Vary Your Sentence Construction!
Sentence variety is not just a matter of length: A well-paced piece of writing will vary its
sentence constructions as well. Can you recognize what is wrong with the following?

Scout asks about school. Atticus answers her question. He says she needs to learn.
They agree to a compromise. Scout will go to school. They will still read together.
Most people, however, would write something like the following to make it sound better:

Asking about school, Atticus answers Scout’s question. Saying she needs to learn,
Atticus suggests a compromise. Agreeing, Scout says she will go to school. Coming to
the agreement, Scout and Atticus decide that they will still read together.
Every sentence starts with a present participle (a verb + "ing" --> adjective), followed by the
subject and the predicate. The following is an improved version:

Scout asks Atticus why she has to go to school. Answering her question, Atticus
suggests a compromise. Although Scout still dislikes school, she acknowledges her
need to learn. She concedes to going to school; Atticus promises he will still read to her.
The first sentence now starts with the subject, and the third sentence introduces a new kind of
dependent clause with the conjunction "although." The fourth connects two simple sentences
together with a semi-colon.
If you have trouble finding ways to vary your sentence constructions, try some of the following
basic ideas:
1. Combine two short sentences into one compound sentence:

The trial starts, and the Finch children sit up in the colored balcony.
2. Use prepositional phrases, making sure to vary their location:

With only his underwear on, Jem knows he must come up with a story to tell Atticus.
3. Use the many conjunctions available to you – however, when, while, as, because, for,
since, although, though – and vary their location:



When Mayella testifies, it is obvious she is lying.
Jem watches in silence, though the tears stream down his cheeks.
Atticus won’t let Scout go; however, he does allow Jem to accompany him to the
Robinson’s.
4. Use participles and gerunds (a verb + "ing"):


Facing great risks, Atticus nevertheless accepts the challenge without hesitation.
Fighting on the playground earns Scout a reprimand from Atticus.
Other structures you might try:
Participial Phrase:
Asking gently, Atticus tries to get Mayella to answer truthfully.
Infinitive:
To win, Atticus must convince the jury of Tom’s innocence.
Infinitive Phrase:
To solve the mystery of Boo Radley, Jem sneaks over to the
house.
Introductory Appositive:
A straightforward girl, Scout angers Miss Caroline by stating,
“He’s a Cunningham, Miss” (pg).
Adverbial Clause:
When the judge goes out onto the porch, he sees the cut-up
screen.
Elliptical Clause:
While talking to the ladies’ missionary circle, Mrs. Merriweather
offends Miss Maudie.
Adverb:
Suddenly, Tom realizes his mistake.
Correlative Conjunction:
Not only is Mrs. Merriweather a prejudiced hypocrite, Scout’s
teacher also demonstrates prejudice and ignorance.