(See related pages)
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| 1. Variety in sentences depends primarily on length, types and beginnings. |
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| 2. Sentences should be a mix of lengths: short, medium and long. Three or four sentences in a row may be roughly the same length, but the next one should be shorter or longer. |
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| 3. Sentences can be composed with a subject and verb on both sides of a coordinating conjunction (and, but, so, for, nor, yet): I like 7-Up, and I drink a quart a day. |
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| 4. Sentences may contain several parts connected by and, such as a compound subject (Jim and I both like 7-Up), or two verbs (I like 7-Up and drink a quart a day). |
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| 5. Sentences may subordinate ideas in many ways, including: adjective clauses (which are often introduced by who, which or that), essential (that and who), and non-essential (which and who). |
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| 6. Sentences may subordinate information through adverb clauses: Because I was late, I missed the last ferry. |
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| 7. Sentences may begin with transitional words (first, second, however, next) and adverbs (ly words: happily). |
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| 8. Question, command, and exclamation sentences can create sentence variety. |
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| 9. Phrases create sentence variety and can be especially useful in shaping beginnings.
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| 10. Inverting sentences can create variety and emphasis: In the deep, cold water of Monterey Bay often lurk great white sharks. |