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.
Before: Newspapers provide in-depth articles on various topics. Many newspapers
are still losing circulation.
After: Newspapers provide in-depth articles on various topics, but many are still
losing circulation.
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
4. If you major in business, opportunities are open to you. Opportunities in sales, marketing, and
8. Our office parking lot was recently demolished to make way for a new building. I found a parking
12. Our team project required considerable overtime. The project involved the creation of a
15. Josh Mankell was CFO of Draco Industries. Draco Industries is a manufacturer of reading
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.
6. Dr. Caroline Cunningham, who is a specialist in business ethics, has published extensively on the
topic in several respected journals.
11. Backpacks are convenient for carrying books and other items, but they can cause poor
posture.
15. Josh Mankell retired last month after a long and prosperous career as CFO of Draco