"The Cat Chased the Mouse Across the Room" - An Adventure in Verbally Descriptive Sentences
As an editor, one of the most important skills you can have is the ability to write engaging and descriptive sentences. The best way to do this is by starting with a strong subject-verb-object sentence structure, also known as the main clause or independent clause. In this article, we will explore the art of crafting descriptive sentences with a focus on the main clause.
The main clause is the foundation of the sentence and contains the subject (the person or thing doing the action) and the verb (the action that is being performed). Let's start with an example: "The cat chased the mouse across the room." Can you picture it? The subject is the cat, and the verb is chased. It provides a clear and concise description of what's happening.
Using main clauses in your writing can help you avoid vague or passive language. Here are a few more examples to help you see the power of subject-verb-object sentences:
- The car raced down the highway, leaving a trail of dust behind.
- The teacher graded the papers carefully, making notes in the margins.
- The chef prepared the meal with precision, using only the freshest ingredients.
By focusing on the main clause, you can create sentences that are tight, effective, and powerful. But what if you want to add more information or detail? That's where the dependent clause or subordinate clause comes in.
A dependent clause adds more information to the main clause and cannot stand alone as a sentence. It usually begins with a subordinating conjunction like "if," "when," "although," or "because." For example: "Although the cat chased the mouse across the room, it didn't catch it." Here, the dependent clause begins with "although" and adds a caveat to the main clause.
You can also use phrases to add more detail to your main clause. For example: "The cat chased the mouse across the room, darting between chairs and leaping over obstacles." Here, the phrase "darting between chairs and leaping over obstacles" adds more detail to the action.
As you practice writing with subject-verb-object sentences, keep in mind that the goal is to create clear and descriptive language. Avoid vague, passive, or wordy sentences. Remember, the main clause is your foundation - build from there.
In conclusion, crafting strong sentences starts with a focus on the main clause. By using subject-verb-object sentence structures, you can create clear and concise sentences that engage readers. Adding dependent clauses and phrases can add more detail and context. Use this knowledge to elevate your writing and improve your skills.