TACHS: Sentence combining: join without changing the facts
Merge two short sentences into one that keeps every fact, keeps each describing word on the right noun and adds no new meaning.
When two sentences are combined, how do I know which version keeps the meaning?
Short answer
List the facts in each sentence, note what each describing word goes with, and choose the combination that keeps every fact in place. Add because or so only if the paragraph already says one fact caused the other.
Know first: Joining words such as *and, but, because* and *although*
Step 1 of 5
A good combination keeps every fact in place
Writers combine short, choppy sentences so their writing flows. A good combination keeps all the information from both sentences and keeps each describing word attached to the same noun.
It also adds no new meaning. If two sentences simply list two facts, the combination cannot suddenly claim that one caused the other.
| Joining word | Use it when | Example |
|---|---|---|
| and | The sentences list two facts | The mug is blue and holds hot cocoa. |
| although | The facts pull in opposite directions | Although the hill was steep, the view was worth it. |
| because, so | The paragraph says one fact caused the other | Because it rained, the game moved inside. |
| A short phrase | One fact describes the other | The coach, a former sprinter, timed us. |
Step 2 of 5
Run the three tests
Worked example: A new scoreboard
Which revision best combines these sentences without changing their meaning? The new scoreboard is solar powered. The new scoreboard shows the time left in each quarter.
- AThe new scoreboard is solar powered and shows the time left in each quarter.
- BBecause it is solar powered, the new scoreboard shows the time left in each quarter.
- CThe new scoreboard shows the solar time left in each quarter.
- DThe new scoreboard, which is solar powered, shows the score at the end of each quarter.
- 1
List the facts
The scoreboard is solar powered. The scoreboard shows the time left in each quarter.
- 2
Run the tests
A keeps both facts, keeps each describer in place, and joins them with and. Nothing is added.
- 3
See why the other choices are there
B adds because, claiming solar power is the reason it shows the time. C moves solar onto the time. D changes the time left into the score, so a fact is lost.
Answer
A. The new scoreboard is solar powered and shows the time left in each quarter.
Wrong: Because the trail was rocky, it led to a beautiful waterfall.
Right: Although the trail was rocky, it led to a beautiful waterfall.
A rocky trail does not cause a waterfall. The facts pull in opposite directions, a hardship and a reward, so although fits.
Step 3 of 5
Keep both facts, add nothing
Check yourself · Question 1
Which revision best combines these sentences without changing their meaning? The museum's new café is small. The café serves soup made from local vegetables.
Answer: C
C keeps both facts and keeps small on the café.
Check yourself · Question 2
Which revision best combines these sentences without changing their meaning? The cabin had no electricity. The cabin had a wood stove that kept everyone warm.
Answer: B
No electricity is a drawback and the warm stove is a comfort. Although shows that contrast without adding a cause.
Trap answer: Because the cabin had no electricity, it had a wood stove that kept everyone warm.
An added cause
- Why it looks right
- It sounds logical. A cabin with no power might well need a stove.
- Why it's wrong
- The sentences never say why the cabin had a stove. A combination cannot add a reason the writer did not give.
- The right answer
- Although the cabin had no electricity, it had a wood stove that kept everyone warm.
Common mistake
Dropping a fact to make the combined sentence shorter.
- Why it's tempting
- The shortest choice often looks like the cleanest writing.
- Do this instead
- Short is good only when both facts survive. Check that every fact from both sentences is still there.
Step 4 of 5
What to remember
Remember
- Keep every fact from both sentences.
- Keep each describing word on the same noun it described before.
- Use because or so only when the paragraph already gives the cause. Use and to list, although to contrast.
Step 5 of 5
Practice on a real question
Use what you just learned on this question, then check the explanation.
Try another one
In your own words
In the practice question, what two facts did sentences 4 and 5 give, and which wrong choice moved a describing word to a different noun?