HSPT: Combining sentences: keep every fact, add nothing
Learn to choose the combined sentence that keeps every fact, keeps the link between them and says it without extra words.
When you join two short sentences, how do you know which version keeps the meaning?
Short answer
List the facts, then name how they connect: addition, contrast, cause or time order. The best version keeps every fact, uses a joining word that matches that link, and doesn't repeat itself.
Know first: Complete sentences, Joining words such as and, but, because and after
Step 1 of 5
The joining word makes a claim
To combine two sentences, you add a joining word or fold one sentence into the other. That joining word makes a claim. And adds a fact. But and although set up a contrast. Because and so say one thing caused another. After and before set the order.
If the joining word claims something the short sentences never said, the combined sentence changes the meaning, even when it reads smoothly. The right answer says exactly what the two sentences said, no more and no less.
| Joining word | It claims | Example |
|---|---|---|
| and | two facts, side by side | The gym is new, and it has a climbing wall. |
| but, although | a contrast or a surprise | Although the gym is new, the lockers already stick. |
| because, so | one fact caused the other | The lockers stick because the doors are bent. |
| after, before, when | an order in time | After the bell rang, the doors opened. |
| who, which, that | an extra detail about a noun | The gym, which opened in May, has a climbing wall. |
Step 2 of 5
Test each version against the facts
Worked example: Two facts about one park
Combine the sentences without changing their meaning: The town built a skate park. The skate park has lights for evening use.
- AThe town built a skate park because it has lights for evening use.
- BThe town built a skate park that has lights for evening use.
- CThe skate park built lights for the town's evening use.
- DThe town built a skate park, and the skate park, it has lights for evening use.
- 1
List the facts
The town built a skate park. That park has lights for evening use.
- 2
Name the link
Two facts about the same park. Neither sentence says why the park was built.
- 3
Run the three checks
The version with that keeps both facts, adds nothing and doesn't repeat itself. That has lights attaches the second fact right to the park.
- 4
Where the wrong choices come from
The because version invents a reason for building the park. The version where the skate park builds lights changes who did what. The last version keeps both facts but repeats the skate park and adds an extra it.
Answer
The town built a skate park that has lights for evening use.
Wrong: Because the forecast called for rain, the parade went on as planned.
Right: Although the forecast called for rain, the parade went on as planned.
Rain in the forecast would make you expect a delay, so the parade going ahead is a surprise. Although signals that. Because claims the forecast caused the parade to go on.
Step 3 of 5
Try it yourself
Check yourself · Question 1
Combine the sentences clearly: The kite was bright red. The kite got stuck in a tree.
Answer: B
Folding bright red in front of kite keeps both facts in one short, clear sentence.
Check yourself · Question 2
Combine the sentences without changing their meaning: Priya drafted her essay. Then she checked it for spelling errors.
Answer: C
Then sets the order: draft first, check second. After drafting keeps that order and both facts.
Check yourself · Question 3
Combine the sentences without changing their meaning: The new phone is lighter than the old one. Its battery does not last as long.
Answer: A
One fact is a plus and the other is a minus, so the link is a contrast. But keeps both facts and shows that contrast.
Trap answer: The new phone is lighter than the old one, so its battery does not last as long.
A believable cause that wasn't stated
- Why it looks right
- It sounds reasonable: a lighter phone might have a smaller battery. Every word in it is grammatical.
- Why it's wrong
- So adds a cause. The two sentences give two facts and never say one led to the other.
- The right answer
- The version with but, which keeps both facts and adds nothing.
Common mistake
I chose the shortest version because it seemed the clearest.
- Why it's tempting
- The right answer is often short, so short feels safe.
- Do this instead
- Short wins only after the first two checks. A short version that drops a fact or adds because is still wrong.
Step 4 of 5
What to remember
Remember
- List the facts in both sentences before you read the choices.
- Pick a joining word that matches the link the sentences actually state: and, but, because or a time word.
- Reject any version that drops a fact, adds a cause, flips the order or repeats itself.
Step 5 of 5
Practice on a real question
Use what you just learned on this question, then check the explanation.
In your own words
In the practice question, what facts did the two sentences state, and which choice added something they never said?