Improving Sentence Structure ~ Instructions and Examples (2023)

Improving Sentence Structure ~ Instructions and Examples (1)

Sentence Structure ImprovementCan help improve the quality of your essays, exam answers and dissertations.

In this article, you'll learn what it means to improve your sentence structure, what you can do to improve it, and how to correct a font you've already designed to make it more readable.

Table of contents

  • 1 Sentence structure improvement - in a nutshell
  • 2 Definition: Improvement of Sentence Structure
  • 3 Improvement of Sentence Structure: Parts of Sentences
  • 4 Improving Sentence Structure: Different Sentence Types
  • 5 How to solve sentence structure problems
  • 6 Frequently Asked Questions
  • 7 sources

Improve sentence structure - in a nutshell

When refining your sentence structure, think about what you're writing from the reader's perspective. Perfect grammar and arguments can be boring unless your writing is engaging.

total,Improving sentence structure will help:

  • Let one sentence flow more naturally into the next.
  • Make sure there is enough variation to avoid repetitive wording.
  • Make your point stronger.
  • Get more points for submissions.
  • Make sure readers keep reading your text.

Definition: Sentence structure improvement

First, a sentence is defined as a group of words, usually with a verb, that together convey meaning when put together consecutively.1

Sentences can be statements, questions or instructions in any tense. you start with oneuppercase letterand ends with aView(period),question mark, or, in the case of mandatory directives,exclamation point.

Sentences that don't fit the rules above or that sound boring can be improved. This is what it means to improve sentence structure.

Sentence Structure Improvement: Parts of Sentences

Some sentences are very short:'Why? 'is an examplesentence.

However, most sentences have verbs such as'sit'in the sentence

(Video) Grammar Lesson #1 - Tips to Improve Your Sentence Structure

example:

  • The cat sits on the mat.

many suits andsubject, that is, the person or entity performing the verb. In this example:

"Cat"is the subject.

  • The cat sat down.

This sentence hasno object

  • The cat sits on the mat.

"matte"is the object of the sentence.

More complex sentences have adverbs and adjectives. These are descriptive words. Adverbs such as:

  • quickly
  • quiet
  • in a hurry

are all adjectives.

Instead, adjectives describe nouns, which can be either subjects or objects. Examples of adjectives are:

  • Blau
  • klein
  • European

These are the building blocks of sentences.

Besides usage, writers can also organize sentences in different ways.

For example:

  • The cat sits on the mat.
  • The mat is under the cat.
  • The old cat lay on the dusty mat.

You can also add more details to sentences with clauses.

For example:

  • The cat feels lazy and sits on the mat for hours.
  • Feel like a lazy cat sitting on a mat for hours.
  • This lazy cat sat on the mat for hours.

If clauses occur in the middle of clauses—rather than at the beginning or end—they are expressed asbracketsThe .brackets can be placed between commas, brackets, or hyphens.

For most academic papers, it is expected to use commas as parentheses. Note that clauses do not form complete sentences. When used alone, they are called sentence fragments, or H. incomplete sentence

Improve sentence structure with parentheses

type of bracketsexample
commaYou can stay home if you want.
Broken numberYou can stay home if you want.
bracketsYou may choose to stay at home (if you wish).
(Video) 4 Sentence Structures | Easy Explanation | Learn with Examples

Sentence Structure Improvement: Different Types of Sentences

As you have already read, sentences can be simple or complex. Good writing tries to strike a balance between the two.

For example, some basic phrases are:

Girl jumps to school. She is wearing a blue dress. She is late.

In this example, all sentences areKurzandRhythm similar. While they are technically correct, they can be improved individually,More complexsentence, for example:

The girl was wearing her blue dress, skipped school and was late.

In contrast,too complicated sentencemay become unreadable. For example:

I went to the store and bought; fish and chips, vanilla strawberry ice cream and apple mango syrup, after that I ate a big meal and then took a nap on the couch because it made me tired and I needed a break anyway because I know tomorrow is going to be a big day and I didn't sleep well the night before.

In this sentence there is a shopping list and some time back and forth. It is better to split these thoughts into new sentences ifSentence Structure Improvement.

I didn't sleep well the night before I went shopping, and I was exhausted. After buying fish and chips, vanilla strawberry ice cream, and apple-mango syrup, you can feast on it. Next up is a nap on the couch. It's a good thing because I know tomorrow is going to be a big day.

Of course, when simplifying long and complex sentences, there are various ways to improve sentence structure. Therefore, there is always a degree of personal preference and style when it comes to improving sentence structure.

