Chapter 4 Constructing Clear Sentences and Paragraphs

1. Chapter 4 Constructing Clear Sentences and Paragraphs

2. Readability • Too much information in one sentence clutter’s thoughts and deters communication. • Simplification is desirable. • Sentences should have readability. • Readability – writer being able to communicate with the average middle – level adult reader. • Rule of Thumb: A sentence that has more than 16-18 words needs to be evaluated!

3. However Do Remember!! • Audience prefer simple, shorter sentences over long complex ones. • Do not overuse short sentences. • Too much of it can give a choppy effect to readings and make it sound immature. • Occasionally use moderately long sentences. • Increases reader interest and adds variety.

4. How to Shorten & Simplify Sentences • Two Basic Ways • Limit Sentence Content: Mentally select different thought contents and then make separate sentences for each. • Economizing on Words: Finding shorter ways of saying things. Trim your writing.

5. Example: Limit Sentence Content DON’T Many consumers have expressed dissatisfaction with the relatively high prices of the new Japanese cars, but this has not prevented large numbers of people from purchasing these cars and pushing sales higher than many automotive experts had forecast, thus firmly entrenching the Japanese cars in a large segment of the automobile market.

6. Example: Limit Sentence Content DO Many consumers have expressed dissatisfaction with the relatively high prices of the new Japanese cars. However, this has not prevented large numbers of people from purchasing these cars. This pushed sales higher than what many automotive experts had forecast. The Japanese cars have thus become entrenched in a large segment of the automobile market. 4 shorter sentences compared to one long one.

7. Economizing on Words 1. Replace ClutteringPhrases: A phrase that can be replaced by shorter wording without loss of meaning. In spite of the fact that he received help, the consequences were inevitable. Although he received help, the consequences were inevitable.

8. Economizing on Words Cluttering Phrases • Along the lines of • At the present time • For the purpose of • With regard/reference to • In the near future Shorter Substitutions • Like • Currently/Now • For • About • Soon

9. Economizing on Words 2. Cut Down Surplus Words: Avoid words that add nothing to the sentence meaning. He ordered desks that are of the executive type. He ordered executive-types desk. In the period between June and August we detected the problem Between June and August we detected the problem

10. Economizing on Words 3. Eliminate Duplications: Repeating words with the same meaning, unless required for emphasis is simply redundant. Our new model is longer in length, than the old one. Our new model is longer, than the old one. We should plan in advance for the future. We should plan.

11. Giving Sentences Unity For a sentence to have unity all the parts must combine to form one clear thought. Violation of sentence unity can be caused by 2 problems 1. Unrelated Ideas 2. Excessive details

12. Unrelated Ideas Two or more ideas in one sentence is not grammatically wrong, but they must have a reason for being together. The weather was unusually bad last month, and sales of B&H products increased 12%. Even though the weather was unusually bad last month, sales of B&H products increased 12%.

13. Excessive Details Putting too much detail into one sentence tends to hide the central thought. If the detail feels important then put it in a separate sentence. Refer to the Japanese car example

14. Word Sentences Logically Illogically worded sentences occur due to the following 3 reasons 1.Mixed Construction: Jumbling up tense, person, numbers etc. Consumers should read the nutrition labels, but you often don’t take the time to do so. Consumers should read the nutrition labels, but they often don’t take the time to do so. The women who went to the meeting was bored. The women who went to the meeting were bored.

15. Word Sentences Logically 2.Misplaced/Dangling Modifiers: Putting illogical modifiers or giving them nothing to modify in the sentence. Eagerly awaiting her birthday, Mary's presents were all picked up. Eagerly awaiting her birthday, Mary picked up all her presents. Hoping to excuse my lateness, the note was written and given to my teacher. Hoping to excuse my lateness, I wrote a note and gave it to my teacher.

16. Word Sentences Logically 3. Faulty Parallelism: Similarity in words, phrases, or clauses that have similar functions in a sentence. Eating, sleeping & to dance are a few of my favorite activities. Eating, sleeping & dancing are a few of my favorite activities. The man walked down the street, stopped at a shop window, and was fixing his tie. The man walked down the street, stopped at a shop window, and fixed his tie.

17. Composing Paragraphs • Paragraphs organize sentences related to the same general topic • Readers expect paragraphs to be unified-focused on a specific topic, coherent-presenting ideas in a logically connected way. • Has a topicsentence- a sentence that introduces the main idea The medical products division has been troubled for many years. One of the main problems this division faces is adversities of public relations. However, we are trying to reconcile these troubles and provide you with a better experience onwards. • Supportsentences-are more specific and each one of them relates to the topic sentence.

18. Composing Paragraphs • Transitions –connect ideas by showing how one thought is related to another. Transitions also give the writing a smooth flow. Transitions can be done through • Connecting words: As a result, However, In addition to • Using pronouns: Mr. Author is the leading candidate for the president's position. He has excellent qualifications……… • Repeating a previously used word: A system might be established for monitoring inventory levels. This system will be……….