis that creates meaning. The following is five guides for varying sentence types and elements. 

1.  Transform short sentences into compound or complex sentences.
     I went into the snake house. Elmer waited outside.
     I went into the snake house, but Elmer waited outside. (compound)
     Jan and I went to the zoo. We watched the seals.
     When we went to the zoo, Jan and I watched the seals. (complex)

2. Transform two or more simple sentences into one smooth simple sentence by combining elements into a compound.
    This salat is delicious. It is also attractive.
    This salat is delicious and attractive.

3. Combine sentences by using a single word or a phrase.
    A pair of dungarees lay across the chair. They were dirty.
    A pair of dirty dungarees lay across the chair. (word)
    I often attend the open-air concerts. They are held in Grant Park.
    I often attend the open-air concerts held in Grant Park. (participial phrase)
    I studied hard. I wanted to pass the test.
    I studied hard to pass the test. (infinitive phrase)
    I basted the hem. Then I stitched it.
    After basting the hem, I stitched it. (prepositional phrase containing a gerund)
    I lost my fountain pen. It was an old one.
    I lost my fountain pen, an old one. (appositive)

4. To show a closer relationship between ideas, transform one sentence into a noun, adjective, or adverb clause.
    A man just came into the room. He is my father.
    The man who just came into the room is my father. (adjective clause)
    I reached the office. Mr. Sims was already there.
    When I reached the office, Mr. Sims was already there. (adverb clause)
    John was bluffing. Everyone realized that fact.
    Everyone realized that John was bluffing. (noun clause)

5. The best expression is usually the most concise. Try reducing a phrase to a word, or a clause to a phrase or a word.
    A face wearing a smile peered out at me.
    A smiling face peered out at me. (phrase to word)
    When he saw me, the man began to run.
    Seeing me, the man began to run. (clause to phrase)
    Today I wore my new coat, which is a red one.
    Today I wore my new red coat. (clause to word)