6. The On Purpose Sentence Fragment. Another Way to Break the Rules. Usually the "On Purpose Sentence Fragment" is in some sort of context, rather than being off by itself. It's a way to add emphasis, to give some power. The power of an incomplete sentence! (I really love the writing of J.P.Donleavey--he's hilarious, for one reason. I mention him here because he is a master at using sentence fragments. Right now, drop whatever you' re doing, go to your local library and check out a Donleavey book.) To read in joyous silence.)
Using sentence fragments can be risky. You may not have made it clear that you know what you are doing. That you have included the fragment on purpose and for a particular effect. An added thrill to a writing assignment. Joy.
7. Combining Sentences.
Combining sentences is good. You can combine sentences in lots of ways. Combining sentences can make your writing stronger. In a way, all of the examples above get you to combine sentences.
~or~
All of the examples above cause us to create good, strong writing by combining sentences in a variety of ways.
~or~
The idea of combining sentences, as demonstrated by the examples above, is to help us develop good, strong writing.
~or~
When you combine sentences as in the above examples, your writing can become better and stronger.
(I think I've made my point.)
Now, you try.
See what you can do with this series:
The Wonderful Writing Unhandbook teaches ways to improve writing. Users choose what topic they want to learn. They learn about the topic by doing lots of writing.
There is a wonderful book that can help you improve your sentence work.
Waddell, Marie L. Robert M. Esch and Roberta R. Walker. The Art of
Styling Sentences:20 Patterns for Success. . New York:
Barron's, 1993, Fourth Edition.
The book contains lots more ways to vary sentences with lots of examples and lots of blank spaces to write in.
If your school won't run right out and buy you one, you will find it at Amazon.Com and/or Barnes and Noble on the World Wide Web.
I also recommend this book to teachers who are looking for ways to help students grow in their writing.
Here's a link to the Barron's listing for this book. I get nothing for this, so feel free to buy from Amazon or swipe a copy from your school's bookroom.
http://www.barronseduc.com/0764121812.html
Nice going. Sentence variety can become a natural habit--if you practice.
Want some more?
Want some practice?
Of course you do because you are a clear eyed, eager and inquisitive person who loves a challenge.
Whatever. I've put a bunch of sentence groups for you to combine on another page. There, you'll be able to combine right on your computer--or print the page and do the exercises on paper.
To the worksheet. . . . . . Sentence Variety Worksheet
To return to Step Two, please click : Step Two
