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 statement about varying sentence structure that is true is 'Alternate short sentences with longer sentences'. This method keeps the writing engaging and clear, whereas sticking to a singular structure throughout can be dull and less effective. Option 3 is the correct answer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement about varying sentence structure is: Alternate short sentences with longer sentences. Varying sentence structure is important for maintaining reader interest and ensuring clarity in communication. Sentence variety can be achieved by using different sentence types such as simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex sentences. Alternating sentence length can add rhythm and help emphasize key points. Importantly, reading your work aloud can be a valuable tool for spotting areas that could benefit from variation or editing.

It's also important to note that while consistency can be good, using a similar structure at the beginning of several sentences in a row can make the text monotonous. Additionally, sticking to one type of sentence throughout can make the writing feel unnatural and forced. A formal sentence structure is not always necessary; the tone should match the intent and audience of the writing. Thus, option 3, Alternate short sentences with longer sentences, is recommended for effective communication.