Sentence Combining Anchor Chart
Writing Reference Guide Grades 3–6
Stronger Sentences, Better Writing
Combining Sentences
What It Means:
Joining two or more choppy sentences into one smooth, clear sentence.
Why We Do It:
To remove repetitive words and make our writing more concise and fluent.
1
Use a Conjunction
Connect related ideas or reasons using a connecting word.
Keywords: and, but, so, because, or
Example A (Joining Predicates)
The cat is orange. The cat is striped.
➔ The cat is orange and striped.
Example B (Adding a Reason)
Drake is thirsty. He just ran three miles.
➔ Drake is thirsty because he just ran three miles.
2
Add Descriptive Details
Move adjectives or details from one sentence directly in front of the noun they describe.
Clue: Look for colors, sizes, shapes, or types
Example A (Single Adjective)
The boy bought a car. The car was hot pink.
➔ The boy bought a hot pink toy car.
Example B (Multiple Adjectives)
Cal made a cake. It was a big, chocolate cake.
➔ Cal made a big, chocolate cake.
3
Combine the Subjects
When two people or things do the same thing, join their names using the word and.
Rule: Change the verb if needed (enjoys ➔ enjoy)
Example A (Names & Activities)
Jasmine enjoys skating. Leo enjoys skating.
➔ Jasmine and Leo enjoy skateboarding.
Example B (Pronouns: Put "I" Last)
I bought a backpack. My sister bought one too.
➔ My sister and I bought new backpacks.
4
Use a Relative Pronoun
Sentences about the same person or thing can be linked using a relative pronoun.
Keywords: who (people), that / which (things)
Example A (For People ➔ Who)
The man works at the bakery. He bakes bread.
➔ The man who works at the bakery bakes bread.
Example B (For Things/Animals ➔ That)
The bird is on the feeder. The bird is red.
➔ The bird that is red is on the bird feeder.
Editor's 3-Step Combine Checklist
Always re-read before finishing!
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Did you cut out repeated, unnecessary words?
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Does the new sentence make sense when read aloud?
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Did you check for a capital letter and period?
Sentence Combining Bellwork Sheet
Sentence Combining Bellwork
Name:
Date:
Directions: Each day, read the two choppy sentences. Combine them into one smooth sentence using the target strategy. Don't forget capital letters and periods!
Tuesday – Friday
Tuesday Strategy 1: Use a Conjunction
Clue words: and, but, so, because, or
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Maya wanted to go swimming. It started raining heavily outside.
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Drake was thirsty. He just ran three miles around the track.
Wednesday Strategy 2: Add Descriptive Details
Move describing words right before the noun!
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Sonya is wearing earrings. The earrings are shiny pearls.
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Lorenzo has a new video game. It is a thrilling racing game.
Thursday Strategy 3: Combine the Subjects
Join who did the action with and; check the verb!
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Marcus is on the swim team. Gabriella is on the swim team too.
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Kelsi ate dinner at six o'clock. Dakota ate dinner at six o'clock too.
Friday Strategy 4: Use a Relative Pronoun
Use who for people, that / which for things
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The baker works at the shop down the street. He bakes fresh sourdough bread.
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The bird is sitting on our feeder. The bird has bright red feathers.
Daily Quality Check:
◻ Combined into 1 sentence ◻ Cut repeated words ◻ Capital letter ◻ Ending punctuation
