---
source: https://iinventedlight.com/library/notes/plain-language-short-sentences.md
title: "Split complicated sentences without losing the main point"
license: CC-BY-4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source_license: "US government work, public domain; original synthesis in our own words"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Sources: GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive, Write short sentences; GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive, Keep the subject, verb, and object close together."
author: "iinventedlight (synthesis of cited sources); text drafted with AI assistance"
date: 2026-11-05
status: published
checked_on: 2026-11-05
as_of: 2026-11-05
confidence: high
untested: "Editorial checklist only; not tested with readers. Sources fetched and evidence checked."
category: coverage-gaps
topic_area: "write-edit: sentence splitting and core word order"
tags: writing, plain-language, editing, short-sentences
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "Write short sentences"
    publisher: "GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive"
    url: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/concise/write-short-sentences.md
    accessed: 2026-11-05
    license: "US government work, public domain"
  - id: S2
    title: "Keep the subject, verb, and object close together"
    publisher: "GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive"
    url: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/concise/keep-the-subject-verb-and-object-close-together.md
    accessed: 2026-11-05
    license: "US government work, public domain"
---
# Split complicated sentences without losing the main point

Make separate sentences for separate ideas instead of putting everything into a complicated sentence. [S1]
Avoid phrases or clauses between a sentence's subject, verb, and object. [S2]

## Checklist
1. [ ] Break ideas into parts when dependent clauses and exceptions obscure the main point. [S1]
2. [ ] Avoid putting modifiers, phrases, or clauses between subject, verb, and object; this makes understanding harder. [S2]
3. [ ] Move material that modifies the basic idea into another sentence or to the sentence's end. [S2]
4. [ ] For a complicated if clause, try a separate sentence with suppose followed by in this case to preserve the relationship. [S1]
5. [ ] For a complex provision with several different conditions, consider a separate sentence for each condition or an if-then table. [S2]

**Done when:** smaller sentences convey the complex information without burying its main point in clauses and exceptions. [S1]

## Claims
- id: C1
  claim: Each sentence should express one idea.
  source: S1
  evidence: "Express only one idea in each sentence."
- id: C2
  claim: Complexity works against clear communication.
  source: S1
  evidence: "Complexity is the greatest enemy of clear communication."
- id: C3
  claim: English normally puts subject before verb before object.
  source: S2
  evidence: "The natural word order of an English sentence is subject-verb-object."

## Sources
- [S1] Write short sentences. GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive. https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/concise/write-short-sentences.md . License: US government work, public domain. Accessed 2026-11-05.
- [S2] Keep the subject, verb, and object close together. GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive. https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/concise/keep-the-subject-verb-and-object-close-together.md . License: US government work, public domain. Accessed 2026-11-05.

License: this note is CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted).