{"id":66,"date":"2014-07-18T19:26:34","date_gmt":"2014-07-18T19:26:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.candelalearning.com\/successfulwriting\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=66"},"modified":"2015-03-19T21:51:36","modified_gmt":"2015-03-19T21:51:36","slug":"7-1-sentence-variety","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/chapter\/7-1-sentence-variety\/","title":{"raw":"7.1 Sentence Variety","rendered":"7.1 Sentence Variety"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">\r\n<h3>LEARNING OBJECTIVES<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>Identify ways to vary sentence structure.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Write and revise sentence structure at the beginning of sentences.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Write and revise sentence structure by connecting ideas.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"im_section\">\r\n\r\nHave you ever ordered a dish in a restaurant and been not happy with its taste, even though it contained most of your favorite ingredients? Just as a meal might lack the finishing touches needed to spice it up, so too might a paragraph contain all the basic components but still lack the stylistic finesse required to engage a reader. Sometimes writers have a tendency to reuse the same sentence pattern throughout their writing. Like any repetitive task, reading text that contains too many sentences with the same length and structure can become monotonous and boring. Experienced writers mix it up by using an assortment of sentence patterns, rhythms, and lengths.\r\n\r\nIn this chapter, you will follow a student named Naomi who has written a draft of an essay but needs to refine her writing. This section discusses how to introduce sentence variety into writing, how to open sentences using a variety of techniques, and how to use different types of sentence structure when connecting ideas. You can use these techniques when revising a paper to bring life and rhythm to your work. They will also make reading your work more enjoyable.\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01\" class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Incorporating Sentence Variety<\/h2>\r\nExperienced writers incorporate <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">sentence variety<\/span><\/span> into their writing by varying sentence style and structure. Using a mixture of different sentence structures reduces repetition and adds emphasis to important points in the text. Read the following example:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\nDuring my time in office I have achieved several goals. I have helped increase funding for local schools. I have reduced crime rates in the neighborhood. I have encouraged young people to get involved in their community. My competitor argues that she is the better choice in the upcoming election. I argue that it is ridiculous to fix something that isn\u2019t broken. If you reelect me this year, I promise to continue to serve this community.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nIn this extract from an election campaign, the writer uses short, simple sentences of a similar length and style. Writers often mistakenly believe that this technique makes the text more clear for the reader, but the result is a choppy, unsophisticated paragraph that does not grab the audience\u2019s attention. Now read the revised paragraph with sentence variety:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\nDuring my time in office, I have helped increase funding for local schools, reduced crime rates in the neighborhood, and encouraged young people to get involved in their community. Why fix what isn\u2019t broken? If you reelect me this year, I will continue to achieve great things for this community. Don\u2019t take a chance on an unknown contender; vote for the proven success.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nNotice how introducing a short rhetorical question among the longer sentences in the paragraph is an effective means of keeping the reader\u2019s attention. In the revised version, the writer combines the choppy sentences at the beginning into one longer sentence, which adds rhythm and interest to the paragraph.\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_n03\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block textbox shaded\">\r\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Tip<\/h3>\r\nEffective writers often implement the \u201crule of three,\u201d which is basically the thought that things that contain three elements are more memorable and more satisfying to readers than any other number. Try to use a series of three when providing examples, grouping adjectives, or generating a list.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_n04\" class=\"im_exercises im_editable im_block\">\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\r\n<h3>Exercise 1<\/h3>\r\n<section id=\"self-check-questions\">Combine each set of simple sentences into a compound or a complex sentence. Write the combined sentence on your own sheet of paper.\r\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_l01\" class=\"im_orderedlist\">\r\n\t<li>Heroin is an extremely addictive drug. Thousands of heroin addicts die each year.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Shakespeare\u2019s writing is still relevant today. He wrote about timeless themes. These themes include love, hate, jealousy, death, and destiny.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Gay marriage is now legal in six states. Iowa, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine all permit same-sex marriage. Other states are likely to follow their example.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Prewriting is a vital stage of the writing process. Prewriting helps you organize your ideas. Types of prewriting include outlining, brainstorming, and idea mapping.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Mitch Bancroft is a famous writer. He also serves as a governor on the local school board. Mitch\u2019s two children attend the school.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nCollaboration\r\n\r\nPlease share with a classmate and compare your answers.\r\n\r\n<\/section><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01\" class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Using Sentence Variety at the Beginning of Sentences<\/h2>\r\nRead the following sentences and consider what they all have in common:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\nJohn and Amanda will be analyzing this week\u2019s financial report.\r\n\r\nThe car screeched to a halt just a few inches away from the young boy.\r\n\r\nStudents rarely come to the exam adequately prepared.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nIf you are having trouble figuring out why these sentences are similar, try underlining the subject in each. You will notice that the subject is positioned at the beginning of each sentence\u2014<em class=\"im_emphasis\">John and Amanda<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">the car<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">students<\/em>. Since the subject-verb-object pattern is the simplest sentence structure, many writers tend to overuse this technique, which can result in repetitive paragraphs with little sentence variety.\r\n\r\nNaomi wrote an essay about the 2008 government bailout. Read this excerpt from Naomi\u2019s essay:\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/7b93c5261cbe45d2300bfe9fb99f9099.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_7b93c5261cbe45d2300bfe9fb99f9099.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\nThis section examines several ways to introduce sentence variety at the beginning of sentences, using Naomi\u2019s essay as an example.\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s01\" class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Starting a Sentence with an Adverb<\/h2>\r\nOne technique you can use so as to avoid beginning a sentence with the subject is to use an adverb. An <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">adverb<\/span><\/span> is a word that describes a verb, adjective, or other adverb and often ends in -<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ly<\/em>. Examples of adverbs include <em class=\"im_emphasis\">quickly<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">softly<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">quietly<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">angrily<\/em>, and <em class=\"im_emphasis\">timidly<\/em>. Read the following sentences:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s01_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\nShe slowly turned the corner and peered into the murky basement.\r\n\r\nSlowly, she turned the corner and peered into the murky basement.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nIn the second sentence, the adverb <em class=\"im_emphasis\">slowly<\/em> is placed at the beginning of the sentence. If you read the two sentences aloud, you will notice that moving the adverb changes the rhythm of the sentence and slightly alters its meaning. The second sentence emphasizes how the subject moves\u2014slowly\u2014creating a buildup of tension. This technique is effective in fictional writing.\r\n\r\nNote that an adverb used at the beginning of a sentence is usually followed by a comma. A comma indicates that the reader should pause briefly, which creates a useful rhetorical device. Read the following sentences aloud and consider the effect of pausing after the adverb:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s01_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\nCautiously, he unlocked the kennel and waited for the dog\u2019s reaction.\r\n\r\nSolemnly, the policeman approached the mayor and placed him under arrest.\r\n\r\nSuddenly, he slammed the door shut and sprinted across the street.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nIn an academic essay, moving an adverb to the beginning of a sentence serves to vary the rhythm of a paragraph and increase sentence variety.\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/4ab5f35ee1b53aef3b21c4c26df82370.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_4ab5f35ee1b53aef3b21c4c26df82370.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\nNaomi has used two adverbs in her essay that could be moved to the beginning of their respective sentences. Notice how the following revised version creates a more varied paragraph:\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/86d90c184e3304fbe14fe8825b1a77dd.