Page 209 - DENG102_COMMUNICATION_SKILLS_II

Communication Skills-II

notes Because words are the building blocks for your message, choose them with care. Using short and
simple words, writing with clarity, vigor, and conciseness; and using positive language will help
you construct effective sentences and paragraphs.

14.1.6 use a variety of sentence types

There are four basic types—Simple, compound, complex and compound-complex-all of which
are appropriate for business writing.
1. Simple sentences: A simple sentence: It contains one independent clause (a clause that can
stand alone as a complete though). Because it presents a single idea and is usually (but not
always) short, a simple sentence is often used for emphasis. Although a simple sentence
contains only one independent clause, it may have a compound subject or compound verb
(or both). All of the following sentences are simple. I quit.
Individual retirement accounts are a safe option.
Both individual retirement accounts and simplified employee pension plans are safe and
convenient options as retirement investments for the entrepreneur.
2. Compound sentence: A compound sentence: This contains two or more independent clauses.
Because each clause presents a complete idea, each idea receives equal emphasis. (If the
two ideas are not closely related, they should be presented in two separate sentences). Here
are three compound sentences:
(a) Stacey listened, but I nodded.

(b) Morris Technologies made a major acquisition last year, and it turned out to be a
disaster.
(c) Westmoreland Mines moved its headquarters to Prescott in 1984; however, it stayed
there only five years and then moved back to Globe.
3. Complex sentence: A complex sentence: It contains one independent clause and at least one
dependent clause.

Example: In the first sentence below, “Two scanners will save valuable input time” is an
independent clause because it makes sense by itself. “Although it cost $235” is a dependent clause
because it does not make sense by itself. Although it cost $235, the scanner will save valuable
input time.

(a) George Bosley, who is the new CEO at Hubbell, made the decision.
(b) I will be moving to Austin when I assume my new position.
The dependent clause provides additional, but subordinates, information related to the
independent clause.
4. Compound-clause sentence: A compound-complex sentence: This contains tow or more
independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
(a) I wanted to write the report myself, but I soon realized that I needed the advice of
our legal department. (Two independent clauses and one department clause).
(b) If I can, I’ll do it; if I cannot, I’ll ask Shelia to do it. (Two independent clauses and two
dependent clauses).

5. Sentence variety: Using a variety of sentence patterns and sentence lengths helps keep
your writing interesting. Note how simplistic and choppy too many short sentences can be
and how boring and difficult too many long sentences can be.

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