Sentence Variety

Sentence Variety

Everyday Ibaadah Academy

Simple sentences contain just one independent clause. An independent clause is part of a sentence that can stand alone. It has a subject and a verb, and it expresses a complete thought. Simple sentences serve a purpose. They state their meaning clearly, and using a series of them can build tension or emphasize an important point. However, too many simple sentences can make your writing choppy and uninteresting to read. Using a variety of sentence types makes your writing more interesting and helps create better “flow.” Using a variety of sentence types makes your writing more interesting and helps create better “flow.” 

Simple Sentences

The crowd listened patiently to the cacophony of voices, but it was General McDougal’s voice they most wanted to hear. Though he had served multiple administrations over his 30-year career, he had never had much of a public persona, but they surely wanted his expertise now.

Paragraph 2

The crowd listened patiently to the cacophony of voices. It was General McDougal’s voice they most wanted to hear. He had served multiple administrations over his 30-year career. He had never had much of a public persona. The public surely wanted his expertise now.

Paragraph 1

Which paragraph reads easier?

Poll

Which paragraph reads easier?

• Paragraph 1

• Paragraph 2

Open Ended

What about the sentences makes that paragraph read more smoothly?

Open Ended

Fix the following paragraph: The intruder came in the door. He peered around the corner. The family was watching television. He stepped quietly into the room. 

Compound Sentences

A compound sentence combines two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (see table). When using a coordinating conjunction to connect two independent clauses, always place a comma before the conjunction.

Coordinating Conjunctions Used to connect two independent clauses
And	Nor
But	Or
Yet	So

Practise Time!!

Multiple Choice

Is this a simple or compound sentence?

The dog barked loudly.

• Simple

• Compound

Multiple Choice

Which is a compound sentence?

• The sun shone brightly.

• If it snows tomorrow, we will build a snowman.

• The book is interesting.

• The car stopped suddenly.

Multiple Choice

Which is a simple sentence?

• After the storm passed, the sun peeked through the clouds.

• The child slept soundly.

• Since he was tired, he went to bed early.

• Since he was tired, he went to bed early.

Challenge Time!!

Multiple Choice

Which is a simple sentence?

• They drove through winding country roads, and the scenery was breathtaking.

• A mischievous squirrel darted across the lawn, snatching a sunflower seed from the bird feeder.

• She baked a delicious chocolate cake, and the sweet aroma filled the entire house.

• She carefully watered her plants, and they responded with vibrant growth.

Multiple Choice

Which is a compund sentence?

• The bustling city street was filled with the sounds of car horns, chattering people, and distant sirens.

• Fluffy white clouds drifted lazily across the vast, clear blue sky.

• The birds sang sweetly in the morning, and their melodies woke him gently.

• A small, brightly coloured hummingbird hovered near a cluster of vibrant flowers.

Multiple Choice

Which is a simple sentence?

• The storm raged outside, and the trees swayed wildly in the wind.

• The dog barked excitedly at the mailman, and the mailman smiled and waved.

• The sun set over the ocean, painting the sky with vibrant colors, and the waves crashed gently on the shore.

• A playful puppy chased its tail in a circle, its tongue lolling happily.

Multiple Choice

Which is a compound sentence?

• She finished writing her novel, and she felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.

• The old, weathered house stood silently on the hill overlooking the tranquil valley.

• A brilliant sunset painted the sky with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple.

• Heavy rain lashed against the windows, creating a rhythmic drumming sound.

Complex Sentences

A complex sentence combines an independent clause with one or more dependent clauses. Remember, a dependent clause has a subject and a verb, but does not express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence. Dependent clauses begin with a subordinating conjunction (see table). When a subordinating conjunction is used at the beginning of a sentence, use a comma to separate the two clauses. When a subordinating conjunction is used in the middle of a sentence, do not use a comma.

Subordinating Conjunctions Used to connect a dependent clause with an independent clause
After	Although
As	When
While	Until
Before	Because
If	Since

Examples

Example: I play video games after I do my homework.

Example: After I do my homework, I play video games.

Example: Although it rained today, we still went to the park.

Subordinating conjuctions at the beginning of a sentence

Subordinating conjuctions in the middle of a sentence

Practise Time!!

Multiple Choice

Which is a compound sentence?

• A gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, creating a soothing whisper.

• Unless you hurry, you will miss the train.

• The mountains were majestic, and the valleys were verdant.

• A lone sailboat glided gracefully across the calm, azure waters.

Multiple Choice

Which is a complex sentence?

• We could go to the beach, or we could stay home and relax.

• Crystal-clear water flowed smoothly over smooth, rounded river stones.

• Although the sun was shining, a cold wind blew through the trees.

• The river flowed swiftly, and the current was strong.

Open Ended

Write a complex sentence using the independent clause.

The snow began to fall faster and faster.

Multiple Choice

Which is the simple sentence?

• The old house creaked ominously, and the wind howled outside.

• The dog barked excitedly, and the cat ran away.

• The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the cozy kitchen.

• The house, painted a cheerful yellow, sits on a hill overlooking the ocean.

Compound- Complex Sentences

A compound-complex sentence combines at least two independent clauses with at least one dependent clause.

Example: While we went to track practice, Jacki’s mom made us dinner, and her dad set up the movie projector.

• Dependent clause: While we went to track practice

• Independent clause #1: Jacki’s mom made us dinner

• Independent clause #2: Her dad set up the movie projector

• Conjunctions: while, and

The same comma rules apply as with compound and complex sentences.

EXAMPLE

Conjunctions: because, but

I will go to soccer practice, but I need to wash my practice jersey because it is dirty.

Practise Time!!

Multiple Choice

Which is a complex sentence?

• Delicious aromas wafted from the nearby bakery.

• The old clock ticked slowly in the silent room.

• Because it was raining heavily, we stayed inside.

• Although the weather was bad, we went for a hike, and we enjoyed the scenery.