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_86d90c184e3304fbe14fe8825b1a77dd.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s01_n03\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block textbox shaded\">\r\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Tip<\/h3>\r\nAdverbs of time\u2014adverbs that indicate <em class=\"im_emphasis\">when<\/em> an action takes place\u2014do not always require a comma when used at the beginning of a sentence. Adverbs of time include words such as <em class=\"im_emphasis\">yesterday<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">today<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">later<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">sometimes<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">often<\/em>, and <em class=\"im_emphasis\">now<\/em>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s01_n04\" class=\"im_exercises im_editable im_block\">\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\r\n<h3>Exercise 2<\/h3>\r\n<section id=\"self-check-questions\">On your own sheet of paper, rewrite the following sentences by moving the adverbs to the beginning.\r\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s01_l01\" class=\"im_orderedlist\">\r\n\t<li>The red truck sped furiously past the camper van, blaring its horn.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Jeff snatched at the bread hungrily, polishing off three slices in under a minute.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Underage drinking typically results from peer pressure and lack of parental attention.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>The firefighters bravely tackled the blaze, but they were beaten back by flames.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Mayor Johnson privately acknowledged that the budget was excessive and that further discussion was needed.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nCollaboration\r\n\r\nPlease share with a classmate and compare your answers.\r\n\r\n<\/section><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s02\" class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Starting a Sentence with a Prepositional Phrase<\/h2>\r\nA <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">prepositional phrase<\/span><\/span> is a group of words that behaves as an adjective or an adverb, modifying a noun or a verb. Prepositional phrases contain a <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">preposition<\/span><\/span> (a word that specifies place, direction, or time) and an <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">object of the preposition<\/span><\/span> (a noun phrase or pronoun that follows the preposition).\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s02_t01\" class=\"im_table im_block\">\r\n\r\n<span class=\"im_title-prefix\">Table 7.1<\/span> Common Prepositions\r\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>above<\/td>\r\n<td>beneath<\/td>\r\n<td>into<\/td>\r\n<td>till<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>across<\/td>\r\n<td>beside<\/td>\r\n<td>like<\/td>\r\n<td>toward<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>against<\/td>\r\n<td>between<\/td>\r\n<td>near<\/td>\r\n<td>under<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>after<\/td>\r\n<td>beyond<\/td>\r\n<td>off<\/td>\r\n<td>underneath<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>among<\/td>\r\n<td>by<\/td>\r\n<td>on<\/td>\r\n<td>until<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>around<\/td>\r\n<td>despite<\/td>\r\n<td>over<\/td>\r\n<td>up<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>at<\/td>\r\n<td>except<\/td>\r\n<td>past<\/td>\r\n<td>with<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>before<\/td>\r\n<td>for<\/td>\r\n<td>since<\/td>\r\n<td>without<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>behind<\/td>\r\n<td>from<\/td>\r\n<td>through<\/td>\r\n<td><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td>below<\/td>\r\n<td>inside<\/td>\r\n<td>throughout<\/td>\r\n<td><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/div>\r\nRead the following sentence:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s02_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\nThe terrified child hid <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">underneath the table<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nIn this sentence, the prepositional phrase is <em class=\"im_emphasis\">underneath the table.<\/em> The preposition <em class=\"im_emphasis\">underneath<\/em> relates to the object that follows the preposition\u2014<em class=\"im_emphasis\">the table<\/em>. Adjectives may be placed between the preposition and the object in a prepositional phrase.\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s02_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\nThe terrified child hid <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">underneath the heavy wooden table<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nSome prepositional phrases can be moved to the beginning of a sentence in order to create variety in a piece of writing. Look at the following revised sentence:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s02_n03\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Underneath the heavy wooden table<\/strong>, the terrified child hid.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nNotice that when the prepositional phrase is moved to the beginning of the sentence, the emphasis shifts from the subject\u2014the terrified child\u2014to the location in which the child is hiding. Words that are placed at the beginning or end of a sentence generally receive the greatest emphasis. Take a look at the following examples. The prepositional phrase is underlined in each:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s02_n04\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\nThe bandaged man waited <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">in the doctor\u2019s office<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">In the doctor\u2019s office<\/strong>, the bandaged man waited.\r\n\r\nMy train leaves the station <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">at 6:45 a.m<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">At 6:45 a.m.<\/strong>, my train leaves the station.\r\n\r\nTeenagers exchange drugs and money <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">under the railway bridge<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Under the railway bridge<\/strong>, teenagers exchange drugs and money.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nPrepositional phrases are useful in any type of writing. Take another look at Naomi\u2019s essay on the government bailout.\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/651114fcad6e25b8c5a389bdabfbed02.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_651114fcad6e25b8c5a389bdabfbed02.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\nNow read the revised version.\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/712b7235dbf12bf9bab25484880436f9.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_712b7235dbf12bf9bab25484880436f9.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\nThe underlined words are all prepositional phrases. Notice how they add additional information to the text and provide a sense of flow to the essay, making it less choppy and more pleasurable to read.\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Unmovable Prepositional Phrases<\/strong>\r\n\r\nNot all prepositional phrases can be placed at the beginning of a sentence. Read the following sentence:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s02_n05\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\nI would like a chocolate sundae <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">without whipped cream<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nIn this sentence, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">without whipped cream<\/em> is the prepositional phrase. Because it describes the chocolate sundae, it cannot be moved to the beginning of the sentence. \u201cWithout whipped cream I would like a chocolate sundae\u201d does not make as much (if any) sense. To determine whether a prepositional phrase can be moved, we must determine the meaning of the sentence.\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Overuse of Prepositional Phrases<\/strong>\r\n\r\nExperienced writers often include more than one prepositional phrase in a sentence; however, it is important not to overload your writing. Using too many modifiers in a paragraph may create an unintentionally comical effect as the following example shows:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s02_n06\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\nThe treasure lay buried under the old oak tree, behind the crumbling fifteenth-century wall, near the schoolyard, where children played merrily during their lunch hour, unaware of the riches that remained hidden beneath their feet.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nA sentence is not necessarily effective just because it is long and complex. If your sentence appears cluttered with prepositional phrases, divide it into two shorter sentences. The previous sentence is far more effective when written as two simpler sentences:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s02_n07\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\nThe treasure lay buried under the old oak tree, behind the crumbling fifteenth-century wall. In the nearby schoolyard, children played merrily during their lunch hour, unaware of the riches that remained hidden beneath their feet.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s02_n08\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-success\"><section id=\"glossary\">\r\n<h3>Writing at Work<\/h3>\r\n<div data-type=\"definition\">The overuse of prepositional phrases often occurs when our thoughts are jumbled and we are unsure how concepts or ideas relate to one another. If you are preparing a report or a proposal, take the time to organize your thoughts in an outline before writing a rough draft. Read the draft aloud, either to yourself or to a colleague, and identify areas that are rambling or unclear. If you notice that a particular part of your report contains several sentences over twenty words, you should double check that particular section to make certain that it is coherent and does not contain unnecessary prepositional phrases. Reading aloud sometimes helps detect unclear and wordy sentences. You can also ask a colleague to paraphrase your main points to ensure that the meaning is clear.