When it comes to writing, even one sentence can make or break your piece of writing. Each sentence is like an artery of a body that helps create the whole. It is therefore essential that you write good sentences that will keep your readers engaged. If you are wondering how to, worry not we’ve got all the tips and tricks for you that will make your sentences perfect in no time at all. From imagery and punctuation to diction and clarity, we’ve got it all covered. Here are 15 of our top tips to make your sentences absolutely great!
1. Keep It Simple
The trick when it comes to writing good sentences is to keep it simple. Instead of writing long and complex sentences, keep them short and easy to understand. It will be more effective and get your message across. If your sentence is packed with jargon remove the extra words and adjust accordingly.
2. Check Your Grammar
In order for your sentence quality to be high, you have to make sure that the grammar used is correct. This means no run-on sentences, passive voice, and other grammatical errors. When writing keep this and mind and when you’re finished, thoroughly check your grammar to ensure polished and perfect sentences.
3. Properly Punctuate
Punctuation is essentially what shapes your sentences. It is how your reader makes sense of what is being said. Make sure that your full stops, commas, semi-colons, hyphens, and other punctuation is in order.
4. Add Imagery
A good sentence means helps the reader visualize the content. Using powerful imagery in your sentences will make them even better. Remember, it should be just enough detail to aid your readers into imagining. Make sure not to overload your sentences with imagery as that could lose its essence.
5. Insert Facts
A great tip for you to plug in facts into your sentences is by keeping the 5 W’s in mind, these are: Who, What, When, Where, Why. Think about each of these and then how to say it. It will add value to the sentence as you are providing the readers with information that could be useful to them.
6. Make Sure It’s Flowing
The key to a good sentence is flow. It should be smooth and easy to read. A lot of factors come into play here, such as how you choose to word your sentences, punctuation, and the pace at which they flow. One way of making sure that they are flowy is by reading them out loud once you have written them.
7. Evoke Emotion
A good sentence should be powerful enough to evoke emotion in the reader. The kind of emotion you wish to elicit is dependent on the rest of your writing. Think about what kind of emotion would fit the situation best, is it sadness, anger, happiness, joy? And then insert that emotion into your sentences through the use of imagery and diction.
8. Practice
Practice makes perfect so if you want to master those sentences keep writing. It’s not going to come overnight but keep at it even if it starts to feel monotonous after a while. Some ways in which you can practice is by writing opening sentences as well as closing ones. Keep writing them until you feel that you are happy with the way they have turned out.
9. Make Sure They Are Complete
For a sentence to be good it has to be complete. This means that it depicts a complete thought and isn’t left up in the air. Each sentence should be able to stand on its own if separated from the rest of your text.
10. Be Clear
Your sentence should be precise and express your idea clearly to your readers. A lot of this is dependent on the punctuation. For example where you place your comma could change the entire meaning of your sentence. Thus, use correct punctuation and convey your ideas aptly through your sentences.
11. Diction
Diction is the choice of words. Each word that you use in your sentence should be carefully thought of before plugging it in. It should add value to your writing and gel in with the rest of the words in the sentences. Don’t try and use fancy words just for the sake of showing off. Use words that fit your sentence appropriately. Remove extra words that aren’t adding any meaning to your writing.
12. Word Placement
How you place your words in a sentence can make or break it. Make sure that each word you have used fits perfectly where you are using it, and together with the rest of the words creates a whole picture. The words shouldn’t be disjointed. They should all connect with each other.
13. Don’t Use Slang
Using slang words in your sentences can take value away from the sentence and cause your readers not to take you seriously. Use good English that will make your sentences more wholesome.
14. Focus
Your sentences should be focused instead of being all over the place and the way to do that is by focusing on one theme or idea in a particular sentence. This will help your readers to get a better understanding and also enjoy reading your work.
15. Take Risks
The most important piece of advice when it comes to writing, do not be afraid! Seek inspiration before writing and then take a chance. Even if it differs from your usual writing style give it a shot and it can work wonders for you. This includes the kind of words you would pick, the tone, style, rhythm, etc. For example, if you are usually used to a formal writing style, experiment and try and write sentences with a bit of humor.
Each of these 15 points will help you write good sentences. Just remember to keep practicing and trying your best and you will get there eventually. Don’t forget to proofread your work when you’re done to make sure that your sentences are easy to read.