How to Solve Sentence Structure Problems

Improving sentence structure often means solving the common problems mentioned above. To be clear, sentence structure can be improved in several ways. These are just some of the most common examples of sentence structure improvements that academics and teachers face when evaluating student work.

parallel structure

Parallel structured sentences use the same grammatical structure throughout and are best avoided.2

Improving the sentence structure of this example means changing it so that the juxtaposition of verb forms ends with-ingno longer available.

(Video) English Sentence Structure - English Grammar Lesson

You will enjoy hiking, walking in the city and strolling through the markets.

You'll enjoy hiking, walking the city and visiting the markets.

wrong coordination

Wrong coordination occurs when wrong prepositions are chosen to connect two parts of a sentence.3Improving sentence structure in the case of misassignments often means choosing the correct prepositions.

You should call me later.

You should call me later.

consecutive sentences

A consecutive clause appears to be two clauses fused together, or a comma between two separate clauses without the correct conjunction.4

The cat sitting on the mat is blue.

The cat isn't just on the mat, it sits there all day.

The cat sits on the mat. The cushion is blue.

Cats are not just on the mat, but sitting there all day.

(Video) Improve Your Sentence Structure in English for Reading and Speaking, Easy Explanation with Examples

frequently asked questions

What can I do to improve my sentence structure?

  • Proofread your text and look for common mistakes, such as poor coordination.
  • Avoid repeating words when there are alternatives.
  • Vary the length of the sentences so they are not exactly the same.

Why is improving sentence structure important?

Improving sentence structure for written assignments is important as it helps in writingmore attractiveThis will help you express your point of view in a waymore interestingand possibly get better grades.

What role do transition words play in improving sentence structure?

Words like "however," "also," and "therefore" are best used at the beginning of sentencesreflectThe previous sentence, improve the sentence structure of each sentence.

When is the best time to improve sentence structure?

tryleave your textSpend a few hours or overnight before reading it to find ways to improve your sentence structure. If you're taking an exam and want to improve your sentence structure, take a few minutes to make some changes.

source

1Cambridge University, Dictionary."Sentence." Retrieved on 2023-04-06.https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/sentence.

2Evergreen State University Writing Center."Parallel Structure." Retrieved on 2023-04-06.https://www.evergreen.edu/sites/default/files/writingcenter/handouts/grammar/parallel.pdf.

3University College London."Incorrect Coordination." Retrieved 2023-04-06.https://www.ucl.ac.uk/internet-grammar/conjunct/false.htm.

(Video) Improving Sentence Structure

4McLaughlin Library, University of Guelph."What is a sentence?" Retrieved on 2023-04-06.https://guides.lib.uoguelph.ca/Grammar/SentenceStructure.

5Danahy, Kaitlyn, "The Importance of Improving Sentence Structure." Study.com. Retrieved on 2023-04-06.https://study.com/academy/lesson/how-to-write-better-by-improving-your-sentence-structure.html.

FAQs

Improving Sentence Structure ~ Instructions and Examples? ›

There are four types of sentences: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. Each sentence is defined by the use of independent and dependent clauses, conjunctions, and subordinators.

What are 4 types of sentence structure examples? ›

There are four types of sentences: simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex. Each sentence is defined by the use of independent and dependent clauses, conjunctions, and subordinators.

What is an example of changing the sentence structure? ›

For example, “The deer bolted across the meadow and flushed a flock of grouse.” Change this sentence with an opening clause to read, “As the deer bolted across the meadow, it flushed a flock of grouse.” Use a noun clause opener to switch up your sentence structure.

How can students improve their sentence structure? ›

Practice with sentence combining: Give students several short, simple sentences and ask them to combine them into a longer sentence using conjunctions or other connecting words. This exercise will help them understand how to construct complex sentences.

What are the 5 main sentence structures? ›

Most sentences in English are constructed using one of the following five patterns:
  • Subject–Verb.
  • Subject–Verb–Object.
  • Subject–Verb–Adjective.
  • Subject–Verb–Adverb.
  • Subject–Verb–Noun.

What is a good example of sentence structure? ›

“I broke my arm.” (Simple sentence) “I fell off my bike, and I broke my arm.” (Compound sentence) “When I fell off my bike, I broke my arm.” (Complex sentence) “When I fell off my bike, I went to the hospital because I broke my arm.” (Compound-complex sentence)

What are simple examples of sentence structure? ›

1. Simple Sentences
  • Joe waited for the train. "Joe" = subject, "waited" = verb.
  • The train was late. "The train" = subject, "was" = verb.
  • Mary and Samantha took the bus. ...
  • I looked for Mary and Samantha at the bus station. ...
  • Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station early but waited until noon for the bus.

