Writing Application: Using Clauses Effectively
📖 Learn
Now it's time to use what you've learned about clauses and punctuation in your own writing! Good writers vary their sentence structures to create rhythm, emphasize important ideas, and keep readers engaged.
✨ Why Sentence Variety Matters
Compare these two paragraphs:
Without variety: "The dog barked. The mailman came. The dog ran to the door. The mailman left the package. The dog stopped barking."
With variety: "When the mailman came, the dog barked loudly and ran to the door. After the mailman left the package, the dog finally stopped barking."
The second paragraph flows better because it uses different sentence types and connects ideas with clauses!
Four Types of Sentences
Simple
One independent clause
"The cat slept."
Compound
Two independent clauses joined
"The cat slept, and the dog played."
Complex
Independent + dependent clause
"When it rained, the cat slept."
Compound-Complex
Two IC + at least one DC
"When it rained, the cat slept, and the dog whined."
Sentence Combining: Before and After
Watch how combining sentences improves writing:
Maria studied hard. She wanted to pass the test. She was nervous.
Because Maria wanted to pass the test, she studied hard, but she was still nervous.
The storm came quickly. We ran inside. We got wet anyway.
When the storm came quickly, we ran inside; however, we still got wet.
Combining Strategies
- Use "when," "before," "after" to show time relationships
- Use "because," "since" to show cause and effect
- Use "although," "even though" to show contrast
- Use "and," "but," "so" with a comma to join equal ideas
- Use semicolons to join closely related sentences without a conjunction
💡 Examples
Let's see more sentence combining in action.
1. The library was quiet.
2. Students were studying.
3. Some students were whispering.
Option A: The library was quiet because students were studying, although some were whispering.
Option B: While most students studied quietly in the library, some were whispering.
1. The pizza arrived late.
2. We were very hungry.
3. It tasted delicious.
Option A: Although the pizza arrived late, it tasted delicious because we were very hungry.
Option B: The pizza arrived late; however, it tasted delicious since we were so hungry.
🎯 When to Use Each Sentence Type
- Simple sentences: For emphasis, impact, or when an idea should stand alone. "She won."
- Compound sentences: When two ideas are equally important. "She practiced hard, and she won."
- Complex sentences: When one idea depends on or explains another. "Because she practiced hard, she won."
- Compound-complex: For rich, flowing writing with multiple connected ideas. "Because she practiced hard, she won the race, and her team celebrated."
✏️ Practice
Sentence Combining Challenge
Combine the simple sentences into one well-written sentence using clauses and proper punctuation.
Sentence Combiner
The sun was setting.
The sky turned orange and pink.
Helpful Connecting Words:
Choose the Best Combination
Select the sentence that best combines the given ideas.
Question 1
Original: "The movie started. We found our seats. We had missed the previews."
Which combination is best?
Question 2
Original: "Jake practiced guitar every day. He wanted to join the band. He finally auditioned."
Which combination is best?
Question 3
Original: "The hikers were tired. They reached the summit. The view was worth it."
Which combination is best?
Question 4
Original: "The experiment failed. The students learned a lot. They tried again."
Which combination is best?
Check Your Understanding
Question 5
What type of sentence is this? "After the rain stopped, we went outside, and we played until dinner."
Question 6
Which connecting word would best combine these sentences? "The team worked hard. They still lost the game."
Question 7
Which sentence has the correct punctuation?
Question 8
Why is sentence variety important in writing?
Summary & Next Steps
Combine Sentences
Use clauses to join related ideas smoothly
Vary Your Style
Mix simple, compound, and complex sentences
Show Relationships
Use connecting words to clarify meaning
Practice Daily
Apply these skills in all your writing
Writing Challenge
Write a short paragraph (4-6 sentences) about your favorite hobby or activity. Include:
Requirements:
- At least one complex sentence (with a dependent clause)
- At least one compound sentence (two independent clauses joined by comma + conjunction)
- One sentence using a semicolon
- Vary your sentence beginnings (don't start every sentence the same way)
SAT/ACT Connection
On standardized tests, you'll be asked to:
- Combine sentences effectively
- Choose the best version of combined sentences
- Fix choppy or run-on sentences
- Select appropriate punctuation for combining clauses
The sentence combining skills you're practicing now are directly tested!
Continue Learning
- Move on to Editing Workshop to practice finding and fixing errors
- Review Text Practice to see more examples in context
- Try the Writing Challenge above and share it with a teacher or classmate for feedback!