Effective sentence structure is fundamental to creating readable and engaging content. A well-constructed sentence conveys the intended message clearly and without ambiguity.
Clarity and Simplicity:
- Keep sentences clear and concise: Aim for an average sentence length of 15–20 words. Shorter sentences are easier to understand, especially in technical documentation.
- Limit complex sentence structures: Avoid using overly complex sentences that can confuse the reader. Break down complex ideas into simpler, shorter sentences where possible.
Subject-Verb Agreement:
- Ensure subject-verb agreement: The subject and verb in a sentence must agree in number (singular or plural). Example: “The software runs smoothly on all platforms,” not “The software run smoothly on all platforms.”
Avoid Dangling Modifiers:
- Place modifiers close to the words they modify: Avoid leaving modifiers (e.g., adjectives or adverbs) hanging without a clear connection to the words they describe. Example: “After reviewing the document, the manager approved it,” not “After reviewing, the document was approved by the manager.”
Avoid Run-On Sentences:
- Break up long sentences: Use conjunctions or punctuation to split run-on sentences into shorter, manageable ones.
Example: Instead of “The server was down, the technicians tried to fix it, but the process took too long, and the clients were unhappy,” write “The server was down. The technicians attempted a fix, but the process took too long, leading to client dissatisfaction.”
Dos:
- Use simple, straightforward sentences: Example: “Click ‘Save’ to store your changes.”
- Ensure subject-verb agreement: Example: “The results are displayed on the screen.”
Don’ts:
- Don’t use overly long sentences: Break them into smaller parts for clarity.