The Diamond Paragraph: One Approach To Sentence Variety
One way to practice using sentence variety is by experimenting with a diamond paragraph. Sentences can be
classified as simple (s), compound (c), complex (cx), or compound-complex (ccx). A writing selection containing
too many sentences of any one type is often uninteresting—even if it has good content. The reverse is also true: An
average piece of writing has some appeal simply if its sentences are varied.
Sample Diamond Paragraph:
Computers are fun (s). They can also be frustrating, and they can be frightening (c). If a person knows what he is
doing, however, the frustration and fear soon disappear (cx). Although the beginner is obviously unsure of himself,
he soon learns computer language, and he feels more comfortable (ccx). He can now begin to follow simple
programs because he has learned the necessary terminology and basic functions (cx). He can control the machine; it
does not control him (c). The fun comes from the accomplishment (s).
simple
compound
complex
compound-complex
complex
compound
simple
Exercise: Sentences 1 through 6 below form an imperfect diamond paragraph. In the sentences below,
a. Circle the subjects and underline the verbs.
b. Study the types of clauses involved (independent/dependent).
c. Study the types of sentences involved.
d. Which type of sentence is missing from this imperfect diamond paragraph?
1. A writer's careful use of sentence variety can produce a smooth, flowing, interesting composition—a
diamond paragraph.
2. Some call it a magic pattern or formula for creating colorful interesting sentences, but its success depends
on the writer's knowledge of simple, compound, and complex sentences.
3. Since simplicity is often the key to a strong beginning, the easy-to-follow structure begins with a simple
sentence.
4. However, as the writer develops the paragraph, each sentence in the initial series of three becomes
increasingly complicated, and the complex-compound sentence forms the diamond's broadest section.
5. Then the order reverses in a second sequence of three, and the composition winds down toward completion.
6. In fact, the paragraph needs only a simple sentence to finish its point!
Diamond Paragraph
Answers to exercises on other side.
A. Subjects
1. a writer's careful use of sentence variety
2. some
its success
3. simplicity
the easy-to-follow structure
4. the writer
each sentence in the initial series of three becomes the complex-compound sentence
5. the order the composition
Verbs
can produce
depends
is begins
develops forms
reverses winds
needs
5.
6.
C. Types of sentences involved
1. two independent (joined by comma "and") one independent
simple
compound
complex compound-complex compound
2. the paragraph Clauses involved one independent
two independent (joined by comma "but") one dependent ("since" makes it
3.
dependent) one independent
4. one dependent ("as" makes it dependent) two independent
2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
simple
D. What is missing?
The second complex sentence (which would fall between 4 and 5).