<\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"lti-mapping\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s03\" class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Starting a Sentence by Inverting Subject and Verb<\/h2>\r\nAs we noted earlier, most writers follow the subject-verb-object sentence structure. In an <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">inverted sentence<\/span><\/span>, the order is reversed so that the subject follows the verb. Read the following sentence pairs:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s03_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s03_l01\" class=\"im_orderedlist\">\r\n\t<li>A truck was parked in the driveway.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Parked in the driveway was a truck.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s03_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s03_l02\" class=\"im_orderedlist\">\r\n\t<li>A copy of the file is attached.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Attached is a copy of the file.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\nNotice how the second sentence in each pair places more emphasis on the subject\u2014<em class=\"im_emphasis\">a truck<\/em> in the first example and <em class=\"im_emphasis\">the file<\/em> in the second. This technique is useful for drawing the reader\u2019s attention to your primary area of focus. We can apply this method to an academic essay. Take another look at Naomi\u2019s paragraph.\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/25e6f69a0cab86b85a0f9fb02d3406ff.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_25e6f69a0cab86b85a0f9fb02d3406ff.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\nTo emphasize the subject in certain sentences, Naomi can invert the traditional sentence structure. Read her revised paragraph:\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/8eb9bbe07c32e2f7a5424986e2f04a40.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_8eb9bbe07c32e2f7a5424986e2f04a40.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\nNotice that in the first underlined sentence, the subject (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">some economists<\/em>) is placed after the verb (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">argued<\/em>). In the second underlined sentence, the subject (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">the government<\/em>) is placed after the verb (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">expects<\/em>).\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s03_n03\" class=\"im_exercises im_editable im_block\">\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\r\n<h3>Exercise 3<\/h3>\r\n<section id=\"self-check-questions\">On your own sheet of paper, rewrite the following sentences as inverted sentences.\r\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s03_l03\" class=\"im_orderedlist\">\r\n\t<li>Teresa will never attempt to run another marathon.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>A detailed job description is enclosed with this letter.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Bathroom facilities are across the hall to the left of the water cooler.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>The well-dressed stranger stumbled through the doorway.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>My colleagues remain unconvinced about the proposed merger.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nCollaboration\r\n\r\nPlease share with a classmate and compare your answers.\r\n\r\n<\/section><\/div>\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title\">Connecting Ideas to Increase Sentence Variety<\/h2>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02\" class=\"im_section\">\r\n\r\nReviewing and rewriting the beginning of sentences is a good way of introducing sentence variety into your writing. Another useful technique is to connect two sentences using a modifier, a relative clause, or an appositive. This section examines how to connect ideas across several sentences in order to increase sentence variety and improve writing.\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s01\" class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Joining Ideas Using an -<em class=\"im_emphasis im_bolditalic\">ing<\/em> Modifier<\/h2>\r\nSometimes it is possible to combine two sentences by converting one of them into a modifier using the -<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ing<\/em> verb form\u2014<em class=\"im_emphasis\">singing<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">dancing<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">swimming<\/em>. A <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">modifier<\/span><\/span> is a word or phrase that qualifies the meaning of another element in the sentence. Read the following example:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s01_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Original sentences:<\/strong> Steve checked the computer system. He discovered a virus.\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Revised sentence:<\/strong> Checking the computer system, Steve discovered a virus.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nTo connect two sentences using an -<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ing<\/em> modifier, add -<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ing<\/em> to one of the verbs in the sentences (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">checking<\/em>) and delete the subject (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">Steve<\/em>). Use a comma to separate the modifier from the subject of the sentence. It is important to make sure that the main idea in your revised sentence is contained in the main clause, not in the modifier. In this example, the main idea is that Steve discovered a virus, not that he checked the computer system.\r\n\r\nIn the following example, an -<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ing<\/em> modifier indicates that two actions are occurring at the same time:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s01_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s01_l01\" class=\"im_orderedlist\">\r\n\t<li>Noticing the police car, she shifted gears and slowed down.This means that she slowed down at the same time she noticed the police car.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Barking loudly, the dog ran across the driveway.This means that the dog barked as it ran across the driveway.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/div>\r\nYou can add an -<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ing<\/em> modifier to the beginning or the end of a sentence, depending on which fits best.\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s01_n03\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Beginning: Conducting a survey among her friends<\/strong>, Amanda found that few were happy in their jobs.\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">End:<\/strong> Maria filed the final report, <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">meeting her deadline<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s02\" class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Dangling Modifiers<\/h2>\r\nA common mistake when combining sentences using the -<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ing<\/em> verb form is to misplace the modifier so that it is not logically connected to the rest of the sentence. This creates a <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">dangling modifier<\/span><\/span>. Look at the following example:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s02_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\nJogging across the parking lot, my breath grew ragged and shallow.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nIn this sentence, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">jogging across the parking lot<\/em> seems to modify <em class=\"im_emphasis\">my breath<\/em>. Since breath cannot jog, the sentence should be rewritten so that the subject is placed immediately after the modifier or added to the dangling phrase.\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s02_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\nJogging across the parking lot, I felt my breath grow ragged and shallow.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nFor more information on dangling modifiers, see Chapter 2 \"Writing Basics: What Makes a Good Sentence?\".\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s03\" class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Joining Ideas Using an -<em class=\"im_emphasis im_bolditalic\">ed<\/em> Modifier<\/h2>\r\nSome sentences can be combined using an -<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ed<\/em> verb form\u2014<em class=\"im_emphasis\">stopped<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">finished<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">played<\/em>. To use this method, one of the sentences must contain a form of <em class=\"im_emphasis\">be<\/em> as a helping verb in addition to the -<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ed<\/em> verb form. Take a look at the following example:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s03_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Original sentences:<\/strong> The Jones family was delayed by a traffic jam. They arrived several hours after the party started.\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Revised sentence:<\/strong> Delayed by a traffic jam, the Jones family arrived several hours after the party started.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nIn the original version, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">was<\/em> acts as a <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">helping verb<\/span><\/span>\u2014it has no meaning by itself, but it serves a grammatical function by placing the main verb (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">delayed<\/em>) in the perfect tense.