Question

Which of the following statements about varying your sentence structure is true?

1) Keep your sentence structure formal to avoid sounding too conversational.
2) Use a similar structure at the beginning of several sentences in a row for consistency.
3) Alternate short sentences with longer sentences.
4) Pick one type of sentence (simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex) and stick with it.

Answer 1

The true statement about varying sentence structure is to 4) alternate short sentences with longer sentences to maintain interest and engagement. Reading your work out loud can help determine the effectiveness of the variations.

Step-by-step explanation:

Varying Sentence Structure

When considering how to vary your sentence structure effectively, it is important not to become overly formal or monotonous by sticking rigidly to one pattern or sentence type. The goal in writing should be to engage the reader with a fluent and dynamic style. For effective communication, consider these strategies:

• Combine related sentences to add depth and complexity.
• Introduce a mix of short and longer sentences to maintain the reader's interest.
• Use different sentence types, such as simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex, to vary the rhythm of your prose.
• When revising, read your work aloud to listen for rhythm, balance, and clarity, and edit accordingly.

In line with these strategies, the correct option is: Alternate short sentences with longer sentences.