In this post we will discuss what are varied sentence structures in English and why and how it is important to use a variety of sentence structures in your written and spoken English.
Why use varied sentence structures…
- Makes your writing more engaging to the reader without being repetitive or monotonous
- Makes your writing and speaking sound more natural.
- You can demonstrate that you are a confident, mature and polished writer or speaker by using varied sentence structures in your communication.
- Helps with clear expression of ideas and information
- Creates connection and flow between sentences (without connectors your paragraph will look like a group of stand alone sentences)
- Provides an organized and logical sequence of ideas
- Gets you good scores
DO’S AND DONT’S OF WRITING AND SPEAKING
(Using sentence structures/styles)
- Give your answer a beginning, middle and end.
- Don’t use the same word over and over again. That shows your lack of vocabulary.It is always better to avoid repetition of the same word or phrase.For example; If you use the word ” physical health”,in a sentence; in the other sentences you can change it to “physical well-being”.
- Use transition words like; In fact, besides, briefly speaking, on the top of that, Mainly, Additionally, Moreover etc.
- Make sure you use comma (,), semicolon (;) wherever required in a compound or complex sentence. Otherwise it won’t make sense. For example:
- Even though I was tired, I slept only when I finished my work.
Sentence Styles (Examples)
Use different types of sentences like, simple, compound, complex or complex compound in your writing or speaking etc.For example:
I have plans to visit my friends this summer.(simple sentence)
Although we meet every few weeks, this time it has been a little more than two months.(complex sentence).
I plan to book a hut at a picnic spot, and my friends will join me there.(compound sentence)
or
To carry out this plan, I will book a hut at a picnic spot, and my friends will join me there.(complex compound)
How to use sentence starters
We need some accurate wording to start an argument, description or explanation; For example: Firstly, First of all, To start with, In the first place,Basically, To begin with etc.
It is not wise to eat a lot of sugary stuff. First of all, it can damage your teeth. Secondly, it can increase sugar levels in the blood.
I went camping with my friends last summer. To start with, we selected a resort called Thousand Islands.Then, we watched some informational videos on how to stay safe at a camping site. Afterwards, we started packing our luggage and preparing for our adventure.
Use of connectors/transition words
Connectors are used for making more points in a discussion, adding details, giving reasons, arguing on something, explaining a point, or comparing or contrasting things etc.
Connectors to give detail: Additionally, Moreover, In addition, on the top of that, secondly, thirdly, more importantly, similarly, likewise, furthermore, on the other hand, then , Also, comparatively, instead, etc.
Examples:
Mark had a good knowledge of the English language. In addition, he knew French.
The food prices have gone up lately. Similarly, fuel prices have also increased.
Apple iPhones have a great interface. More importantly, they are user friendly.(Interestingly, they are available in a variety of colours )
Connectors to give examples:For example, such as, for instance, one example can be… etc.
Example: Incorporating fruit in our daily diet is important. For instance, eating an apple provides us enough iron for the day.
Concluding a discussion
You should conclude your paragraph using the words and phrases like; Lastly, To conclude, in conclusion, finally, as a result, in a word, briefly1, in the end, in the final analysis, on the whole, thus, to summarize, to sum up, in summary, overall, to wrap it up etc.
Examples:
To summarize, it is highly important to take daily exercise for your physical and mental well being.
To wrap it up, I would say that students must learn the value of saving and investing money from their teenage. It will help them with their finances later in life.