\r\n\r\nTo connect two sentences using an -<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ed<\/em> modifier, drop the helping verb (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">was<\/em>) and the subject (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">the Jones family<\/em>) from the sentence with an -<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ed<\/em> verb form. This forms a modifying phrase (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">delayed by a traffic jam<\/em>) that can be added to the beginning or end of the other sentence according to which fits best. As with the -<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ing<\/em> modifier, be careful to place the word that the phrase modifies immediately after the phrase in order to avoid a dangling modifier.\r\n\r\nUsing -<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ing<\/em> or -<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ed<\/em> modifiers can help streamline your writing by drawing obvious connections between two sentences. Take a look at how Naomi might use modifiers in her paragraph.\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/ef13aca4b4f35efa83adaa99e4e3e291.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_ef13aca4b4f35efa83adaa99e4e3e291.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\nThe revised version of the essay uses the -<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ing<\/em> modifier <em class=\"im_emphasis\">opting<\/em> to draw a connection between the government\u2019s decision to bail out the banks and the result of that decision\u2014the acquisition of the mortgage-backed securities.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s04\" class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Joining Ideas Using a Relative Clause<\/h2>\r\nAnother technique that writers use to combine sentences is to join them using a relative clause. A <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">relative clause<\/span><\/span> is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and describes a noun. Relative clauses function as adjectives by answering questions such as <em class=\"im_emphasis\">which one?<\/em> or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">what kind?<\/em> Relative clauses begin with a relative pronoun, such as <em class=\"im_emphasis\">who<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">which<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">where<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">why<\/em>, or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">when<\/em>. Read the following examples:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s04_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Original sentences:<\/strong> The managing director is visiting the company next week. He lives in Seattle.\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Revised sentence:<\/strong> The managing director, who lives in Seattle, is visiting the company next week.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nTo connect two sentences using a relative clause, substitute the subject of one of the sentences (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">he<\/em>) for a relative pronoun (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">who<\/em>). This gives you a relative clause (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">who lives in Seattle<\/em>) that can be placed next to the noun it describes (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">the managing director<\/em>). Make sure to keep the sentence you want to emphasize as the main clause. For example, reversing the main clause and subordinate clause in the preceding sentence emphasizes where the managing director lives, not the fact that he is visiting the company.\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s04_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Revised sentence:<\/strong> The managing director, who is visiting the company next week, lives in Seattle.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nRelative clauses are a useful way of providing additional, nonessential information in a sentence. Take a look at how Naomi might incorporate relative clauses into her essay.\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/ea5868faba819af797cc6335d2562eb9.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_ea5868faba819af797cc6335d2562eb9.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\nNotice how the underlined relative clauses can be removed from Naomi\u2019s essay without changing the meaning of the sentence.\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s04_n03\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block textbox shaded\">\r\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Tip<\/h3>\r\nTo check the punctuation of relative clauses, assess whether or not the clause can be taken out of the sentence without changing its meaning. If the relative clause is not essential to the meaning of the sentence, it should be placed in commas. If the relative clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence, it does not require commas around it.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s05\" class=\"im_section\">\r\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Joining Ideas Using an Appositive<\/h2>\r\nAn <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">appositive<\/span><\/span> is a word or group of words that describes or renames a noun or pronoun. Incorporating appositives into your writing is a useful way of combining sentences that are too short and choppy. Take a look at the following example:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s05_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Original sentences:<\/strong> Harland Sanders began serving food for hungry travelers in 1930. He is Colonel Sanders or \u201cthe Colonel.\u201d\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Revised sentence:<\/strong> Harland Sanders, \u201cthe Colonel,\u201d began serving food for hungry travelers in 1930.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nIn the revised sentence, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">\u201cthe Colonel\u201d<\/em> is an appositive because it renames Harland Sanders. To combine two sentences using an appositive, drop the subject and verb from the sentence that renames the noun and turn it into a phrase. Note that in the previous example, the appositive is positioned immediately after the noun it describes. An appositive may be placed anywhere in a sentence, but it must come directly before or after the noun to which it refers:\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s05_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Appositive after noun:<\/strong> Scott, a poorly trained athlete, was not expected to win the race.\r\n\r\n<strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Appositive before noun:<\/strong> A poorly trained athlete, Scott was not expected to win the race.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nUnlike relative clauses, appositives are always punctuated by a comma or a set commas. Take a look at the way Naomi uses appositives to include additional facts in her essay.\r\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/b07f986e3471c7de76fd60aa01fe4bab.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_b07f986e3471c7de76fd60aa01fe4bab.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s05_n03\" class=\"im_exercises im_editable im_block\">\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\r\n<h3>Exercise 4<\/h3>\r\n<section id=\"self-check-questions\">On your own sheet of paper, rewrite the following sentence pairs as one sentence using the techniques you have learned in this section.\r\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s05_l01\" class=\"im_orderedlist\">\r\n\t<li>Baby sharks are called pups. Pups can be born in one of three ways.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>The Pacific Ocean is the world\u2019s largest ocean. It extends from the Arctic in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Michael Phelps won eight gold medals in the 2008 Olympics. He is a champion swimmer.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Ashley introduced her colleague Dan to her husband, Jim. She speculated that the two of them would have a lot in common.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Cacao is harvested by hand. It is then sold to chocolate-processing companies at the Coffee, Sugar, and Cocoa Exchange.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nCollaboration\r\n\r\nPlease share with a classmate and compare your answers.\r\n\r\n<\/section><\/div>\r\n<h3 class=\"im_title\"><\/h3>\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-success\"><section id=\"glossary\">\r\n<h3>Writing at Work<\/h3>\r\n<div data-type=\"definition\">In addition to varying sentence structure, consider varying the types of sentences you are using in a report or other workplace document. Most sentences are declarative, but a carefully placed question, exclamation, or command can pique colleagues\u2019 interest, even if the subject material is fairly dry. Imagine that you are writing a budget analysis. Beginning your report with a rhetorical question, such as \u201cWhere is our money going?\u201d or \u201cHow can we increase sales?\u201d encourages people to continue reading to find out the answers. Although they should be used sparingly in academic and professional writing, questions or commands are effective rhetorical devices.<\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div>\r\n<div class=\"lti-mapping\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s05_n04\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\r\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-success\"><section id=\"glossary\">\r\n<h3>Key Takeaways<\/h3>\r\n<div data-type=\"definition\">\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>Sentence variety reduces repetition in a piece of writing and adds emphasis to important points in the text.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Sentence variety can be introduced to the beginning of sentences by starting a sentence with an adverb, starting a sentence with a prepositional phrase, or by inverting the subject and verb.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Combine ideas, using modifiers, relative clauses, or appositives, to achieve sentence variety.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/section><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-highlight\">\n<h3>LEARNING OBJECTIVES<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Identify ways to vary sentence structure.<\/li>\n<li>Write and revise sentence structure at the beginning of sentences.