To create good writing is to understand how to transition using sentence structure. When a written work lacks the proper sentence structure the reader will know something isn’t right, even if they can’t pin down exactly what it is. It creates confusion, and makes the written work hard to read.
The first step to all writing is to understand that every sentence has a subject and a predicate, which means, a noun and a verb working together to make a complete sentence. For new writers it can be difficult to form complete sentence when writing the stories, articles, etc., that follow a linear path from beginning to end. From lack of experience the new writer hasn’t learned how to transition creating an incomplete sentence, which is a sentence fragment. It has no predicate.
Definitions
- Noun: Person, place, thing, or idea.
- Verb: A word to describe action, state, or occurrence.
- Predicate: Is part of a sentence or clause that contains a verb and states something about the subject.
- Compound Sentence: Is a sentence that has at least two independent clauses joined by a comma, semicolon or conjunction.
Tips
1. Complete Sentence
A complete sentence has a subject and a predicate.
Example 1:
- Alice ran.
Note: A sentence doesn’t have to be long to be a complete sentence. Alice is the ‘subject’ and ran is the ‘predicate’.
Example 2:
- Jonathan watched his favorite movie.
Note: The sentence above Jonathon is the ‘subject’ and watched is the ‘predicate’.
2. Sentence Fragment
A fragment sentence has no predicate. And good trick to tell if a sentence is fragment is to read the sentence out loud. It will sound off, as if it wasn’t time for the sentence to end.
Example 1:
- Thinks she is fat. (Incorrect)
Example 2:
- Phyllis thinks she is fat. (Correct)
Note: The first example was missing the subject and it didn’t sound right to the reader’s ear. Who is she? Once the subject is named the sentence is complete and the reader knows who the sentence is about.
3. Run-on Sentence
A run-on sentence is when two sentences are joined without punctuation or a connecting word. This can cause the reader to stumble, and slow the reader down.
Example 1: (Incorrect)
- It was the worst movie I have ever seen the movie just kept going on and on
Example 2: (Correct)
- It was the worst movie I have ever seen. The movie just kept going on and on.
Note: Take note in the first example the sentence sounded as if it was jumbled together. By adding punctuation it created two sentences and allowed the reader to understand the flow of writing.
Example 3: (Correct)
- It was the worst movie I have ever seen, and the movie just kept going on and on.
Note: Example 3 is also correct, by adding a comma and the word ‘And’ it created a smooth transition for the reader to follow by creating a compound sentence.
Summary
There is a lot more to sentence structure than what is written above. The tips above are basic and the most common of errors that new writers tend make. It’s not from a lack understanding the definitions, but rather from the inexperience how to transition thoughts and actions as the story progresses. It is a skill that can be taught. The best way to learn proper skills is to write as much as possible. Read books by the pros and study how they transition from ideas to action in a smooth form that allows the reader to follow alone. For no reason should a reader have to stop and reread a sentence. All sentences should be smooth and flow with the least amount of effort as possible.
The transitioning of ideas using sentence structure takes practice. Outside of the writing world very few people know how to do this properly. Most people understand what a compound sentence and what a noun and verb is, but only skilled writers can use sentence structure to transition from ideas to action or action to ideas. One the best example of this skill at work is James Patterson, his mastery on sentence structure to transition allows for smooth reading. There is a reason why he holds the Guinness Book of World Records for Most Entries on The New York Times Best-Seller List. He understands sentence structure, and that thoughts, ideas, and action can only be expressed through sentence structure by transitioning. If you have not mastered it, it is OK. Every master started from the bottom. The questions how hard are you willing to work to master your craft?
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