How to Write Complete Sentences & When to Break the Rule

Writing complete sentences is harder than you might think, and it’s a fundamental writing skill that’s worthy of review. In this video, you’ll learn about what makes a complete sentence, tips for making sure your sentences are complete, and circumstances in which writers break this rule effectively.

Mentor Texts:

"That’s more than half my lifetime."

"I turn my eyes away from the stairs, toward the west-facing front door and the mail slot through which replies from my pen pals in the Philippines, Hong Kong and Australia landed."

"I used to find it strange that they started square and sharp-edged and became round as they rose and narrowed, until one day I realized that someone I would probably never know had found this arrangement pleasing and had gone to some trouble to draw or specify it; and I’d realized, too, that we find the world but also make it."

Mark Vanhoenacker, “Your Childhood House is In Front of You. Do You Go In?”, New York Times

"I'm not complaining, truly, even if I've occasionally felt like everything I've learned about this movie has been against my will. So many vague Twitter trending topics that give way to never-ending rabbit holes! So many new links and Spitgate videos to parse in the group chats!"
Katie Barker, “Everything You Wanted to Know About the Drama-Filled ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ Press Tour (But Were Afraid to Ask)”, The Ringer

“The Racoons of Central Park Move in Packs and Go Fast. On Bikes.”
Michael Venutolo-Mantovani, New York Times

“Here's what happens in response: parents who notice there's a problem take care of it themselves. If they can."
Emily Hanford, “School is for Learning to Read”, New York Times

"It's uh. Not going great."
Glen Weldon, “House of the Dragon, Episode 3: The King - and the Show - Go Hunting for Validation”, NPR