Use strong active verbs

Unbury verbs disguised as nouns

Use active voice

Use the dependent clause

Avoid over use of prepositional phrases

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Type Definition Sample

simple sentence(independent clause)

One complete thought with subject (noun) and predicate (verb).

Our team completed the project.

compound sentence(2 independent clauses)

Two complete but related independent clauses joined by a conjunction.

The team was challenged, but we were happy with the results.

complex sentence(independent clause and a dependent clause)

An independent clause and a dependent clause. A dependent clause has a noun and verb, but cannot stand alone.

When we finished the project, we held a team party.

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Avoid weak verbs. They convey practically no sense of action do, make, perform, have forms of the verb to be (is, was)

Avoid nouns that are really verbs in disguise Substitute verbs that create a clear sense of action

At the core of every good sentence is a strong, precise verb.

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Make a recommendation Recommend

Formulate an argument

Arrive at a conclusion

Argue

Conclude

Disguised verbs get buried in the sentence:

The manager came to the realization that telecommuting made sense.

The manager realized that telecommuting made sense.

TipLook for words ending in tion or ment. Could they be converted to verbs?

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Frisky ate my homework. (4)

My homework was eaten by Frisky. (6)

Frisky = Doer / subject of sentence

ate = Active Verb

homework = Object of action

homework = Object as subject

by Frisky = Doer object of preposition

was eaten = passive verb

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The metropolis has been scorched by the dragon’s fiery breath. (10)

The technicians demanded longer coffee breaks. (6)

The explosion was caused by a kerosene lamp. (8)

The dragon’s fiery breath scorched the metropolis. (7)

The technicians demanded longer coffee breaks.

A kerosene lamp caused the explosion. (6)

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To emphasize the recipient of an action

To de-emphasize negative news

T0 conceal the doer of an action

An investigation was launched. (by accounting).

Cash refunds cannot be made. (by us)

An error was made in our sales figures.

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Active voice – less tactful Passive voice – more tactful

We cannot grant you credit. Credit cannot be granted.

The CEO made a huge error in projecting profits.

A huge error was made in projecting profits.

I launched a successful fitness program for our company last year.

A successful fitness program was launched for our company last year.

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A dependent clause… Highlights the importance of something Links ideas together Shows how ideas are related

Start with a subordinating conjunction or relative pronoun

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So Where Before

Although Than Though

After Since When

Because As Whereas

If Unless until

While

Who What Which

That Why How (many)

Subordinating conjunctions

Relative Pronouns

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The project was not completed on time because the machine parts were stolen.

If at first you don't succeed, try something else.

A helium nucleus has two protons whereas hydrogen has only one.

Energy supplies will dwindle unless we conserve.

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in progress on the floor beside the garage between the cities of data-processing

equipment to a Martian by walking on hot coals for the people

Less informative alternative to dependent clause

Treat all ideas as grammatically equal – No discrimination– No emphasis among

qualifying details

Reader is left to interpret what you are trying to say

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In their specifications for engine parts, titanium is often requested by engineers because of its resistance to the effects of high temperatures. (6)

Because titanium resists high temperatures, engineers often request it in their engine part specifications.

• dependent clause• active voice strong verb • only 1 preposition

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Circle the prepositions Determine the doer Determine the action

Use dependent clauses instead of prepositional phrases

Use active voice instead of passive Use strong verbs

What to look for…..

What to do …..