What is sentence structure with example? ›

A sentence follows Subject + Verb + Object word order. He (subject) obtained (verb) his degree (object).

What are the strategies for improving sentence fluency? ›

4 Ways to Improve Sentence Fluency
  • Read it aloud. The very first thing to do before revising essays for sentence fluency is to read the piece out loud. ...
  • ABC the paragraphs. ...
  • Combine simple sentences to form compound sentences. ...
  • Use dependent clauses to start sentences.
Oct 16, 2017

Why is it important to teach sentence structure? ›

The use of a variety of sentence structures including extended simple sentences and complex sentences create texts that are more interesting and paint a more vivid picture in the reader's head. Students are able to confidently enhance their writing by understanding how sentences are structured for effect.

How can we improve sentence correction? ›

The way to get better at Sentence Correction is not by wasting your time learning random grammar rules and memorizing idioms, but by doing high-quality official practice questions that allow you to improve both strategy and knowledge through each question.

What is the most common sentence structure problems? ›

Here we list some of the most common problems in sentence structure in formal English. The four main types of problems are 1) agreement problems, 2) sentence fragments, 3) run-on sentences, and 4) problems related to relative clauses.

How do you teach sentence structure to ESL students? ›

The simplest way to begin teaching sentence structure to English students is to provide pictures of people or objects and pictures of actions and have the students put the two together. Note: once the students get this (which usually does not take a lot of time), you should also do a lesson on personal pronouns.

What are the most common sentence structures? ›

Subject + verb

The simplest of sentence patterns is composed of a subject and verb without a direct object or subject complement. It uses an intransitive verb, that is, a verb requiring no direct object: Control rods remain inside the fuel assembly of the reactor.

What are 3 different sentence structures? ›

There are three main types of sentence. A simple sentence. A compound sentence. A complex sentence.

What grade teaches sentence structure? ›

Starting in first grade, students should be able to identify the four sentence types. These include declarative, imperative, interrogative, and exclamatory.

What is sentence structure command? ›

An imperative sentence is a sentence that expresses a direct command, request, invitations, warning, or instruction. Imperative sentences do not have a subject; instead, a directive is given to an implied second person. For example, the sentence “Wash the dinner plates” commands the implied subject to wash the dishes.

What are the 7 basic sentence patterns? ›

They are: (1) S + V + sC, (2) S + V, (3) S + V + dO, (4) S + V + iO + dO, and (5) S + V + dO + oC. However, the meaning of some sentences written with some verbs such as “live” and “put” according to the two patterns S +V and S + V + dO of the five basic patterns shown above turn out to be incomplete.

How can I improve my English vocabulary and sentence formation? ›

How to improve your vocabulary and writing skills
  1. Learn the roots of words. ...
  2. Focus on practical terms and words. ...
  3. Create word associations. ...
  4. Complete regular vocabulary tests. ...
  5. Take a writing class. ...
  6. Create groups of words. ...
  7. Identify word nuances. ...
  8. Identify words that share meanings.
Feb 16, 2023

What is an example of build sentence fluency? ›

The following is a strong example of sentence fluency that combines simple and complex sentences to create a fluid text: "She walked slowly to her car. Deep down, she was sad because it was her last day. Her new job will begin on Monday." Note that each sentence was varied and began differently.

What makes sentence fluency stronger? ›

Fluent writing has cadence, power, rhythm, and movement. It is free of awkward word patterns that slow the reader's progress. Sentences vary in length, beginnings, structure, and style, and are so well crafted that the reader moves through the piece with ease.

How is sentence structure effective? ›

A combination of simple, compound, and complex sentences not only makes the flow of information more interesting, but it also improves the readability of the passage. If sentences in a paragraph begin with the same opening subject, the writing becomes monotonous.

What are the five 5 most common methods in correction run on sentences? ›

Corrections have been made to run-on sentences through five different methods: Two sentences, Semicolon, Coordinating conjunction, Dependent clause, and Phrase.

How can I improve my sentence cohesion? ›

Strategies to improve cohesion

Choose a paragraph and underline or highlight all the different forms of cohesion used, such as using linking words, referring backwards, looking forwards or adding synonyms.

What is the best tool to rewrite sentences? ›

QuillBot's Paraphraser helps you write better, faster, and smarter. Our rewording tool is free and easy to use—with just the click of a button, the paraphrasing tool will rephrase your sentence, paragraph, essay, or article to your liking, with many options available to customize and perfect the reworded text.

