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Sentence crafting - Coggle Diagram

- - - - idea
        
        The verb (action word) has to match the subject (the person or thing doing the action) in number (singular or plural).
      - tip
        
        singular
        
        usually add -s in present tense for third-person.
        
        plural
        
        don’t add -s.
      - why it matters
        
        Wrong agreement makes your sentence confusing.
    - - idea
        
        tick to the same time frame (tense) and point of view (person) in your sentences.
      - tip
        
        Don’t randomly switch from past → present or first-person → second-person.
        
        Only switch when it makes sense, like quoting someone or indicating a time change.
      - why it matters
        
        Random shifts confuse readers and mess with clarity.
    - - idea
        
        turn fragments into complete sentences by adding the missing part.
      - tip
        
        If it can’t stand alone, add the missing part.
      - why it matters
        
        Complete sentences matter because they make your writing clear, smooth, and understandable. A sentence needs a subject (who/what) and a predicate (what happens) to express a full thought.
    - - idea
        
        Active voice = subject does the action; Passive = action happens to subject.
      - tip
        
        Active
        
        The chef cooked the meal. ✅
        
        passive
        
        The meal was cooked by the chef. ❌ (less direct)
      - why it matters
        
        Active voice makes your writing clearer, direct, and easier to read
- - - - includes
        
        subject
        
        predicate
      - can stand alone as a complete sentence. It expresses a complete thought, meaning it makes sense on its own without needing any additional information
    - - has both a
        
        subject
        
        predicate
        
        but
        
        cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. It "depends" on an independent clause to make sense. These clauses often begin with a subordinating conjunction
        
        examples
        
        (like because, although, since, when, if) or a relative pronoun (like who, which, that).
- - - - An adjective clause functions like an adjective, which means it modifies (describes) a noun or pronoun. These clauses are often introduced by relative pronouns
        
        such as
        
        who, whom, whose, which, or that. They answer questions like "Which one?" or "What kind?" about the noun they are modifying.
    - - functions like an adverb, modifying a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. These clauses are introduced by subordinating conjunctions and answer questions
        
        like
        
        "Why?", "When?", "Where?", "How?", or "To what extent?".
      - provide informations about
        
        time, place, cause, condition, or manner.
    - - is a
        
        dependent clause that functions as a noun in a sentence. It can act as the subject, direct object, indirect object, or object of a preposition. Noun clauses are often introduced by words
        
        like
        
        that, what, whatever, who, whoever, when, and how.
- - - - A simple sentence has one independent clause, expresses a complete thought, and contains only one subject-verb unit, though it can include descriptive phrases.
    - - contains two or more independent clauses joined
        together. These clauses are of equal importance.
        
        2 primary ways to join them
        
        coordinating conjunction
        
        semicolon
      - has no dependent clauses.
      - typically joined by
        
        comma
        
        coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so - easily remembered by the acronym FANBOYS).
      - Each part could stand alone as a sentence, but the conjunction links them into one sentence. Remember to include the comma before the conjunction when joining two full sentences.
- - - - contains one independent clause and one or more
        dependent clauses.
      - clause cannot stand alone and often
        begins with a subordinating conjunction
        
        like
        
        although, because, if, when,
        that, which, who, etc.
        
        It adds context, reason, or condition to the main
        idea in the independent clause.
    - - depends on the order of the
        clauses. Notice that when the dependent clause comes first,
      - it’s followed
        by a comma. If the independent clause comes first, a comma is usually not needed
- - - - A clear sentence is easy to understand on the first read. Use specific, simple words, avoid ambiguity, and keep the subject and main verb close to convey your main point effectively.
    - - that makes your writing sound smooth and connected. When writing has good flow, the reader can move through sentences without stumbling.
      - To achieve flow, use techniques of cohesion
        
        transition words and phrases
        
        Use words like however or therefore to link ideas.
        
        Employ pronouns and reference words
        
        Use pronouns to clearly refer back to earlier ideas.
        
        Follow a logical known-to-new information structure
        
        Start with familiar info, end with new info for clarity.
    - - Coherence ensures ideas flow logically and stick together, using clear structure and connectors. If sentences can be shuffled without changing meaning, the links need strengthening.
- - - - Using only medium, short, or long sentences can bore or overwhelm readers. Mix short and long sentences to add impact and complexity.
    - - A very short sentence placed after several longer ones will stand out and signal
        significance.
    - - If every sentence begins with the subject, it can become repetitive. Try beginning
        some sentences with a phrase or clause.
    - - Combine short, choppy sentences and split very long ones. Aim for most sentences under 25 words for readability.
        
        example
        
        Monotonous: Many short sentences.
        
        Varied: Mix of sentence lengths for smoother flow and clarity.