<\/li>\n<li>Write and revise sentence structure by connecting ideas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"im_section\">\n<p>Have you ever ordered a dish in a restaurant and been not happy with its taste, even though it contained most of your favorite ingredients? Just as a meal might lack the finishing touches needed to spice it up, so too might a paragraph contain all the basic components but still lack the stylistic finesse required to engage a reader. Sometimes writers have a tendency to reuse the same sentence pattern throughout their writing. Like any repetitive task, reading text that contains too many sentences with the same length and structure can become monotonous and boring. Experienced writers mix it up by using an assortment of sentence patterns, rhythms, and lengths.<\/p>\n<p>In this chapter, you will follow a student named Naomi who has written a draft of an essay but needs to refine her writing. This section discusses how to introduce sentence variety into writing, how to open sentences using a variety of techniques, and how to use different types of sentence structure when connecting ideas. You can use these techniques when revising a paper to bring life and rhythm to your work. They will also make reading your work more enjoyable.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01\" class=\"im_section\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Incorporating Sentence Variety<\/h2>\n<p>Experienced writers incorporate <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">sentence variety<\/span><\/span> into their writing by varying sentence style and structure. Using a mixture of different sentence structures reduces repetition and adds emphasis to important points in the text. Read the following example:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p>During my time in office I have achieved several goals. I have helped increase funding for local schools. I have reduced crime rates in the neighborhood. I have encouraged young people to get involved in their community. My competitor argues that she is the better choice in the upcoming election. I argue that it is ridiculous to fix something that isn\u2019t broken. If you reelect me this year, I promise to continue to serve this community.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>In this extract from an election campaign, the writer uses short, simple sentences of a similar length and style. Writers often mistakenly believe that this technique makes the text more clear for the reader, but the result is a choppy, unsophisticated paragraph that does not grab the audience\u2019s attention. Now read the revised paragraph with sentence variety:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p>During my time in office, I have helped increase funding for local schools, reduced crime rates in the neighborhood, and encouraged young people to get involved in their community. Why fix what isn\u2019t broken? If you reelect me this year, I will continue to achieve great things for this community. Don\u2019t take a chance on an unknown contender; vote for the proven success.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Notice how introducing a short rhetorical question among the longer sentences in the paragraph is an effective means of keeping the reader\u2019s attention. In the revised version, the writer combines the choppy sentences at the beginning into one longer sentence, which adds rhythm and interest to the paragraph.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_n03\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block textbox shaded\">\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Tip<\/h3>\n<p>Effective writers often implement the \u201crule of three,\u201d which is basically the thought that things that contain three elements are more memorable and more satisfying to readers than any other number. Try to use a series of three when providing examples, grouping adjectives, or generating a list.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_n04\" class=\"im_exercises im_editable im_block\">\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\n<h3>Exercise 1<\/h3>\n<section id=\"self-check-questions\">Combine each set of simple sentences into a compound or a complex sentence. Write the combined sentence on your own sheet of paper.<\/p>\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_l01\" class=\"im_orderedlist\">\n<li>Heroin is an extremely addictive drug. Thousands of heroin addicts die each year.<\/li>\n<li>Shakespeare\u2019s writing is still relevant today. He wrote about timeless themes. These themes include love, hate, jealousy, death, and destiny.<\/li>\n<li>Gay marriage is now legal in six states. Iowa, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine all permit same-sex marriage. Other states are likely to follow their example.<\/li>\n<li>Prewriting is a vital stage of the writing process. Prewriting helps you organize your ideas. Types of prewriting include outlining, brainstorming, and idea mapping.<\/li>\n<li>Mitch Bancroft is a famous writer. He also serves as a governor on the local school board. Mitch\u2019s two children attend the school.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Collaboration<\/p>\n<p>Please share with a classmate and compare your answers.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01\" class=\"im_section\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Using Sentence Variety at the Beginning of Sentences<\/h2>\n<p>Read the following sentences and consider what they all have in common:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p>John and Amanda will be analyzing this week\u2019s financial report.<\/p>\n<p>The car screeched to a halt just a few inches away from the young boy.<\/p>\n<p>Students rarely come to the exam adequately prepared.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>If you are having trouble figuring out why these sentences are similar, try underlining the subject in each. You will notice that the subject is positioned at the beginning of each sentence\u2014<em class=\"im_emphasis\">John and Amanda<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">the car<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">students<\/em>. Since the subject-verb-object pattern is the simplest sentence structure, many writers tend to overuse this technique, which can result in repetitive paragraphs with little sentence variety.<\/p>\n<p>Naomi wrote an essay about the 2008 government bailout. Read this excerpt from Naomi\u2019s essay:<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/7b93c5261cbe45d2300bfe9fb99f9099.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_7b93c5261cbe45d2300bfe9fb99f9099.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>This section examines several ways to introduce sentence variety at the beginning of sentences, using Naomi\u2019s essay as an example.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s01\" class=\"im_section\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Starting a Sentence with an Adverb<\/h2>\n<p>One technique you can use so as to avoid beginning a sentence with the subject is to use an adverb. An <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">adverb<\/span><\/span> is a word that describes a verb, adjective, or other adverb and often ends in &#8211;<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ly<\/em>. Examples of adverbs include <em class=\"im_emphasis\">quickly<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">softly<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">quietly<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">angrily<\/em>, and <em class=\"im_emphasis\">timidly<\/em>. Read the following sentences:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s01_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p>She slowly turned the corner and peered into the murky basement.<\/p>\n<p>Slowly, she turned the corner and peered into the murky basement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>In the second sentence, the adverb <em class=\"im_emphasis\">slowly<\/em> is placed at the beginning of the sentence. If you read the two sentences aloud, you will notice that moving the adverb changes the rhythm of the sentence and slightly alters its meaning. The second sentence emphasizes how the subject moves\u2014slowly\u2014creating a buildup of tension. This technique is effective in fictional writing.<\/p>\n<p>Note that an adverb used at the beginning of a sentence is usually followed by a comma. A comma indicates that the reader should pause briefly, which creates a useful rhetorical device. Read the following sentences aloud and consider the effect of pausing after the adverb:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s01_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p>Cautiously, he unlocked the kennel and waited for the dog\u2019s reaction.<\/p>\n<p>Solemnly, the policeman approached the mayor and placed him under arrest.<\/p>\n<p>Suddenly, he slammed the door shut and sprinted across the street.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>In an academic essay, moving an adverb to the beginning of a sentence serves to vary the rhythm of a paragraph and increase sentence variety.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/4ab5f35ee1b53aef3b21c4c26df82370.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_4ab5f35ee1b53aef3b21c4c26df82370.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Naomi has used two adverbs in her essay that could be moved to the beginning of their respective sentences. Notice how the following revised version creates a more varied paragraph:<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/86d90c184e3304fbe14fe8825b1a77dd.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_86d90c184e3304fbe14fe8825b1a77dd.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s01_n03\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block textbox shaded\">\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Tip<\/h3>\n<p>Adverbs of time\u2014adverbs that indicate <em class=\"im_emphasis\">when<\/em> an action takes place\u2014do not always require a comma when used at the beginning of a sentence. Adverbs of time include words such as <em class=\"im_emphasis\">yesterday<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">today<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">later<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">sometimes<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">often<\/em>, and <em class=\"im_emphasis\">now<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s01_n04\" class=\"im_exercises im_editable im_block\">\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\n<h3>Exercise 2<\/h3>\n<section id=\"self-check-questions\">On your own sheet of paper, rewrite the following sentences by moving the adverbs to the beginning.