Page 4 Sentence Length
Completion requirements
Page 4 Sentence Length
Experienced writers use various types and lengths of sentences, to make their writing more interesting.
Sentence variety sustains reader interest.
Short sentences can provide emphasis or deliver a forceful idea. They leave a lasting impression. However, too many simple sentences sound choppy.
The apples rolled down the grocery aisle. Nick stooped down to pick them up. He was hit on the head from behind. His body slammed to the ground. He woke up.
Long sentences include much information and show how ideas are related. However, too many long complex sentences slow reading making it difficult to understand.
The grandfather in the lines above is characterized by rambling speeches with fond recollections of the past. His voice is distinct because he chatters on and on.
Sometimes authors use incomplete sentences for effect to make their writing more descriptive.
A variety of sentences adds life to writing...
...or adds voice.
This character uses few words. His voice is tight and economical.
Like the time I met your grandmother. I caught the bus to Hudson's Bay because I needed a new heel for m'shoe. So I decided to go uptown, which is what they called downtown in those days. So I tied a string to my finger so I wouldn't forget, which was what they did back then. Now, to take the bus cost two bits, which was a quarter. 'Gimme ride for two bits,' you'd say back in the day. Now where was I... oh yeah. The important thing was you couldn't get sugar and rubber, because of the war and rubber was what I needed for my heel. That's where your grandmother comes in.
The grandfather in the lines above is characterized by rambling speeches with fond recollections of the past. His voice is distinct because he chatters on and on.
Sometimes authors use incomplete sentences for effect to make their writing more descriptive.
Name.
A variety of sentences adds life to writing...
The apples rolled down the grocery aisle. As Nick stooped to pick them up, he was hit on the head from behind. His body slammed to the ground. When he woke up, he was jolting down a corkscrew road.
...or adds voice.
"He sat in the waiting room for hours and remembered every detail of this nightmare beginning two years ago. File started. Name. Address. Health care number. Bed assigned."
This character uses few words. His voice is tight and economical.
Review of Sentences Video
Click here for long vs short sentences.
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