Breaking Sentences

Long sentences contain one or more of the

following:

link word (conjunction) or phrase

(and, but, in fact, although, while,
due, due to the fact that, on the
other hand, etc.).
Relative clause
One or more semicolon, colon and a
lot of commas.

Three specific indicators where a long

sentence can be split.
Coordinating

conjunctions
Relative Clause
Semi-colon, colon and commas.

Coordinating conjunctions
These

conjunctions are used to connect

two independent clauses, each of which
has its own subject and verb, or an
independent clause or dependent clause.
Coordinating conjunctions often link or
contrast two separate ideas or list of two
separate action, they serve as natural
break between the parts of a sentence.

For

example:

In

the laboratory, we acquire data by

using instruments, but such data are
useless if we do not interpret them. (long
sentence)

In

the laboratory, we acquire data by

using instruments. That data however
are useless if we do not interpret them.
(short sentences)

His

ever curious mind led him to

undertake dangerous experiments, and
this fact caused his dismissal. (long
sentence)

His

curious mind led him to undertake

dangerous experiments. This fact cause
his dismissal. (short sentences)

Relative Clause
These

are clauses starting with the

relative pronouns, who, that, which,
whose, where, when.
The word which is used to add a
nonrestrictive element to a sentences
meaning and can be created into a new
sentence. The use of demonstrative
pronoun may then be helpful for clarifying
the connection between the two resultant
sentences.

Example:
The

merchant put the gold in a bag of

purple silk, which he tied to his belt
underneath his long cloak. (long sentence)

The

merchant put the gold in a bag of

purple silk. He tied this purple silk to his
belt underneath his long cloak. (short
sentences)

To

be reliable, a test should yield

essentially the same score when
administered twice to the same student.
(long sentence)

To

be reliable, a test should yield

essentially the same score. It should be
administered twice to the same student.
(short sentences)

Semi-colon, colon and commas.

Used

to emphasize the relationship of a

sentence or clause.
Example:
Mathematics is a language distinguished
by or aimed at clarity; and it is an
excellent means of developing logical
thinking since in solving problems,
presenting patterns and showing
relationships, the mind is forced to reason
correctly. (long sentence)

Mathematics

is a language distinguished
by or aimed at clarity. It is an excellent
means of developing logical thinking. In
solving problems, presenting patterns and
showing relationships, the mind is forced
to reason correctly. (short sentences)