Rules to Follow in Sentence Construction

This section explains the rules to following in sentence construction. To create clear, coherent, and grammatically correct sentences, it's important to follow specific rules. These rules guide how we form and punctuate sentences, making sure they are easy to understand and convey the intended meaning effectively. Below are key principles to help structure your sentences correctly:

Capital Letters and Full Stops

One of the fundamental rules of sentence construction is that every sentence should begin with a capital letter and end with a full stop. This ensures that the sentence is properly punctuated and clearly demarcated. However, different types of sentences have different punctuation marks:

• Declarative sentences (statements) end with a full stop.

Example:

• The cat sleeps on the windowsill.
• Exclamatory sentences (expressing strong emotion or surprise) end with an exclamation mark.

Example:

• What a beautiful day it is!
• Interrogative sentences (questions) end with a question mark.

Example:

• What time does the train leave?

By following this rule, you can ensure that your sentences are clear and correctly punctuated.

Tense: Verbs and Time

Verbs are the action words in a sentence, and they play a crucial role in showing the timing of the action. The tense of a verb tells the reader when the action or state of being is taking place – whether it is in the past, present, or future. Choosing the right tense helps make the meaning of your writing clear.

Present Tense

The present tense describes actions that are currently happening or are habitual.

• The sun rises in the east.
• I read books every evening.
• She enjoys playing football with her friends.

Past Tense

The past tense describes actions that have already taken place or were completed in the past.

• The sun rose at dawn yesterday.
• I read five books last month.
• They watched a movie last night.

Future Tense

The future tense describes actions that are going to happen or will take place in the future.

• The sun will rise at 6 a.m. tomorrow.
• I will read a new book next week.
• She will visit the museum next Saturday.

Using Tenses in Writing

When writing a narrative or descriptive piece, the choice of tense can greatly affect the tone and style of your writing. Past tense is often used in storytelling as it allows for reflection on past events and provides space for rich descriptions.

Past Tense Example:

The scene was a plain, bare, monotonous vault of a school-room, and the speaker’s square forefinger emphasised his observations by underscoring every sentence with a line on the schoolmaster’s sleeve. The emphasis was helped by the speaker’s square wall of a forehead, which had his eyebrows for its base, while his eyes found commodious cellarage in two dark caves, overshadowed by the wall. The emphasis was helped by the speaker’s mouth, which was wide, thin, and hard set. The emphasis was helped by the speaker’s voice, which was inflexible, dry, and dictatorial.

— Hard Times, Charles Dickens

In the past tense, the writer reflects on events, often providing deep descriptions that help to build a picture of the scene.

Present Tense Example:

Many modern writers use the present tense to create immediacy, action, and excitement, especially in stories where the events unfold in real-time.

• When I wake up, the other side of the bed is cold. My fingers stretch out, seeking Prim's warmth but finding only the rough canvas cover of the mattress. She must have had bad dreams and climbed in with our mother. Of course, she did. This is the day of the reaping.

— The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins

The present tense in this example draws the reader immediately into the action, creating a sense of urgency and tension, as if everything is happening in the moment.

Choosing the Right Tense for Different Types of Writing

Choosing between past, present, or future tense depends on the purpose and style of your writing.

• Past tense is often ideal for storytelling or narrative writing, allowing you to reflect on events and provide details from a distance.

Example:

• I remember the day we went to the beach. The sun was shining, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore made me feel at peace.
• Present tense can be perfect for creating fast-paced action, intense descriptions, or experiences happening now. It is often used in short stories and thrillers to keep readers engaged.

Example:

• The morning is still cold and dark when we walk out to the vehicle. It’s Central Australia’s way of telling us we shouldn’t be outside yet. But Nigel’s pick-up splutters to life and the headlight beams reveal that the outback bushland is still there, spinifex grass being tousled by the pre-dawn wind.

— An Alternative to Uluru, Ben Lerwill

• Future tense is often used for predictions or plans about what will happen later. It’s helpful for essays, proposals, or any writing that looks forward to events.

Example:

• Next year, we will travel to Japan to see the cherry blossoms.

Consistency in Tense

One of the most important rules when writing is maintaining consistency in tense. Shifting tenses unnecessarily can confuse the reader and disrupt the flow of the narrative. If you start in the past tense, stick to it unless there is a good reason to switch. Similarly, if you’re writing in the present tense, maintain that throughout unless the context calls for a change.

Summary

For clear and grammatically correct sentences, make sure to:

• Start each sentence with a capital letter and end it with the appropriate punctuation mark (full stop, exclamation mark, or question mark).
• Pay attention to verb tense, as it helps the reader understand the time frame of the action: past, present, or future.
• Use past tense for reflecting on past events, present tense for immediate action or engagement, and future tense for predictions or plans.
• Keep your tense consistent throughout your writing to avoid confusion.

By mastering these rules, you will be able to construct more effective, polished sentences that are grammatically sound and easier for the reader to follow.