WRITING SENTENCES WITH STYLE

WRITING SENTENCES WITH STYLE

Varying sentence patterns

Varying sentence patterns impart variety and make the sentence reading interesting and invites the attention of the readers. A few rules worthy of emulation are:

(i) The varying length of sentences

Readability experts are of the opinion that the length of a sentence should not exceed 20 words (average being16 to 18 words) for the most effective communication. It is a good rule of thumb. Experienced communicators suggest that the length of the sentence should vary. An occasional long sentence is acceptable if it is followed by a shorter one.

(ii) Varying construction of sentences

There are four types of sentences:
 Simple
 Compound
 Complex
 Compound-complex

Following tips are useful:
(a) If two or more sentences have the same idea, combine them into one simple sentence with a compound verb.
(b) If two thoughts are of equal or parallel weight, write them as two clauses in a compound sentence.
(c) If one thought is more important than the other, put it in the main clause of a complex sentence.