<\/p>\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s01_l01\" class=\"im_orderedlist\">\n<li>The red truck sped furiously past the camper van, blaring its horn.<\/li>\n<li>Jeff snatched at the bread hungrily, polishing off three slices in under a minute.<\/li>\n<li>Underage drinking typically results from peer pressure and lack of parental attention.<\/li>\n<li>The firefighters bravely tackled the blaze, but they were beaten back by flames.<\/li>\n<li>Mayor Johnson privately acknowledged that the budget was excessive and that further discussion was needed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Collaboration<\/p>\n<p>Please share with a classmate and compare your answers.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s02\" class=\"im_section\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Starting a Sentence with a Prepositional Phrase<\/h2>\n<p>A <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">prepositional phrase<\/span><\/span> is a group of words that behaves as an adjective or an adverb, modifying a noun or a verb. Prepositional phrases contain a <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">preposition<\/span><\/span> (a word that specifies place, direction, or time) and an <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">object of the preposition<\/span><\/span> (a noun phrase or pronoun that follows the preposition).<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s02_t01\" class=\"im_table im_block\">\n<p><span class=\"im_title-prefix\">Table 7.1<\/span> Common Prepositions<\/p>\n<table cellpadding=\"0\" style=\"border-spacing: 0px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>above<\/td>\n<td>beneath<\/td>\n<td>into<\/td>\n<td>till<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>across<\/td>\n<td>beside<\/td>\n<td>like<\/td>\n<td>toward<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>against<\/td>\n<td>between<\/td>\n<td>near<\/td>\n<td>under<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>after<\/td>\n<td>beyond<\/td>\n<td>off<\/td>\n<td>underneath<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>among<\/td>\n<td>by<\/td>\n<td>on<\/td>\n<td>until<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>around<\/td>\n<td>despite<\/td>\n<td>over<\/td>\n<td>up<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>at<\/td>\n<td>except<\/td>\n<td>past<\/td>\n<td>with<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>before<\/td>\n<td>for<\/td>\n<td>since<\/td>\n<td>without<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>behind<\/td>\n<td>from<\/td>\n<td>through<\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>below<\/td>\n<td>inside<\/td>\n<td>throughout<\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p>Read the following sentence:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s02_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p>The terrified child hid <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">underneath the table<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>In this sentence, the prepositional phrase is <em class=\"im_emphasis\">underneath the table.<\/em> The preposition <em class=\"im_emphasis\">underneath<\/em> relates to the object that follows the preposition\u2014<em class=\"im_emphasis\">the table<\/em>. Adjectives may be placed between the preposition and the object in a prepositional phrase.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s02_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p>The terrified child hid <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">underneath the heavy wooden table<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Some prepositional phrases can be moved to the beginning of a sentence in order to create variety in a piece of writing. Look at the following revised sentence:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s02_n03\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Underneath the heavy wooden table<\/strong>, the terrified child hid.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Notice that when the prepositional phrase is moved to the beginning of the sentence, the emphasis shifts from the subject\u2014the terrified child\u2014to the location in which the child is hiding. Words that are placed at the beginning or end of a sentence generally receive the greatest emphasis. Take a look at the following examples. The prepositional phrase is underlined in each:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s02_n04\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p>The bandaged man waited <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">in the doctor\u2019s office<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">In the doctor\u2019s office<\/strong>, the bandaged man waited.<\/p>\n<p>My train leaves the station <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">at 6:45 a.m<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">At 6:45 a.m.<\/strong>, my train leaves the station.<\/p>\n<p>Teenagers exchange drugs and money <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">under the railway bridge<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Under the railway bridge<\/strong>, teenagers exchange drugs and money.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Prepositional phrases are useful in any type of writing. Take another look at Naomi\u2019s essay on the government bailout.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/651114fcad6e25b8c5a389bdabfbed02.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_651114fcad6e25b8c5a389bdabfbed02.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Now read the revised version.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/712b7235dbf12bf9bab25484880436f9.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_712b7235dbf12bf9bab25484880436f9.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>The underlined words are all prepositional phrases. Notice how they add additional information to the text and provide a sense of flow to the essay, making it less choppy and more pleasurable to read.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Unmovable Prepositional Phrases<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Not all prepositional phrases can be placed at the beginning of a sentence. Read the following sentence:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s02_n05\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p>I would like a chocolate sundae <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">without whipped cream<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>In this sentence, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">without whipped cream<\/em> is the prepositional phrase. Because it describes the chocolate sundae, it cannot be moved to the beginning of the sentence. \u201cWithout whipped cream I would like a chocolate sundae\u201d does not make as much (if any) sense. To determine whether a prepositional phrase can be moved, we must determine the meaning of the sentence.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Overuse of Prepositional Phrases<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Experienced writers often include more than one prepositional phrase in a sentence; however, it is important not to overload your writing. Using too many modifiers in a paragraph may create an unintentionally comical effect as the following example shows:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s02_n06\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p>The treasure lay buried under the old oak tree, behind the crumbling fifteenth-century wall, near the schoolyard, where children played merrily during their lunch hour, unaware of the riches that remained hidden beneath their feet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>A sentence is not necessarily effective just because it is long and complex. If your sentence appears cluttered with prepositional phrases, divide it into two shorter sentences. The previous sentence is far more effective when written as two simpler sentences:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s02_n07\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p>The treasure lay buried under the old oak tree, behind the crumbling fifteenth-century wall. In the nearby schoolyard, children played merrily during their lunch hour, unaware of the riches that remained hidden beneath their feet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s02_n08\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-success\">\n<section id=\"glossary\">\n<h3>Writing at Work<\/h3>\n<div data-type=\"definition\">The overuse of prepositional phrases often occurs when our thoughts are jumbled and we are unsure how concepts or ideas relate to one another. If you are preparing a report or a proposal, take the time to organize your thoughts in an outline before writing a rough draft. Read the draft aloud, either to yourself or to a colleague, and identify areas that are rambling or unclear. If you notice that a particular part of your report contains several sentences over twenty words, you should double check that particular section to make certain that it is coherent and does not contain unnecessary prepositional phrases. Reading aloud sometimes helps detect unclear and wordy sentences. You can also ask a colleague to paraphrase your main points to ensure that the meaning is clear.<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"lti-mapping\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s03\" class=\"im_section\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Starting a Sentence by Inverting Subject and Verb<\/h2>\n<p>As we noted earlier, most writers follow the subject-verb-object sentence structure. In an <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">inverted sentence<\/span><\/span>, the order is reversed so that the subject follows the verb. Read the following sentence pairs:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s03_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s03_l01\" class=\"im_orderedlist\">\n<li>A truck was parked in the driveway.<\/li>\n<li>Parked in the driveway was a truck.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s03_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s03_l02\" class=\"im_orderedlist\">\n<li>A copy of the file is attached.<\/li>\n<li>Attached is a copy of the file.