Free cheat sheet 01 · B1 and above

Build a Clear Sentence

Find the main idea before adding the details.

When a sentence gets tangled, return to its centre: who or what, and what happens. Add the useful detail after that.

MiniJai helping to build a clear sentence

What to use—and when

Make the choice by meaning.

01

Start with who or what

Give your listener a clear subject.

  • My neighbour…
  • The meeting…
  • I…
02

Add a verb

Say what happens, or what the subject is like.

  • My neighbour cooks.
  • The meeting finished.
  • I feel nervous.
03

Complete the meaning

Some verbs need an object or description. Then add where, when or why if it helps.

  • My neighbour cooks dinner on Sundays.
  • The meeting finished early because everyone agreed.

The quick check

Keep this beside you.

  • Can I find who or what?
  • Can I find the verb?
  • Does the thought feel complete before I add more?

Notice the difference

A small change can change the meaning.

The meeting finished.

Short, but complete.

The meeting finished early because everyone agreed.

The same clear centre, with time and reason added.

Two common slips

A useful fix for next time.

Instead ofMy brother in London.

UseMy brother lives in London.

The first version has no verb.

Instead ofBecause I was tired.

UseI went home because I was tired.

Because gives a reason; the main idea is still needed.