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7.5 Prefer standard sentence order

A normal sentence runs from subject to verb to object and then the rest, which are the modifiers. You may certainly vary this structure for various effects, the most usual being emphasis or dynamic variation.

Beware of lengthy sentences that have lots of words before the verb. Though an introductory clause like this one will cause no particular problem, sentences with long subjects are hard to read.

Example: The work of the team that has produced the design and developed the programs should be reviewed by the manager.

Rewrite: The manager should review the work of the team that has produced the design and developed the programs.

A key guideline for sentences in English is that complication should go to the end.

 

Courtesy of John Mercer Associates, www.MercerWriting.com

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