| Improving Coherence Between Sentences |
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| 1. |
Repeat a word from the earlier sentence. |
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- My opponent argues that this proposal would cost the state at least $3 million. Actually, the cost would not exceed $1 million.
- The class stared at the instructor with expressions that mutely cried out, "Please clarify these points!" But clarification was precisely what this instructor habitually disdained.
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| 2. |
Use a pronoun to refer to something in the earlier sentence. |
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- The new contract delighted the teachers. But it infuriated the superintendent of schools, the principals, and all the assistant administrators.
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| 3. |
Use words related in meaning to the earlier sentence. |
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- Corporations have sought to improve their image with college students. But many students still remain cool toward business as a vocation.
- He has begun to question his family's values and middle-class values in general. This skepticism has been both harmful and beneficial.
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| 4. |
Use words that echo an entire idea from the earlier sentence. |
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- In the last scene, Jake risks his life for his friends. This heroism clashes oddly with Jake's earlier cynicism.
- Charles understood neither the temper nor the strength of the forces he sought to control. This faulty assessment led to his downfall.
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| 5. |
Use demonstrative adjectives (this, that, these, those, etc.) where possible. (But try not to use them by themselves.) |
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- The new Tortoise four-cylinder engine consumes amazingly little oil. This feature is one reason for the popularity of that remarkable engine.
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| 6. |
Use "markers" or cues, that indicate how two sentences relate to each other. |
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- E.M. Forster was a man of exceeding kindness. But it would be a mistake to look upon his kindness as a sign of weakness.
- Kevin didn't even smile when he saw the new bike. Not only that, he didn't thank his grandmother for the gift.
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