Using a Formula to Link
Sentences
By: Sean
Savoie
If an author is called a formula-writer, this generally means
that the author uses a specific and predictable pattern to organize an idea. In
an essay, being specific is beneficial whereas being predictable is boring and
usually shallow. Nevertheless, many young writers should take the time to
practice writing sentences from formulae (the plural form of formula, or
formulas).
The use of formulae to develop skills is commonplace. In
pursuit of skill in dance, music composition, playing a musical instrument,
martial arts, literature, visual art, sports, and so on, students should
practice a large number of repeating patterns. Eventually that student becomes
an apprentice, and then a master, and he or she has no need to think of patterns
or formulae. As I often tell my English conversation and
writing students, "When you study grammar, study carefully.
When you speak to people or write, throw your grammar out the window." The goal
of any artist should be clear expression, not just technical ability. Even
regarding the SAT essay, recruiters are looking for students who can think
critically, not just organize and write accurately.
I first began to understand the usefulness of developing
ideas from formulae when I was studying music at the Berklee
College of Music in
In terms of writing, think of patterns at their most basic
element: sentences. From there, think of sentences in their most basic element:
grammar. For one example:
Participial phrase, participial phrase,
subject, adjective clauses, verb, object, adjective clause.
Keep in mind that, though the only two embellishments are
participial phrases and adjective clauses, an infinite number and variety of
sentences can be written using such a pattern or formula. Here are five examples
of sentences using exactly this format:
1)
Representing the very fabric of our country,
having been written by some of the greatest minds of the 18th century, the
Constitution of the
2)
Risking their lives, making great sacrifices,
honest police, who make very little money, help secure
the lives of people in society, where lawlessness can threaten the way of life
for each individual.
3)
Paying off his debts, looking for a new job,
Billy, who had once had a great deal of money, spoke once again with his father,
who had become angry about Billy's sense of responsibility.
4)
Working many jobs that Americans do not want to do, having few legal options, illegal immigrants, who most
often simply want to make money for their families, should have certain rights,
which the government needs to provide in order to prevent much greater problems.
5)
Supplying anti-oxidants and various nutrients,
enjoyed in most countries, red wine, which has a unique and complex history, has
become one of the most preferred alcoholic beverages in the
By the time you read the last of the five sentences, you
should be able to feel the pattern, which, if used too often, becomes
predictable and boring. But the ability to write such a sentence quickly and
efficiently is extremely useful.