Combine and Refine for Sentence Variety Name ________________
Sentences that begin with the same phrase or word are repetitive and boring to read. Similarly, sentences
that do not vary their length can make prose sound choppy. Your writing will become more lively and fluid
by combining sentences that are linked by content. Two writing strategies can help you create more
varied, interesting sentences.
Coordination refers to combining sentences with conjunctions such as and, but, for, or, nor, so and yet.
Subordination links sentences with similar ideas to create one sentence by using words such as after,
although, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, where, whether, which, or who.
______________________________________________________________________________
Revise the following sentences by combining using coordination or subordination.
1. The Marketing Department will conduct a survey to determine the types of products that best
serve the customer. The Marketing Department sometimes initiates ideas for new
products.
2. Data Delivery Systems makes burglar alarm systems that meet government standards. Data
Delivery Systems leases its products to business and industry.
8. Our office parking lot was recently demolished to make way for a new building. I found a parking
spot easily even though the lot was demolished.
9. Annual reports provide stakeholders with important information. Annual reports are seldom
read.
Key
We show possible revisions. Others are possible.
1. The Marketing Department, which sometimes initiates ideas for new products, will conduct a
survey to determine the types of items that best serve the customer.
2. Data Delivery Systems, which makes burglar alarm systems that meet government
standards, leases its products to business and industry.
10. DHL has initiated a carbon neutral program that will help the environment by mitigating carbon
emissions
11. Backpacks are convenient for carrying books and other items, but they can cause poor
posture.