This document provides guidance on writing clear and effective sentences. It outlines four cornerstones: having a clear subject and predicate, placing modifiers close to what they modify, using proper punctuation, and ensuring understandability. Conjunctions are discussed as a way to connect words and groups of words. Examples are given of correct and concise usage of conjunctions. The document advises avoiding wordiness, unnecessary phrases, redundancy, and saying the same thing twice. Additional online resources for grammar and composition are listed.

1. Writing Effective Sentences

2. Objective
To help the student write clear and
effective sentences.

3. The Four Cornerstones of
Writing Clear Sentences
 Write a clear subject and a clear predicate
 Place modifiers close to what is being
modified
 Use appropriate punctuation
 Make sure the meaning can be clearly
understood

4. Use the Appropriate
Conjunctions
 Conjunctions help you write clear sentences
by connecting words or groups of words in a
sentence
– Coordinating conjunctions: And, but, or…
– Subordinating conjunctions: As, because, if, since,
until, while…
– Conjunctive adverbs: Accordingly, however,
instead…

5. Examples
 Mary traveled to Florida, but she could not
visit Disney World.
 Mary traveled to Florida because she had
an important business meeting.
 Mary traveled to Florida to meet some
business people; however, she had to
return to Puerto Rico before the meeting.

6. Things to Avoid

7. Wordiness
The lack of responsibility of John made him
fail the class.
VS
John failed the class because of his
irresponsibility.
Or
John’s lack of responsibility made him fail the
class.

8. Unnecessary Phrases
Students in the present time have to
work to pay for college.
VS
Today, students have to work to pay for
college.

9. Eliminate Unnecessary
Words and Phrases
The movie was kind of disturbing.
VS
The movie was disturbing.

10. Avoid Saying the Same Thing Twice
(Redundancy)
The computer is a new innovation.
VS
The computer is an innovation.

11. For More Information
 Index English Grammar and Composition
http://www.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/index2.htm
 Tons of Fun with Grammar
http://www.seasite.niu.edu/flin/103_handouts/senten
 Grammar Book Table of Contents
http://www.grammarbook.com/exercises/grammar/cn