EXPLANATION If all our sentences are the same length and are structured in the same way (subject - verb - object, as in the typical error above) the audience will find them monotonous. Fluent writers combine simple sentences to make complex sentences, as in the sample correction. Such combining of simple sentences into complex sentences is called synthesis.
The best way to develop control of complex phrasing is to read. By reading, we are exposed to models. The more we read and listen, the more we are able to imitate the models ... and what we are imitating is the use of different sorts of phrases and clauses to make complex sentences.
Below are some models of synthesis illustrating how different sorts of phrases and clauses work.
Using a noun phrase in apposition to synthesise simple sentences (i.e. a noun phrase placed beside a noun)
- SIMPLE SENTENCES: Ange Postecoglou was the coach of the Australian soccer team. He guided the team to victory in the Asian cup.
- SYNTHESISED: Ange Postecoglou, the coach of the Australian soccer team, guided the team to victory in the Asian cup.
Using an adjectival clause to synthesise simple sentences
- SIMPLE SENTENCES: Australia won the Asian cup. They had not won it before.
- SYNTHESISED: Australia won the Asian cup, which they had not won before.