In the English language, you sometimes come across various different types of sentences which might sound complete and incomplete. These incomplete sentences can be sentence fragments or truncated sentences.
You might be wondering about what does this truncated sentence mean. So let’s begin by knowing these types of sentences and how do they find their application in English Grammar.
Truncated Sentences: Definition and Examples
While learning English, when you cut something short you truncate it. You can easily truncate a lot of things from a sentence.
Is there a need to truncate a sentence? Why do people think of truncating a sentence?
Generally, in English, the sentences are truncated because of a variety of reasons. This is quite applicable in both spoken as well as written English. The situation in which this scenario can be observed is that while you are writing a poem, or a novel or a play. The truncated sentences can have a huge range of effects which you can use them on purpose. It is basically done to grab the attention of readers or the target audience.
You can also observe that truncated sentences pop up a lot in day to day use which may cause confusion to the readers when it is used incorrectly. But before moving ahead we should take a closer look at the truncated sentences. It will help to have a better understanding of the sentences and improve your English skills. Do not confuse yourself with truncated and short sentences. In the case of truncated sentences, there needs to be words missing which is not so in short sentences. For instance, check these example of sentences given below.
- I love walking.
- I love walking more than Ariane (does).
In the case of the first sentence, you have to understand that it is short and there is nothing missing in it. Now, in the second sentence, you will see that the ‘does’ word is missing. It is needed to make the sentence sound complete. Most of the writers do it to make the sentences appear more casual and in a very conversational way. It helps in expressing the feeling.
A very effective way of understanding the effect of the truncated sentence is to add the missing words to the sentence. Then compare the truncated sentence and the modified sentence. Read both the sentences aloud and think about the effect it might generate by shortening it.
How To Use Truncated Sentences
Now let’s move ahead to know more about how to make use of the truncated sentences.
Till now you might have understood the difference between the short sentences and truncated sentences. While making sentences, it is very convenient to trim words from the sentences. You just have to make sure that when you remove those words from the sentences the meaning of the sentence does not change and they make sense.
- Truncated sentences are used when whenever you wish to create some punch and clear your point in a crisp manner.
- Always ensure that you do not overuse the truncated sentences. Don’t try to use too many truncated sentences in a single row. When you overuse the truncated sentences it sounds very unnatural.
- You can experiment with the length of the truncated sentences. Try to phrase and rephrase them to make the sentence meaningful.
- Truncated Sentences can also be used in the summary after the long descriptions. Sometimes, at the end of the sentences, the reader or listener may forget the essential or key points.
- With the help of truncated sentences, you can convey the exact meaning and draw attention to the main points.