What is a choppy sentence?

A choppy sentence is one that is short and simple, usually less than 10 words in length. Although they can be used to positive effect for emphasis, too many of them in succession tends to ruin the flow of writing.

In academic writing in particular, choppy sentences should not be used more than three times in a row. Overuse can be avoided by joining choppy sentences together to form more complex compound sentences.

The following are examples of choppy sentences:

• Small sentences are boring to read.
• Many of them strung together look bad.

In order to join these sentences together, the conjunction "and" may be inserted between them. Otherwise, a subordinating conjunction, such as "since" or "especially as" may be used.