Writing Artful Sentences

"In Artful Sentences: Syntax as Style, Virginia Tufte shows how standard sentence patterns and forms contribute to meaning and art in more than a thousand wonderful sentences from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.  The book has special interest for aspiring writers, students of literature and language, and anyone who finds joy in reading and writing."

- Goodreads

Virginia Tufte covers how to use the various forms of "-ing"

". . . Artful Sentences: Syntax as Style, generally recognized as the best study of sentence style."

--Brooks Landon, University of Iowa, in Building Useful Sentences, page 122.

Sentence structure is the main focus of this book. Virginia Tufte describes different forms of syntax, then gives examples from actual pieces of writing. Artful Sentences showcases specific, universally applicable skills that writers should use to add elegance to their work.

"Great writing isn’t born, it’s built—sentence by sentence. But too many writers—and writing guides—overlook this most important unit. The result? Manuscripts that will never be published and writing careers that will never begin.

With chapters on “Conjunctions That Kill” and “Words Gone Wild,” this lighthearted guide is perfect for anyone who’s dead serious about writing, from aspiring novelists to nonfiction writers, conscientious students to cheeky literati. So roll up your sleeves and prepare to craft one bold, effective sentence after another. Your readers will thank you."

- Penguin Random House

June Casagrande analyzes weak choices of words and descriptors, finding detailed alternatives instead.

Excellent writing starts with strong sentences; this book is a guide to mastering the art—a combination of bold, fun with practical advice. In addition, it will help you master intelligent, fun, and didactic grammar and writing styles. June Casagrande has found a way to provide actionable, practical advice to new writers, not to mention unexpected discoveries for professional writers. It would be a welcome addition to any language lover’s library.

"Great writing begins with the sentence.

Whether two words ("Jesus wept.") or 1,287 words (a sentence in William Faulkner's Absalom! Absalom!), sentences have the power to captivate, entertain, motivate, educate, and, most importantly, delight.

Understanding the variety of ways to construct sentences, from the smallest clause to the longest sentence, is important to enhancing your appreciation of great writing and potentially improving your own."

- Penguin Random House

• Why do some lengthy sentences flow effortlessly while others stumble along?

• Why are you captivated by the writing of particular authors but not others?

• How can you craft sentences that reflect your own unique outlook on the world?

Professor Brooks Landon teaches about coordinate levels and subordinate patterns, and how to build sentences by mixing and matching them.

Get the answers to these and other questions about writing and style in Building Great Sentences: Exploring the Writer's Craft, a lively 24-lecture course taught by Professor Brooks Landon from the University of Iowa—one of the nation's top writing schools. You explore the myriad ways in which we think about, talk about, and write sentences. You discover insights into what makes for pleasurable reading. You also learn how you can apply these methods to your own writing."

- Audible

The lectures are well written and delivered professionally, making them easy to apply in practice. Professor Landon provides detailed information on sentence structure, enabling writers to create rich sentences that Shakespeare would be proud of. This book strives to help hone your skill in creating artistic phrases and understanding the building blocks for a powerful sentence.