Sentence Combining Why?- Research According to the Carnegie Foundations' report Writing Next, sentence combining is one of the research supported ways to help you become a better writer. Helping to create more complex sentences helps you become a better writer and reader. How?-Rule 1 The most common are conjunctions: and, but, or, so, (nor, yet, for) [You can remember them all with the mnemonic fanboys (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Rule: Usually two independent clauses are joined by conjunctions, but a comma must be placed before the conjunction. Example: The written word is an important technology, but good writing is still considered an art. How? Rule 2 2. The most useful are adverb converters (although, when, because, since, until, if etc.). These words convert an entire sentence into an adverb. There are many converters; you will become aware of more as you being to use them. Rule: When you use an initial adverb clause, place a comma after it. Do not use a comma when you use a final adverb clause. Example: Because writing is an important way to get work done, skillful use of writing equals efficient work. OR Skillful use of writing equals efficient work because writing is an important way to get work done. How? Rule 3 3. The hardest to remember how to punctuate is the sentence connector: (however, moreover, furthermore, as a matter of fact, additionally etc.) The two-dollar term for the connector is adverbial conjunctions, so they can also move around in sentences (see explanation of rule 2). As with converters, there are many more connectors that those listed above. Rule: Don't hesitate to use sentence connectors; however, remember to surround the connector with punctuation. Don't hesitate to use sentence connector; remember, however, to surround the connector with punctuation. Don't hesitate to use sentence connectors; remember to surround the connector with punctuation, however. Example: The content is of utmost importance in your writing; however, the visual appearance of writing is also important. How? Rule 4 The shortest is the semicolon: ; Rule: Use semicolons sparingly; use them to connect sentences connected in meaning. (And remember that a semicolon is not the one used to introduce a list. The colon (:) is. Example: Writing makes possible more sophisticated technology; it does so by allowing the transfer of specific information from generation to generation. How? Rule 5 The powerful ones, the verbals. Think about employing some of the thousands of verbs in sentence combining. Quasi-rule: Poised at the beginning of a sentence, the verbal construction was followed by a comma. Example: Gained through consistent practice, your writing skills will serve you throughout your life. Example He stood atop the bungee tower. He felt a jackhammer in his chest. He stood atop the bungee tower with a jackhammer in his chest. Grammar for the semester Two or more sentences Combine them with the tools that are given- READ THIS INSTRUCTIONS EVERY TIME!! Works Cited Graham, S., & Perin, D. (2007). Writing next: Effective strategies to improve writing of adolescents in middle and high schools A report to Carnegie Corporation of New York.Washington, DC:Alliance for Excellent Education. Web. 14 January 2012.