1600X

Sentence Combining

Part of Basics · 15 min

Explanation

What is Sentence Combining? On the Digital SAT, you will often encounter questions that ask you to combine two sentences in the clearest, most concise, and most logical way possible. The test rewards answers that: eliminate repetition, reduce wordiness, maintain logical meaning, and create smoother sentence flow. Strategies for Combining Sentences: Use a Trailing Phrase: Attach extra information to the end of a sentence. After: The researcher analyzed several passages, identifying recurring patterns. Use a Prepositional Phrase: Condense information using with, through, by, because of . After: The student improved her reading accuracy through consistent timed practice. Turn One Sentence into a Dependent Clause or Modifier: Shows logical relationships clearly. After: After reviewing grammar rules for several weeks, the student improved her accuracy. Use a Conjunction: Clearly express contrast, cause/effect, or addition using and, but, yet, so, although . Link Two Verbs with "And": Avoids repetition of the subject. After: Students analyzed the tone and identified supporting evidence. Use a Relative Clause: Use who, which, that, whose to add information smoothly. Use an Infinitive to Express Purpose: Use to + verb . After: Researchers conducted additional experiments to verify the results. Important Digital SAT Tips Fewer Pronouns = Clearer Writing: The SAT prefers avoiding unnecessary pronouns (it, this, these, they). Keep the Intended Meaning: Never combine sentences in a way…