Varying Your Sentences 4 Easy Tips for Improving Your Writing Style

Tip #1: Change the Sentence TYPE NORMAL WORD ORDER The MHS Program has many benefits. QUESTION RATHER THAN STATEMENT What are the benefits of the MHS Program?

Tip #2: Change Sentence Beginning NORMAL WORD ORDER: Sentence starts with subject I don’t like to study grammar. Instead: Start with a transitional word Surprisingly, I don’t like to study grammar. Or a prepositional phrase: To tell the truth, I don’t like to study grammar.

Tip # 3: Combine Sentences The conference takes place every May. It is a great place to learn new counseling approaches.

Use Coordinating Conjunctions Original: The conference takes place every May. It is a great place to learn new counseling approaches. The conference takes place every May, and it is a great place to learn new counseling approaches.

Use Compound Subject or Verb Original: The conference takes place every May. It is a great place to learn new counseling approaches. The conference takes place every May and is a great place to learn new counseling approaches.

Use Subordinating Conjunctions Original: The conference takes place every May. It is a great place to learn new counseling approaches. Because the conference takes place every May, it is a great place to learn new counseling approaches.

Use Relative Pronouns (who, which, that) Original: The conference takes place every May. It is a great place to learn new counseling approaches. The conference, which takes place every May, is a great place to learn new counseling approaches.

Use an Appositive Original: The conference takes place every May. It is a great place to learn new counseling approaches. The conference, a great place to learn new counseling approaches, takes place every May.

Use Present or Past Participle Original: The conference takes place every May. It is a great place to learn new counseling approaches. Taking place every May, the conference is a great place to learn new counseling approaches. Held every May, the conference is a great place to learn new counseling approaches.

Tip #4: Vary Sentence Lengths Two equal sentences Grammar isn’t the main pleasure in my life. The main pleasure in my life is writing. Short sentence added for emphasis Grammar isn’t the main pleasure in my life. Writing is.

Remember, writing is a process, not a one-step activity. Save lots of time for editing. As one author said, “There is no good writing, only good re-writing.”