Mrs. Stephanie Woit
Short Simple Sentences
A simple sentence, strictly defined has a subject and a
verb: it consists of one independent clause. A simple
sentence may have a compound subject, a compound
verb, a modifier, and an object or a complement, but it
still is one independent clause.
Examples:
There is a problem, though.
But the chances are miniscule.
This must be Phillip’s theory, anyway.
The emails and phone messages addressed to my former self come from a distant
race of people with exotic concerns and far too much time on their hands.
Sentence Fragments
A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence that
readers understand to be complete. Some fragments
are missing a subject, verb, or both; other fragments
have a subject and verb, but are dependent clauses.
Consider the following examples:
Wouldn’t it be better for the kids if the mother stayed at home? No offense, but
no.
Hurry, I urge my country. Before it is too late.
Rhetorical and Stylistic Strategy
A series of simple sentences can become monotonous,
but 1 or 2 short simple sentences can be rhetorically
effective in a number of situations:
After several long sentences
As a summary of what the writer has just said
As a transition between sentences or paragraphs
Essentially, one or two short simple sentences create
emphasis by contrast. As a writer, when you juxtapose 1 or
2 short simple sentences with several longer ones, you call
attention to the short simple ones.
Rhetorical and Stylistic Strategy
 Sometimes writers use sentence fragments, especially short
ones. Occasionally you may use them for effect. What is
important is that you use them for a special reason:
To make a transition
To signal a conclusion
To emphasize an important point
Sentence fragments slows readers down and emphasize importance
of time. A WORD OF CAUTION….use both simple sentences
and fragments SPARINGLY! Overused, they lose their punch
and become a gimmick. You NEVER want your audience to
think that you made a grammatical error.