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<p>Notice how the second sentence in each pair places more emphasis on the subject\u2014<em class=\"im_emphasis\">a truck<\/em> in the first example and <em class=\"im_emphasis\">the file<\/em> in the second. This technique is useful for drawing the reader\u2019s attention to your primary area of focus. We can apply this method to an academic essay. Take another look at Naomi\u2019s paragraph.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/25e6f69a0cab86b85a0f9fb02d3406ff.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_25e6f69a0cab86b85a0f9fb02d3406ff.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>To emphasize the subject in certain sentences, Naomi can invert the traditional sentence structure. Read her revised paragraph:<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/8eb9bbe07c32e2f7a5424986e2f04a40.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_8eb9bbe07c32e2f7a5424986e2f04a40.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Notice that in the first underlined sentence, the subject (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">some economists<\/em>) is placed after the verb (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">argued<\/em>). In the second underlined sentence, the subject (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">the government<\/em>) is placed after the verb (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">expects<\/em>).<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s03_n03\" class=\"im_exercises im_editable im_block\">\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\n<h3>Exercise 3<\/h3>\n<section id=\"self-check-questions\">On your own sheet of paper, rewrite the following sentences as inverted sentences.<\/p>\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s01_s03_l03\" class=\"im_orderedlist\">\n<li>Teresa will never attempt to run another marathon.<\/li>\n<li>A detailed job description is enclosed with this letter.<\/li>\n<li>Bathroom facilities are across the hall to the left of the water cooler.<\/li>\n<li>The well-dressed stranger stumbled through the doorway.<\/li>\n<li>My colleagues remain unconvinced about the proposed merger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Collaboration<\/p>\n<p>Please share with a classmate and compare your answers.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"im_title\">Connecting Ideas to Increase Sentence Variety<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02\" class=\"im_section\">\n<p>Reviewing and rewriting the beginning of sentences is a good way of introducing sentence variety into your writing. Another useful technique is to connect two sentences using a modifier, a relative clause, or an appositive. This section examines how to connect ideas across several sentences in order to increase sentence variety and improve writing.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s01\" class=\"im_section\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Joining Ideas Using an &#8211;<em class=\"im_emphasis im_bolditalic\">ing<\/em> Modifier<\/h2>\n<p>Sometimes it is possible to combine two sentences by converting one of them into a modifier using the &#8211;<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ing<\/em> verb form\u2014<em class=\"im_emphasis\">singing<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">dancing<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">swimming<\/em>. A <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">modifier<\/span><\/span> is a word or phrase that qualifies the meaning of another element in the sentence. Read the following example:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s01_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Original sentences:<\/strong> Steve checked the computer system. He discovered a virus.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Revised sentence:<\/strong> Checking the computer system, Steve discovered a virus.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>To connect two sentences using an &#8211;<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ing<\/em> modifier, add &#8211;<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ing<\/em> to one of the verbs in the sentences (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">checking<\/em>) and delete the subject (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">Steve<\/em>). Use a comma to separate the modifier from the subject of the sentence. It is important to make sure that the main idea in your revised sentence is contained in the main clause, not in the modifier. In this example, the main idea is that Steve discovered a virus, not that he checked the computer system.<\/p>\n<p>In the following example, an &#8211;<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ing<\/em> modifier indicates that two actions are occurring at the same time:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s01_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s01_l01\" class=\"im_orderedlist\">\n<li>Noticing the police car, she shifted gears and slowed down.This means that she slowed down at the same time she noticed the police car.<\/li>\n<li>Barking loudly, the dog ran across the driveway.This means that the dog barked as it ran across the driveway.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<p>You can add an &#8211;<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ing<\/em> modifier to the beginning or the end of a sentence, depending on which fits best.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s01_n03\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Beginning: Conducting a survey among her friends<\/strong>, Amanda found that few were happy in their jobs.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">End:<\/strong> Maria filed the final report, <strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">meeting her deadline<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s02\" class=\"im_section\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Dangling Modifiers<\/h2>\n<p>A common mistake when combining sentences using the &#8211;<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ing<\/em> verb form is to misplace the modifier so that it is not logically connected to the rest of the sentence. This creates a <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">dangling modifier<\/span><\/span>. Look at the following example:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s02_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p>Jogging across the parking lot, my breath grew ragged and shallow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>In this sentence, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">jogging across the parking lot<\/em> seems to modify <em class=\"im_emphasis\">my breath<\/em>. Since breath cannot jog, the sentence should be rewritten so that the subject is placed immediately after the modifier or added to the dangling phrase.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s02_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p>Jogging across the parking lot, I felt my breath grow ragged and shallow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>For more information on dangling modifiers, see Chapter 2 &#8220;Writing Basics: What Makes a Good Sentence?&#8221;.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s03\" class=\"im_section\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Joining Ideas Using an &#8211;<em class=\"im_emphasis im_bolditalic\">ed<\/em> Modifier<\/h2>\n<p>Some sentences can be combined using an &#8211;<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ed<\/em> verb form\u2014<em class=\"im_emphasis\">stopped<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">finished<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">played<\/em>. To use this method, one of the sentences must contain a form of <em class=\"im_emphasis\">be<\/em> as a helping verb in addition to the &#8211;<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ed<\/em> verb form. Take a look at the following example:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s03_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Original sentences:<\/strong> The Jones family was delayed by a traffic jam. They arrived several hours after the party started.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Revised sentence:<\/strong> Delayed by a traffic jam, the Jones family arrived several hours after the party started.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>In the original version, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">was<\/em> acts as a <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">helping verb<\/span><\/span>\u2014it has no meaning by itself, but it serves a grammatical function by placing the main verb (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">delayed<\/em>) in the perfect tense.<\/p>\n<p>To connect two sentences using an &#8211;<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ed<\/em> modifier, drop the helping verb (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">was<\/em>) and the subject (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">the Jones family<\/em>) from the sentence with an &#8211;<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ed<\/em> verb form. This forms a modifying phrase (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">delayed by a traffic jam<\/em>) that can be added to the beginning or end of the other sentence according to which fits best. As with the &#8211;<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ing<\/em> modifier, be careful to place the word that the phrase modifies immediately after the phrase in order to avoid a dangling modifier.<\/p>\n<p>Using &#8211;<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ing<\/em> or &#8211;<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ed<\/em> modifiers can help streamline your writing by drawing obvious connections between two sentences. Take a look at how Naomi might use modifiers in her paragraph.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/ef13aca4b4f35efa83adaa99e4e3e291.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_ef13aca4b4f35efa83adaa99e4e3e291.