What are the 4 elements of sentence structure? ›

Basic Sentence Structure
  • BASIC SENTENCE STRUCTURE. ...
  • SUBJECT.
  • The subject of a sentence is the person, place, or thing that is performing the action of the sentence. ...
  • PREDICATE.
  • The predicate expresses action or being within the sentence. ...
  • DIRECT OBJECT.
  • The direct object receives the action of the sentence. ...
  • INDIRECT OBJECT.

What are 5 examples of simple sentences? ›

Examples of simple sentences include the following:
  • Joe waited for the train. "Joe" = subject, "waited" = verb.
  • The train was late. ...
  • Mary and Samantha took the bus. ...
  • I looked for Mary and Samantha at the bus station. ...
  • Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station early but waited until noon for the bus.

What is an example of a compound sentence? ›

An example of a compound sentence is, 'This house is too expensive, and that house is too small. ' This sentence is a compound sentence because it has two independent clauses, 'This house is too expensive' and 'that house is too small' separated by a comma and the conjunction 'and. '

What are the basic concepts of sentence structure? ›

In English, our sentences usually operate using a similar pattern: subject, verb, then object. The nice part about this type of structure is that it lets your reader easily know who is doing the action and what the outcome of the action is. A subject performs the action in a sentence.

What is a simple sentence structure? ›

Simple. A simple sentence consists of one main (or independent) clause. To be complete, a simple sentence must have at least one subject and one verb. Example: The man (subject) went (verb) to the store.

How can I write a good sentence? ›

6 Tips for Writing Good Sentences
  1. Keep it simple. Long sentences or overly complex sentences don't necessarily make sophisticated sentence writing. ...
  2. Use concrete rhetoric. ...
  3. Employ parallelism. ...
  4. Mind your grammar. ...
  5. Properly punctuate. ...
  6. Practice writing.
Jan 28, 2022

What are the rules of making simple sentence? ›

Simple sentences are sentences containing one independent clause, with a subject and a predicate. Modifiers, compound subjects, and compound verbs/predicates can be used in simple sentences. The standard arrangement of a simple sentence is subject + verb + object, or SVO order.

What are the rules for simple sentences? ›

What are the rules to be followed when forming simple sentences?
  • A simple sentence should have at least one subject and one predicate.
  • A simple sentence can also have a compound subject or a compound predicate.
  • A simple sentence should contain only one independent clause and should express a complete thought.

What are examples of declarative sentences? ›

Examples of declarative sentences in the simple form include: My dog is sick. It is a nice day. Pizza is the best.

What is declarative sentence? ›

What Is a Declarative Sentence? A declarative sentence is generally a simple statement that is used to provide information about something or state a fact. It ends with a full stop or a period. It is the most common type of sentence in the English language.

What is a clause in a sentence? ›

A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate. Charlie runs. There's a subject; there's a predicate. It's a clause. Charlie eats a shoe.

What is a fragment sentence? ›

A fragment is an incomplete sentence. It cannot stand alone because it is not an independent clause. It either lacks a subject, a complete verb (or both), or it might be a complete sentence but because it begins with a subordinating word (such as “when” or “because”) it does not express a complete thought.

How do you identify simple compound and complex sentences? ›

A simple sentence consists of just one clause. A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and one or more dependent (subordinate) clauses. A compound sentence consists of two or more coordinate (independent) clauses.

What are 10 examples of compound sentence? ›

Compound Sentences
  • I like coffee. Mary likes tea. → I like coffee, and Mary likes tea.
  • Mary went to work. John went to the party. I went home. → Mary went to work, but John went to the party, and I went home.
  • Our car broke down. We came last. → Our car broke down; we came last.

Videos

1. Writing Strategies | 6 Ways to Start a Sentence | Sentence Structure | Learn to Write
(Nessy)
2. These 11 Sentence Building Activities Can Help Students Master Proper Sentence Structure
(Sience and Literacy )
3. Sentence Structure Activities
(Shurley Instructional Materials, Inc.)
4. Learn the 4 Sentence Structures of English! Make your Writing Sound More Natural (and Flow Better)
(English Writing Tips)
5. Essential Advanced English Sentence Structure
(Speak English With Vanessa)
6. Sentence Structure - How To Structure Great Sentences
(SinglishToEnglish)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Gov. Deandrea McKenzie

Last Updated: 08/13/2023

Views: 6122

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Gov. Deandrea McKenzie

Birthday: 2001-01-17

Address: Suite 769 2454 Marsha Coves, Debbieton, MS 95002

Phone: +813077629322

Job: Real-Estate Executive

Hobby: Archery, Metal detecting, Kitesurfing, Genealogy, Kitesurfing, Calligraphy, Roller skating

Introduction: My name is Gov. Deandrea McKenzie, I am a spotless, clean, glamorous, sparkling, adventurous, nice, brainy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.