Effective writing requires precision, clarity, and the ability to refine sentences to convey ideas more effectively. Here, we discuss common scenarios in sentence improvement, provide illustrative questions, and explore the correct answers with explanations.
1. Refining Sentences for Clarity and Precision
Question:
- Choose the most appropriate option to improve the sentence:
He was always a man of few words, but when he did speak, it was with deep thought and a great deal of precision.- A) He was always a man of few words, but when he spoke, it was with deep thought and great precision.
- B) He was always a man of few words, but when he did speak, it was with deep thought and a great deal of precision.
- C) He was always a man of few words, but when he spoke, it was deep thought and great deal of precision.
- D) He was always a man of few words, but when he spoke, it was with deep thinking and great deal of precision.
Answer: A
Explanation: Option A eliminates unnecessary words like “did” and “a great deal of” to make the sentence concise while maintaining the intended meaning.
2. Correct Use of Conditional Clauses
Question:
- Choose the most appropriate option to improve the sentence:
Had she known the consequences, she would have acted differently in the situation.- A) If she would have known the consequences, she would have acted differently in the situation.
- B) Had she known the consequences, she would have acted differently in the situation.
- C) She had known the consequences, she would have acted differently in the situation.
- D) She would have acted differently had known the consequences in the situation.
Answer: B
Explanation: Option B maintains the correct use of the third conditional. The phrase “Had she known” is more concise and grammatically correct than “If she would have known.”
3. Enhancing Sentence Structure
Question:
- Choose the most appropriate option to improve the sentence:
The research was conducted with great care, but the results were not as conclusive as the initial hypothesis suggested.- A) The research was conducted with great care, but the results were not as conclusive as initially suggested by the hypothesis.
- B) The research was conducted with great care, but the results were not as conclusive as the initial hypothesis suggested.
- C) Despite the research being conducted with great care, the results were not as conclusive as the initial hypothesis suggested.
- D) Despite conducting the research with great care, the results were not as conclusive as the initial hypothesis suggested.
Answer: A
Explanation: Option A reorders the sentence to emphasize the hypothesis and provides a clearer connection between the hypothesis and the results.
4. Ensuring Consistency in Sentence Elements
Question:
- Choose the most appropriate option to improve the sentence:
Neither the manager nor his employees were prepared for the sudden changes in the company’s policy.- A) Neither the manager nor his employees was prepared for the sudden changes in the company’s policy.
- B) Neither the manager nor his employees were prepared for the sudden changes in the company’s policies.
- C) Neither the manager nor his employees were prepared for the sudden change in the company’s policy.
- D) Neither the manager nor his employees was prepared for the sudden change in the company’s policy.
Answer: C
Explanation: Option C uses “change” instead of “changes,” maintaining clarity and matching the singular “policy.”
5. Avoiding Redundancies
Question:
- Choose the most appropriate option to improve the sentence:
Despite of the fact that he was exhausted, he managed to complete the project ahead of schedule.- A) Despite of the fact that he was exhausted, he managed to complete the project ahead of schedule.
- B) Despite the fact that he was exhausted, he managed to complete the project ahead of schedule.
- C) In spite of the fact that he was exhausted, he managed to complete the project ahead of schedule.
- D) Although he was exhausted, he managed to complete the project ahead of schedule.
Answer: B
Explanation: Option B removes “of” from “Despite of,” which is incorrect. The improved sentence is grammatically accurate and concise.
Final Thoughts
Improving sentence structure is an essential skill for effective communication. Whether it’s eliminating redundancies, ensuring grammatical accuracy, or refining sentence flow, attention to detail can elevate the quality of your writing. Practice these examples to hone your sentence improvement skills and enhance your language proficiency.
