9.1 Sentence Variety and Structure

Notes

Strong writers vary sentence length and structure to control rhythm and emphasis.

• Simple: one independent clause. Compound: two independent clauses joined by a comma plus a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS), a semicolon, or a colon. Complex: one independent and at least one dependent clause. Compound-complex: two or more independent clauses plus a dependent clause.
• Vary openers: begin with a subject, a prepositional phrase, an adverb, a participle, or a dependent clause.
• Use a short sentence after a long one for emphasis.
• Worked example: "Although the storm raged, we stayed, and the fire kept us warm." Compound-complex: "Although the storm raged" is dependent; "we stayed" and "the fire kept us warm" are independent.