Which tactic helps avoid repetitive sentence openings?

• A. Start every sentence with the same word
• B. Use only short sentences
• C. Use varied beginnings and sentence lengths
• D. Avoid using conjunctions

Answer: (C)

Varying how you begin sentences and how long they are keeps writing lively and helps the reader flow from one idea to the next. When you mix up openings—starting with different words or phrases—and alternate short and long sentences, the rhythm feels natural rather than mechanical. This approach prevents a monotonous pattern and makes emphasis easier to control, so each sentence lands with purpose.

If you always start with the same word, the rhythm becomes predictable and can slow a reader down. Relying only on short sentences can create a choppy feel that disrupts the flow. And avoiding conjunctions doesn’t directly address openings and can make writing jerky or abrupt, which again hurts the sense of connection between ideas.

Think about a passage that uses varied openings and lengths, like beginning one sentence with a topic noun, another with a dependent clause, and a third with a participial phrase, while mixing in a longer sentence followed by a punchier one. That contrast keeps the prose engaging and easier to read.