Sentences
Introduction
In reading the essays I have assigned so far in this class, I have noticed some weaknesses in your sentences.
Beliefs
I have five beliefs about sentences
They should have
Active Verbs
Verbs are the most important elements to a sentence. They get the words moving. They are the engines inside the machine.
Example:
Last Saturday, I killed my chihuahua, Cleo by placing her in microwave.
Bad Example
She is dead because I put her in the microwave.
Corrolary: Make the main action in the sentence, the main verb.
Specifics
Specifics make a sentence convey specific meaning and bring more color to the reader. The more precise you are, the more meaning you convey.
Example:
Last Saturday, I killed my chihuahua, Cleo by placing her in microwave and defrosting her for 43 minutes.
Bad Example
Recently, I killed my pet dog by placing her in the microwave.
One or Two Clauses
Your usual, informative sentence carries some bags with it. Those bags are relevant information, frequently carried as clauses.
Caution: The clauses should not confuse the meaning of the sentence.
Example:
Last Saturday, I killed my chihuahua, Cleo, by placing her in microwave and defrosting her for 43 minutes.
Bad Example
Last Saturday, I killed my chihuahua. I put her in the microwave. I defrostedher for 43 minutes.
Transition
Like any good golf cart, the sentence needs to have hitches to connect it to other sentences.
Example:
For years, I have hated the dog that my ex-girlfriend, Donna, gave me for Christmas. Last Saturday, I killed my chihuahua, Cleo, by placing her in microwave and defrosting her for 43 minutes. Although it made a hot, gooey, crimson mess, this last week has been blissful.
Bad Example
I have hated the dog that my ex-girlfriend, Donna, gave me for Christmas. I killed my chihuahua, Cleo, by placing her in microwave and defrosting her for 43 minutes. It made a hot, gooey, crimson mess and this last week has been blissful.
10-20 Words
A golf cart is not too big, nor is it too small. Our sentences should emulate the same goal. They should moderate themselves.
Example:
Last Saturday, I killed my chihuahua, Cleo, by placing her in microwave and defrosting her for 43 minutes. (18 Words)
Bad Example
Last Saturday, I killed my chihuahua. (6) I put her in the microwave. (6) I defrosted her for 43 minutes.(6)
Exercise
Take any of the essays you have written so far. Pull out one of the middle paragraphs and examine all of the sentences.