Besides Compound Sentences

Finding Alternatives

Mural by Carlos Flores at Chamizal Park

A Compound Sentence

The mural was old, but it still had something to say to us.

Too Many Compound Sentences

• Can be monotonous • Can degenerate into run-on sentences and

comma splices• Are the favorite sentence structure of

inexperienced writers• Sound childish

Other Ways

• There are many ways to write the same sentence.

• Be creative.• Recombine and rephrase the same sentence.• Allow the ideas to evolve.• Don’t get stuck with the first way you thought

of to write the ideas.

Instead of a compound sentence

• Write two separate sentences. • Short sentences are good

The mural was old. Still it had something to say to us.

Instead of a compound sentence

• Write a complex sentence.• Good words to start a complex sentence are

although, when, if, since, while, because.

Although the mural was old, it still had something to say to us.

Instead of a compound sentence

• Write a cumulative sentence with a TAG.

The mural still spoke to us, even though it was old.

Instead of a compound sentence

• Write a cumulative sentence with an interrupting element.

The mural, which was old, still had something to say to us.

Instead of a compound sentence

• Rewrite the two clauses into one simple sentence.

The old mural still had something to say to us.

Instead of a compound sentence

• Make the simple sentence even more concise.

The old mural was still relevant.

Instead of a compound sentence

• Let the thought evolve into a complex sentence with more precise wording.

Even though the mural was created in an old-fashioned style, it still delivered a powerful message.

Instead of a compound sentence

• Rewrite as a simple sentence with more precise wording.

The classic style of the mural helped convey its powerful message.

Which version do you like best?1. The mural was old. Still it had something to say to us.2. Although the mural was old, it still had something to say to

us.3. The mural still spoke to us, even though it was old.4. The mural, which was old, still had something to say to us.5. The old mural still had something to say to us.6. The old mural was still relevant.7. Even though the mural was created in an old-fashioned style,

it still delivered a powerful message.8. The classic style of the mural helped convey its powerful

message.

Apply to Your Own Writing

• Every sentence you write can be rewritten in several different ways.

• With your own sentences, experiment until you are satisfied.

• But don’t be satisfied too soon.• Consider all your options.• Then make an artistic choice.