7 Steps to Better Writing - Charles Maxwell 2020
Use different constructions for variety and development
Step 6 – Revise
Always using the same words or the same type of sentences can prove monotonous. To improve interest:
· Use synonyms
· Use pronouns
· Structure sentences differently
· Vary sentence and paragraph length
The following example uses synonyms and pronouns to provide variety.
Use of Synonyms |
|
+ |
The crew began the excavation at 6 AM, with the team consisting of five employees. They commenced their work by cutting into the concrete. As this activity progressed, the workers brought in a backhoe to scoop out the broken material. The next step involved the laborers digging a 5-foot trench paralleling the pipe … |
Only your imagination and keeping your sentences within reasonable limits of length and complexity should limit your innovation. Rather than using many short sentences, consider forming some longer sentences that subordinate less important details as dependent clauses and/or phrases. Here are examples.
Short Monotonous Sentences |
|
- |
I was concerned. He was late. He did not prepare. It made a difficult assignment more complex. This consumed precious time. |
Longer Sentences Subordinating Ideas |
|
+ |
I was concerned that he was late and unprepared, because this made a difficult assignment more complex, thus consuming precious time. |
Short Monotonous Sentences |
|
- |
The company employs many experienced people. The project portfolio is large. Various investments make a lot of money. The company competes effectively. |
Longer Sentences Subordinating Ideas |
|
+ |
The company competes effectively, because it has many experienced people and possesses a large portfolio of profitable investments. |
As already stated, from time to time, you will want to construct different sentence structures. Most sentences follow one of the following patterns (or any combination of the patterns, if the sentence is a compound sentence).
Here are examples that illustrate alternative patterns. However, be careful to keep your sentences sounding natural.
Subject | Verb |
|
+ |
A boulder lay by the road. |
Verb | Subject |
|
+ |
By the road, lay a boulder. |
Subject | Verb |
|
+ |
The company prospered. |
Verb | Subject |
|
+ |
Thus, prospered the company. |
Subject | Verb | Object |
|
+ |
I investigated his performance. |
Object | Subject | Verb |
|
+ |
His performance I investigated. |
You also can introduce variety by beginning sentences with:
· Adverbs — example: Suddenly, the mill exploded.
· Adverb clauses — example: Although the account was closed, the firm still refunded my money.
· Prepositional phrases — example: At the close of the market, the company stock reached a new high.
· Participial phrases — example: Anticipating a slow buildup of pressure, the control room operator placed the reactor on standby.
· Conjunctions — example: We discussed all the comments made on the prior report, resolved concerns, and obtained agreement. But, we did not make an action plan.
· Appositives — example: A unique approach, whistle-stop promotions achieved much media attention.
In conclusion, add variety. Just do not get so cute that you create confusion or lose credibility.