Sentence Structures and Variety

This section explains sentence structures and how to use varying sentence openers. Varying the way sentences begin can make your writing more engaging and enjoyable for readers. By using a range of techniques, you can create a dynamic rhythm and add depth to your work. Here are some methods and examples to help you achieve this:

Ways to Start Sentences

• With an Adverb:
  Begin with an adverb to describe the action.
  • Frantically, the man shouted out of the window.
• With a Connective:
  Use a word or phrase to link the sentence to the previous one.
  • Consequently, the man shouted out of the window.
• With a Simile:
  Create a vivid image by comparing one thing to another.
  • Like a terrified beast, the man shouted out of the window.
• With a Verb:
  Start with an -ing form of a verb to add immediacy or action.
  • Waving, the man shouted out of the window.
• With a Preposition:
  Use a phrase to describe location, time, or manner.
  • From the second floor, the man shouted out of the window.
• With Dialogue or Exclamation:
  Start with speech to immerse the reader in the moment.
  • "Help!" the man shouted out of the window.

Example of Sentence Variety in Context

Before:

"I entered the park. The trees were tall. Birds were singing, and there were children playing on the swings. The sun was shining, and the air smelled fresh. I sat down on a bench and watched the world go by."

After:

• Using Variety:
  With hesitant steps, I entered the park. Towering trees stretched their leafy arms towards the sky, casting dappled shadows across the ground. In the branches above, birds chirped melodiously, their songs blending with the laughter of children on the swings. Golden sunlight bathed the scene, and the crisp scent of freshly cut grass filled the air. Sinking onto a weathered bench, I let my gaze drift over the peaceful surroundings, savouring the moment.

This example demonstrates how varying sentence openers and adding descriptive details can make the scene more engaging and immersive.

Balancing Sentence Variety

While varied sentence starters add interest, it’s essential to balance them with simpler sentences to maintain a natural flow and appropriate pacing. Here’s an example of how to achieve this balance:

Example:

• Shaking, she held the letter in trembling hands. Around her, the room seemed unnaturally still. She glanced at the clock. It was ticking steadily, a contrast to the racing thoughts in her mind.

Additional Techniques for Sentence Variety

• Questions:
  Engage the reader by posing a question.
  • Why had she left it so late?
• Subordinate Clauses:
  Start with a dependent clause to add complexity.
  • Although she was nervous, she forced herself to speak.
• Descriptive Imagery:
  Use sensory details to draw the reader in.
  • The scent of fresh flowers filled the air, mingling with the hum of conversation.
• Action and Movement:
  Highlight movement to add dynamism.
  • Bursting through the door, he stumbled into the room.

Practical Exercise

Take the sentence:
"The children played in the garden."
Now, vary the sentence starters:

• Happily, the children played in the garden.
• Under the bright summer sky, the children played in the garden.
• Like buzzing bees, the children played in the garden.
• Laughing, the children played in the garden.

Key Takeaways for Writing with Sentence Variety

• Use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences.
• Experiment with different sentence openers for each paragraph.
• Balance variety with clarity; avoid overcomplicating your writing.
• Read your work aloud to ensure it flows naturally.

By mastering sentence variety, you can make your writing more compelling and polished, holding the reader’s attention from start to finish.