15. Sentence Variety
Most writers rely on some patterns more than others to express ideas directly and efficiently, but sometimes they combine sentence elements in unexpected ways to emphasize ideas and to surprise readers.
| 15a | Normal Sentences |
In a normal sentence, a writer puts the subject before the verb at the beginning of the main clause. This pattern is the most common in English because it expresses ideas in the most straightforward manner.
Most college students today want interesting classes.
| 15b | Inverted Sentences |
In an inverted sentence, a writer inverts or reverses the subject-verb order to emphasize an idea in the predicate.
| NORMAL | My peers are uninterested in reading. |
| INVERTED | How uninterested in reading are my peers! |
Types of Sentences at a Glance
See lists of coordinating and subordinating words.
A simple sentence contains only one main clause, even with modifiers, objects, complements, and phrases in addition to its subject and verb.
It may have a compound subject (Fred and Sandy) or a compound verb (laughed and cried). Sometimes its subject is unstated but clearly understood: “Run!”
A compound sentence consists of two or more main clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction such as and or but, by a semicolon, or by a semicolon followed by a conjunctive adverb such as however or nevertheless.
A complex sentence has one main clause and one or more subordinate clauses.
The relative pronoun linking the clauses may be implied.
A compound-complex sentence combines a compound sentence (two or more main clauses) and a complex sentence (at least one subordinate clause).
| 15c | Cumulative Sentences |
In a cumulative sentence, a writer piles details at the end of a sentence to help readers visualize a scene or understand an idea.
They came walking out in heavily brocaded yellow and black costumes, the familiar “toreador” suit, heavy with gold embroidery, cape, jacket, shirt and collar, knee breeches, pink stockings, and low pumps.
— Ernest Hemingway, “Bull Fighting a Tragedy”
| 15d | Periodic Sentences |
The positions of emphasis in a sentence are the beginning and the end. In a periodic sentence, a writer suspends the main clause for a climactic ending, emphasizing an idea by withholding it until the end.
Leaning back in his chair, shaking his head slowly back and forth, frustrated over his inability to solve the equation, Franklin scowled.