Constructing Sentences

Constructing Sentences

Length of the sentence is the most important feature of constructing sentences. In general, sentences should be adapted to readers. Long sentences are hard to read and harder to absorb. Short sentences enhance readability. A sentence should have 16 to 18 words, on the average. Sometimes longer or shorter sentences may be justified. A few good suggestions are:

(i) Limiting the content of a sentence
Limiting the content of a sentence would reduce its length. However, it should not be overdone. Too many short sentences make the reading choppy!

(ii) Economizing on words
Always look for shorter ways of saying things. A few suggestions are:

(a) Avoiding cluttering phrases
Go in for shorter expressions like:
 „If‟ for „In the event that‟
 „Like‟ for „Along the lines of‟
 „To‟ for „With a view to‟

(b) Eliminating superfluous words
Some words do not add any meaning and quick scrutiny can go a long way.

(c) Avoiding roundabout ways of saying things
Roundabout ways of saying add words and verbosity to the sentences. Being direct makes it simple, short and impressive.

(d) Avoiding repetition of words and phrases
Repeating words and phrases is very boring and should be excluded from ones‟ writing. The only exception is when the writers want to emphasize something.

(iii) Determining emphasis in the construction of the sentence
Short sentences emphasize content and long sentences dilute it although determining emphasis in a sentence is largely a matter of judgment.

(iv) Imparting unity to a sentence
All parts of a sentence should relate to one „single thought‟. This unity is often violated in the following three ways:

(a) Including unrelated thoughts
Unrelated thoughts vitiate unity of a sentence and can be taken care of by:
 Using separate sentences for unrelated thought
 Making one thought subordinate to the other
 Adding words to show that the thoughts are related

(b) Giving excessive details
Giving too many details dilutes the unity of a sentence. Avoid details or put them in a separate sentence within parenthesis.

(c) Constructing illogical sentences
Constructing illogical sentences can spoil the unity of a sentence. It results from:
 Mixing active and passive forms of expressions
 Going in for mixed construction of sentences.

(v) Using correct rules of grammar for sentence clarity
Rules of grammar have emerged as a result of some customs but mostly because they help write logically and clearly. Students must know these rules of grammar to acquire effective writing skills.

(vi) Learning the power of punctuation
This is a group of distinctive signs that are used in writing and every writer must learn them properly. Some of the uses change like fashion over time and writers must remain updated on them. They add power to ones‟ expressions.