Building Better Sentences Practice

Written Practice 4

For each of the following items, choose a coordinating conjunction from the previous list to connect the sentences.

1. We want to buy shoes on sale. The sale will last just this week.



2. The homebuilder hoped to attract buyers from the area. He advertised the new homes in the local paper.



3. We could walk anywhere on the grounds. We couldn't disturb the workers.



4. When you bake, first turn on the oven to the temperature stated. Gather all the ingredients you'll need.



5. She asked her husband to take the trash to the recycling depot. He quickly left for work.



6. I had promised to arrive at 1 P.M. Heavy traffic delayed me.



7. Take some sandwiches with you. Stop at a restaurant and spend a great deal of money.



8. I've spent two weeks' pay. I'll be eating very meagerly for a while.



9. Lend me $50. I'll pay you next month.



10. I've studied and studied for the test. I feel unsure of myself.

Written Practice 5

To complete each of the following sentences, choose a conjunction from the previous list.

1. ___ you babysit for us, I don't worry about the children.
2. ___ you hear otherwise, I'll pick you up at 5 P.M.
3. I have been taller than you ___ the sixth grade.
4. ___ the game, we tailgated.
5. You bought me a very expensive gift ___ I asked you not to.
6. ___ you agree with me, vote yes on that issue.
7. You're expected to arrive ___ I leave.
8. ___ a storm is expected, we still think we can drive to the lake.
9. You're the one to break a promise ___ we have an agreement.
10. ___ both children are sick, I have to miss work.

Written Practice 6

Choose a conjunction from the following list to complete each of the sentences.

however     instead     meanwhile     on the contrary     incidentally

in fact         next         as a result      otherwise             still

1. We thought we'd be able to save money this month; ___ , we're spending more!
2. My new car performed very well this winter; ___ , it surpassed all expectations.
3. I've picked up all our mail; ___ , one package has not been delivered.
4. We installed a new deck; ___ , we can see that the lumber was not cut correctly.
5. I've already called the designer and the carpenter; ___ , I'll call the lumberyard.
6. They will need to come up with a simple solution; ___ , the deck will have to be removed.
7. You may think that is what I want; ___ , I am really hoping to avoid that result.
8. You change the beds and dust the rooms; ___ , I'll start the laundry.
9. I hurt my back using the weight machine; ___ , I won't be exercising for a long time.
10. I picked up the concert tickets; ___ , they were $18 each.

NOTE: A conjunctive adverb can be used in another position in a sentence. In that case, it is set off by commas and does not connect two complete thoughts. For example:

Senator Blakeley, however, did not vote for the amendment.

Nonetheless, the Senate hopes to pass the bill.

Written Practice 7

For each of the following sentences, choose a conjunction from the previous categorized list. The categories are noted before the sentence.

1. (Time) We'll be at Stephanie's school this morning; ___ , we'll visit Matthew's school this afternoon.
2. (Contrast) I thought the weather was improving; ___ , our basement was flooded by three inches of rain.
3. (Result) To make this change, we'll need a substantial loan; ___ , I will call our bank.
4. (Addition) Our motivation for this growth is to provide more services to our customers; ___ , we'll be able to speed the results of our testing.
5. (Condition) Some populations are difficult to survey; ___ , our work would be easier.
6. (Time) I'll make dinner; ___ , you set the table.
7. (Contrast) We started our day very early so that we could relax in the afternoon; ___ , we hadn't accounted for the volume of customers.
8. (Result) Half of my staff was sick; ___ , I called in temporary employees.
9. (Addition) We'll pack our files and computers; ___ , we'll take the desks and chairs.
10. (Time) Sometimes we're fully staffed; ___ we're not.

Written Practice 8

Simplify each of the following sentences.

1. The tour on the buggy tour of Charleston was enlightening.



2. Our reason for leaving the party early was because we knew how heavy the traffic would be.



3. Here is an example of the new hybrid vehicle just introduced at the automobile exposition.



4. This is a report about an analysis of our town water.



5. I have a suspicion that the meeting will end in an argument.



6. We were looking for a house painter who was skilled.



7. While we were waiting for the train to arrive, we decided on a restaurant for lunch.



8. We sent in all the paperwork that was demanded by the manufacturer.



9. Hire only qualified welders who are certified in the skill.



10. Store these foods in a place to which we all have access.

Answers

Written Practice 1

1. …hot, and inexpensive. 2. …truth and provide evidence. 3. …and soaks the porch. 4. …calories, and fattening. 5. …dishes, and sometimes boring. 6. …suffering, and teaching other… 7. …equipment, and install… 8. …ingredients, whip the eggs, and preheat… 9. …the heat, turn off… 10. …jazz guitar, and rhythm and blues.

Written Practice 2

Sample answers are provided.

1. …my dog, clean the car… 2. …shrubs, and planning to add another room. 3. …it, and threw it… 4. …second, and breakfast last. 5. …and rainy. 6. …safe, and took care of her own household as well. 7. …faster, and higher in resolution. 8. …homework, and stays… 9. …loyalty, and perfect attendance. 10. …tank, and the children get up on time.

Written Practice 3

Sample answers are provided.

1. …energetic but also punctual. 2. …truthfully and humbly. 3. …puddles but also jumps… 4. …neither colorful nor well-fitting either. 5. …flowers or build a deck. 6. …nor willing to sacrifice her career. 7. …not only delicious but also energizing. 8. …shift, or I'll leave the house… 9. …not only busy but also rainy. 10. …family's rules and doing well in school.

Written Practice 4

Sample answers are provided.

1. …on sale, but the sale… 2. …the area, so he advertised… 3. …on the grounds, but we couldn't… 4. …stated, then gather… 5. …depot, but he quickly… 6. …at 1 P.M., but heavy… 7. …with you, or stop… 8. …pay, so I'll be… 9. …me $50, and I'll pay… 10. …for the test, yet I feel…

Written Practice 5

1. When 2. Unless 3. since 4. After 5. though 6. If 7. as 8. Although 9. whenever 10. If

Written Practice 6

Sample answers are provided.

1. instead 2. in fact 3. incidentally 4. however 5. next 6. otherwise 7. on the contrary 8. meanwhile 9. as a result 10. incidentally

Written Practice 7

Sample answers are provided.

1. then 2. instead 3. consequently 4. furthermore 5. otherwise 6. meanwhile 7. however 8. therefore 9. in addition 10. sometimes

Written Practice 8

Sample answers are provided.

1. The buggy tour of Charleston was enlightening. 2. We left the party early because we knew… 3. This is the new hybrid vehicle introduced… 4. This report analyzes our town water. 5. I suspect that… 6. We were looking for a skilled house painter. 7. While we waited for the train… 8. We sent the paperwork demanded… 9. Hire only certified welders. 10. Store these foods in an accessible place.