Chapter 2
IN THIS LESSON
English Language Essentials
How you structure your sentences changes their impact. In creative writing, structure helps set the mood. In persuasive writing, it strengthens your point.
English Language Essentials
Longer Sentences
Long, detailed sentences pack in more information. Use subordinate clauses to add extra details:
The guitarist, who had spent years perfecting his technique, played a solo that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
(Main clause) - (Subordinate clause)
Be careful—too many clauses can make things confusing!
Mixing It Up – Long and Short
Short sentences create tension, surprise, or impact. Try following a long, flowing sentence with a sharp, short one.
I dribbled past one defender, then another, weaving through like a seasoned pro, heart racing as I lined up my shot.
GOAL!
The contrast makes the moment hit harder.
Further Details
Put the key detail at the end of the sentence for maximum effect.
Even though I had trained for months and perfected my moves, I still missed the final note on my guitar solo.
(Emphasises the mistake.)
I still missed the final note on my guitar solo, even though I had trained for months and perfected my moves.
(Emphasises the solo.)
English Language Activity
Write three sentences in response to this challenge:
Use a long sentence followed by a short one.
Structure a sentence so the most important detail is at the end.
Structure a sentence so the most important detail is at the beginning.
Bonus Activity
Read this extract a show by the Comedian Michael McIntyre.
Look for examples of long and short sentences, and what effect they create.
Links to other topics:
What words or phrases are repeated? What effect does this create?
What are the important verbs?
Extract:
And I went to Australia while I was there. Obviously nipped over to Australia. It’s beautiful. I love Australia, I love Australians. Really nice people. We’ve got us some Australians over here. Welcome, I love ’em. I love ’em. Really… Really full on, really happy. They love that you come over, they’re just so grateful. “Blimey*, you came all the way!” Just brilliant. And it’s like a holiday destination, it’s beautiful. The beaches are beautiful, the landscape’s magnificent. The only problem, with all due respect, is the, um… the sharks have decided that that’s where they should be. And the circle Australia, waiting for Australians to get into the water. And guess what? Australians keep getting into the water. I was– I went to the beach with some Australians. They’re like, “You gonna come for a swim, Mickey? Come and relax, cool off? Come for a swim, it’s lovely in the water today.” “No, I don’t think so. I’ll be– I’ll be fine.” “Why not? Why not?” “Because there are sharks in there.” “Yeah. Not always.” “I think… the fact that there’s ever been one is enough for me.” “Ah, come on, Mickey. You’ve gotta live your life.” “Yes, until it ends. Maybe today, with a shark attack, you see?” He said, “You’ve got more chance of being hit by a car.” “Not when I’m going* swimming, I don’t. I’ll be staying here on the beach.” “I’ll be right here. I’ll cool off another way.”
*Note: edited to remove swearing.
Knowledge Check/Review
What effect does a long sentence have?
How can short sentences add impact?
How can you make the most important information stand out?
Now, go write like a rockstar!
