How to write a killer sentence

Because not all sentences are created equal

Photo by Martin Zaenkert on Unsplash

What is a sentence?

A set of words that is complete in itself, usually containing a subject, a verb and an object: the cat sat on the mat.

It can be a statement, a question, an exclamation, or a command:

• The cat sat on the mat.
• Did the cat sit on the mat?
• That cat’s sitting on the mat!
• Sit on the mat, cat!

It usually has a main clause, but it can also have one or more subordinate clauses connected by a conjunction (and, but, if, when etc.):

• The cat sat on the mat.
• The cat sat on the mat whenever it felt hungry, sad or flat.

Changing the syntax (arrangement of words) of a sentence can radically alter its meaning:

• The cat sat on the mat.
• The mat sat on the cat.

We can give a sentence color, texture and movement with the help of adjectives and action verbs:

• The rugged cat sat purring on the pink mat.

We can give a sentence rhythm and we can play with its internal sounds(alliteration, assonance):

• The cat spent most of…