If you are a writer, then the ability to create effective sentences is a must-have skill. Effective sentences make it easier for readers to understand everything you want to convey.

Let's take a closer look at what is an effective sentence, its purpose, characteristics, and examples in the following article!

What Is an Effective Sentence?

Effective sentences are sentences that are well-written according to the rules so that the reader can easily understand the message, idea, or information contained.

These rules include proper grammar, appropriate word choice, clear sentence structure, attention to sentence coherence, and many more.

By presenting effective sentences, writers can maximize information delivery and minimize misunderstandings.

Purpose of Using an Effective Sentence

After knowing what is an effective sentence, you should know why is it important to deliver an effective sentence. 

Basically, the primary goal of using effective sentences is to ensure that the writer's ideas, information, and values are conveyed to the reader more clearly and effectively. Presenting effective sentences can also help you:

• Enhance the clarity of information.
• Improve the readability of a text.
• Reduce the risk of misunderstandings.
• Deliver messages more effectively.
• Ensure that your writing is easily received and understood by the reader.

Requirements and Characteristics of Effective Sentences

You must be wondering how to write an effective sentence. Well, in order to do that, you must acknowledge the requirements and characteristics of effective sentences.

Here are the requirements and characteristics of effective sentences that you need to learn to improve your writing skills:

1. Comparable Structure

The first requirement for an effective sentence is to have a comparable structure. This means there must be a balance between the idea conveyed and the sentence structure used. 

The points that must be met are as follows:

Having a clear subject and predicate, you can ensure that each sentence has a clear subject and predicate. Additionally, avoid using prepositions before the subject.

For example: 

For all Graha Kencana residents expected to do community service on Sunday (incorrect). 

All Graha Kencana residents are expected to do community service on Sunday (correct).

Subjects should not be redundant. Having redundant subjects makes sentences difficult to understand. 

For example: 

The company, it will launch a new collection next month (incorrect). 

The company will launch a new collection next month (correct).

Conjunctions are not used in single sentences. Conjunctions are only used in compound sentences. 

For example: 

We went to school. So there was no one at home (incorrect). 

We went to school, so there was no one at home (correct).

The predicate should not be preceded by the word “which.” The presence of “which” eliminates the function of the predicate in the sentence. 

For example: 

Our business which operates in the SEO service field (incorrect). 

Our business operates in the SEO service field (correct).

2. Parallel Structure

An effective sentence must have a parallel structure. This means that if there is a conjunction in a complex sentence, then both clauses before and after the conjunction should be parallel.

Example: 

The price of the house is affected by construction costs and adding up the cost of materials (incorrect). 

The price of the house is affected by construction and material costs (correct).

3. Concise Sentences

Another requirement for the creation of effective sentences is the avoidance of repetition or excessive use of words. The goal is to present sentences that are concise but rich in content.

Example: 

He is someone who always helps others (incorrect). 

He always helps others (correct).

4. Language Harmonization

Language harmonization means using balanced and consistent language in style, tone, and word choice to make it easier for readers to understand.

Example:

Employees must be aware of the company's policies as this will impact their work and help them become better at their jobs, which is really important (incorrect). 

Employees must understand the company's policies because this will influence their performance and enhance their effectiveness in their roles (correct).

5. Logicality of Language

The next requirement is the logicality of language. Logicality of language involves creating statements or sentences that have a clear, reasonable, and unambiguous meaning. 

Example:

She enjoys hiking even though she doesn't like nature and prefers staying indoors (incorrect).

She enjoys hiking despite her preference for staying indoors (correct).

6. Sentence Clarity

You can enhance sentence clarity by using clear, direct language that is concise and avoids misunderstandings.

Example: 

If there are no obstacles, we might be able to finish the project around next week (incorrect). 

We will complete the project next week (correct).

7. Language Accuracy

An effective sentence uses precise language. This means you must choose the right diction and words to accurately convey an idea.

Example: 

The students study the lesson very seriously (incorrect). 

The students pay very close attention to the lesson (correct).

8. Language Precision

Precision in crafting effective sentences is the ability to use words accurately and carefully to ensure the intended meaning is conveyed clearly.

Example: 

The discussion will be held at nine (incorrect). 

The discussion will be held at nine a.m. (correct).

9. Sentence Coherence

The final characteristic of effective sentences is sentence coherence. This aspect refers to the good connection and unity between sentences in a paragraph or text, ensuring that ideas are communicated clearly and logically.

Example: 

John finished his project. He enjoys cooking. His project was about environmental sustainability (incorrect). 

John finished his project on environmental sustainability and celebrated by cooking his favorite meal, which he enjoys doing in his free time (correct).

Examples of Effective and Ineffective Sentences

Below are ineffective and effective sentence examples that can help you learn how to write correct and effective sentences:

Ineffective Sentences Example

Here are some examples of ineffective sentences:

• The company is planning to implement new strategies for increasing sales in the near future, and it is expected that these strategies will lead to better performance, which should hopefully be seen in the upcoming months. (This sentence is wordy and lacks clarity. It uses vague terms like "increasing sales" and "better performance" without providing specific details).
• She went to the store because she needed to buy groceries, and while she was there, she decided to also look at some other items that she might need or want. (This sentence is long and includes unnecessary details, making it less effective).
• The new policy has been implemented, and it’s meant to improve efficiency within the department, which should help in getting tasks done faster and more effectively. ( The sentence is redundant and lacks precision).

Effective Sentence Example

Here are some effective sentence example corrections from incorrect sentences above:

• The company will implement new sales strategies next month, aiming to boost performance and increase revenue.
• She went to the store to buy groceries and took the opportunity to browse for additional items.
• The new policy aims to enhance departmental efficiency and speed up task completion.

Conclusion

This article concludes the discussion on the characteristics and examples of effective sentences to help you convey information more clearly and understandably.

When writing content, it is crucial to maintain consistency of ideas, choose the right words, avoid unnecessary words, and ensure correct sentence structure. This is especially important if the writing is intended for business purposes.

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