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>The revised version of the essay uses the &#8211;<em class=\"im_emphasis\">ing<\/em> modifier <em class=\"im_emphasis\">opting<\/em> to draw a connection between the government\u2019s decision to bail out the banks and the result of that decision\u2014the acquisition of the mortgage-backed securities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s04\" class=\"im_section\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Joining Ideas Using a Relative Clause<\/h2>\n<p>Another technique that writers use to combine sentences is to join them using a relative clause. A <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">relative clause<\/span><\/span> is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and describes a noun. Relative clauses function as adjectives by answering questions such as <em class=\"im_emphasis\">which one?<\/em> or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">what kind?<\/em> Relative clauses begin with a relative pronoun, such as <em class=\"im_emphasis\">who<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">which<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">where<\/em>, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">why<\/em>, or <em class=\"im_emphasis\">when<\/em>. Read the following examples:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s04_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Original sentences:<\/strong> The managing director is visiting the company next week. He lives in Seattle.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Revised sentence:<\/strong> The managing director, who lives in Seattle, is visiting the company next week.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>To connect two sentences using a relative clause, substitute the subject of one of the sentences (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">he<\/em>) for a relative pronoun (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">who<\/em>). This gives you a relative clause (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">who lives in Seattle<\/em>) that can be placed next to the noun it describes (<em class=\"im_emphasis\">the managing director<\/em>). Make sure to keep the sentence you want to emphasize as the main clause. For example, reversing the main clause and subordinate clause in the preceding sentence emphasizes where the managing director lives, not the fact that he is visiting the company.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s04_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Revised sentence:<\/strong> The managing director, who is visiting the company next week, lives in Seattle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Relative clauses are a useful way of providing additional, nonessential information in a sentence. Take a look at how Naomi might incorporate relative clauses into her essay.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/ea5868faba819af797cc6335d2562eb9.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_ea5868faba819af797cc6335d2562eb9.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Notice how the underlined relative clauses can be removed from Naomi\u2019s essay without changing the meaning of the sentence.<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s04_n03\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block textbox shaded\">\n<h3 class=\"im_title\">Tip<\/h3>\n<p>To check the punctuation of relative clauses, assess whether or not the clause can be taken out of the sentence without changing its meaning. If the relative clause is not essential to the meaning of the sentence, it should be placed in commas. If the relative clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence, it does not require commas around it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s05\" class=\"im_section\">\n<h2 class=\"im_title im_editable im_block\">Joining Ideas Using an Appositive<\/h2>\n<p>An <span class=\"im_margin_term\"><span class=\"im_glossterm\">appositive<\/span><\/span> is a word or group of words that describes or renames a noun or pronoun. Incorporating appositives into your writing is a useful way of combining sentences that are too short and choppy. Take a look at the following example:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s05_n01\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Original sentences:<\/strong> Harland Sanders began serving food for hungry travelers in 1930. He is Colonel Sanders or \u201cthe Colonel.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Revised sentence:<\/strong> Harland Sanders, \u201cthe Colonel,\u201d began serving food for hungry travelers in 1930.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>In the revised sentence, <em class=\"im_emphasis\">\u201cthe Colonel\u201d<\/em> is an appositive because it renames Harland Sanders. To combine two sentences using an appositive, drop the subject and verb from the sentence that renames the noun and turn it into a phrase. Note that in the previous example, the appositive is positioned immediately after the noun it describes. An appositive may be placed anywhere in a sentence, but it must come directly before or after the noun to which it refers:<\/p>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s05_n02\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Appositive after noun:<\/strong> Scott, a poorly trained athlete, was not expected to win the race.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"im_emphasis im_bold\">Appositive before noun:<\/strong> A poorly trained athlete, Scott was not expected to win the race.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Unlike relative clauses, appositives are always punctuated by a comma or a set commas. Take a look at the way Naomi uses appositives to include additional facts in her essay.<\/p>\n<div class=\"im_informalfigure im_large im_block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/section_11\/b07f986e3471c7de76fd60aa01fe4bab.jpg\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/textimgs.s3.amazonaws.com\/successfulwriting\/images\/sm_b07f986e3471c7de76fd60aa01fe4bab.jpg#fixme\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s05_n03\" class=\"im_exercises im_editable im_block\">\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-info\">\n<h3>Exercise 4<\/h3>\n<section id=\"self-check-questions\">On your own sheet of paper, rewrite the following sentence pairs as one sentence using the techniques you have learned in this section.<\/p>\n<ol id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s05_l01\" class=\"im_orderedlist\">\n<li>Baby sharks are called pups. Pups can be born in one of three ways.<\/li>\n<li>The Pacific Ocean is the world\u2019s largest ocean. It extends from the Arctic in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south.<\/li>\n<li>Michael Phelps won eight gold medals in the 2008 Olympics. He is a champion swimmer.<\/li>\n<li>Ashley introduced her colleague Dan to her husband, Jim. She speculated that the two of them would have a lot in common.<\/li>\n<li>Cacao is harvested by hand. It is then sold to chocolate-processing companies at the Coffee, Sugar, and Cocoa Exchange.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Collaboration<\/p>\n<p>Please share with a classmate and compare your answers.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"im_title\"><\/h3>\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-success\">\n<section id=\"glossary\">\n<h3>Writing at Work<\/h3>\n<div data-type=\"definition\">In addition to varying sentence structure, consider varying the types of sentences you are using in a report or other workplace document. Most sentences are declarative, but a carefully placed question, exclamation, or command can pique colleagues\u2019 interest, even if the subject material is fairly dry. Imagine that you are writing a budget analysis. Beginning your report with a rhetorical question, such as \u201cWhere is our money going?\u201d or \u201cHow can we increase sales?\u201d encourages people to continue reading to find out the answers. Although they should be used sparingly in academic and professional writing, questions or commands are effective rhetorical devices.<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"lti-mapping\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"fresh-ch07_s01_s01_s02_s05_n04\" class=\"im_callout im_editable im_block\">\n<div class=\"bcc-box bcc-success\">\n<section id=\"glossary\">\n<h3>Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n<div data-type=\"definition\">\n<ul>\n<li>Sentence variety reduces repetition in a piece of writing and adds emphasis to important points in the text.<\/li>\n<li>Sentence variety can be introduced to the beginning of sentences by starting a sentence with an adverb, starting a sentence with a prepositional phrase, or by inverting the subject and verb.<\/li>\n<li>Combine ideas, using modifiers, relative clauses, or appositives, to achieve sentence variety.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t <section class=\"citations-section\" role=\"contentinfo\">\n\t\t\t <h3>Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <div id=\"citation-list-66\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <div class=\"licensing\"><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Shared previously<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Successful Writing. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Anonymous. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Anonymous. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/2012books.lardbucket.org\/books\/successful-writing\/\">http:\/\/2012books.lardbucket.org\/books\/successful-writing\/<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t <\/section>","protected":false},"author":5,"menu_order":48,"template":"","meta":{"_candela_citation":"[{\"type\":\"cc\",\"description\":\"Successful Writing\",\"author\":\"Anonymous\",\"organization\":\"Anonymous\",\"url\":\"http:\/\/2012books.lardbucket.org\/books\/successful-writing\/\",\"project\":\"\",\"license\":\"cc-by-nc-sa\",\"license_terms\":\"\"}]","CANDELA_OUTCOMES_GUID":"","pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-66","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":243,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/66","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/66\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":398,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/66\/revisions\/398"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/243"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/66\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=66"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=66"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=66"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/suny-fmcc-writingforsuccess\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=66"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}