Writing techniques and style - Ensuring grammatical correctn...

Learning Outcomes

After studying this article, you will be able to identify and correct common grammatical errors in your writing, vary sentence structure for clarity and interest, and construct sentences that improve logical flow and precision. You will also recognize the importance of linguistic accuracy when presenting arguments and avoid writing habits that could undermine the credibility or effectiveness of your LSAT essay responses.

LSAT Syllabus

For LSAT, you are required to understand and apply proper written English in all written responses. Particular focus is required on ensuring the grammatical accuracy and stylistic clarity of your arguments. In your revision, be sure you can:

• demonstrate accurate grammar and punctuation in all written responses
• use a range of sentence structures while maintaining clarity
• avoid common sentence errors (e.g., fragments, run-ons, comma splices)
• select formal, precise language appropriate for legal analysis
• maintain logic, consistency, and readability throughout your writing

Test Your Knowledge

Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.

1. Which sentence below is grammatically correct?
   1. The judge, after reviewing the evidence rendered a verdict.
   2. The verdict was rendered; because the evidence was persuasive.
   3. The defendant denied the allegations and presented no evidence.
   4. After the hearing, the attorney and his client leave.
2. Which of the following best demonstrates effective sentence variety?
   1. The witness testified. The lawyer objected. The judge ruled.
   2. Although the witness was uncertain, her statements were credible.
   3. The ruling occurred. Then, the lawyer appealed. Next, the court heard arguments.
   4. Witnesses spoke. Attorneys listened.
3. Identify the error: "Each of the case summaries were reviewed by the panel."
   1. Verb tense error
   2. Subject–verb agreement error
   3. Pronoun ambiguity
   4. Sentence fragment

Introduction

Grammatical accuracy and clear sentence structure are basic requirements for all formal LSAT writing. Even a persuasive or well-reasoned argument can be undermined by errors in grammar or monotonous, repetitive sentences. This article will help you write with grammatical accuracy, variety, and clarity—essential skills for achieving maximum marks in the LSAT essay and all legal writing.

Grammatical Correctness in LSAT Writing

Legal writing must be unambiguous. Precision in grammar and syntax eliminates confusion and strengthens your arguments. Sentences containing errors can distract or mislead the reader, introduce ambiguity, and weaken your position—penalizing your score.

Typical Grammar Errors

Watch out for the following when writing or reviewing your essays:

• Sentence fragments (incomplete thoughts)
• Run-on sentences (two or more independent clauses improperly joined)
• Subject–verb agreement errors
• Misplaced or dangling modifiers
• Incorrect tense or pronoun use
• Faulty parallelism

Key Term: sentence fragment
An incomplete sentence that lacks a main clause or fails to express a complete thought.

Key Term: run-on sentence
A sentence in which two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunction.

Key Term: subject–verb agreement
The rule that a verb must agree in number (singular or plural) with its subject.

Worked Example 1.1

Which version is correct?

a) The attorneys reviews the evidence, then makes a recommendation.

b) The attorney reviews the evidence, then makes a recommendation.

c) The attorneys reviews the evidence, then make a recommendation.

Answer:
Option b) is correct. The singular subject "attorney" agrees with the singular verb "reviews." In option a) and c), the subject (“attorneys”) and the verb (“reviews”/“make”) do not agree in number.

Revision Tip

When reviewing your writing, underline the subject of each sentence and check the verb matches in number and tense. This helps catch common agreement mistakes.

Sentence Variety for Clarity and Interest

Legal arguments are clearer and more persuasive when writers use a range of sentence structures. Monotonous or repetitive constructions can cause reader fatigue and obscure your main points.

Vary sentences by:

• Mixing simple, compound, and complex sentences
• Changing sentence openings (not every sentence should start with the subject)
• Using clauses and phrases strategically for emphasis

Key Term: sentence variety
The practice of using different sentence structures and lengths to make writing clearer and more dynamic.

Worked Example 1.2

Monotonous:
"The court considered the evidence. The court heard two witnesses. The court made a decision."

Varied:
"After considering the evidence and hearing two witnesses, the court made its decision."

Answer:
The second version combines information and varies structure, improving flow and reducing unnecessary repetition.

Exam Warning

For LSAT writing, avoid overusing complex sentences if they become unwieldy. Sentences should be varied, but not at the expense of clarity—run-on or tangled constructions are penalized.

Formal Tone and Word Choice

Essays must be written in a formal, precise style. Informal language and ambiguous word choice can weaken arguments or leave your position unclear.

• Use standard legal and academic vocabulary.
• Avoid contractions ("can't," "won't," etc.).
• Use specific terms; avoid vague words (e.g., use "liable" rather than "involved").
• Be concise—omit unnecessary words.

Key Term: formal tone
A style of writing that uses standard English, precise vocabulary, and avoids colloquialisms or slang.

Connecting Sentences for Logical Flow

Logical relationships between ideas must be made clear with appropriate conjunctions, punctuation, and transitions. This avoids sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and ambiguity.

Use:

• Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet)
• Subordinating conjunctions (although, because, since, unless, after, when)
• Proper punctuation (commas, semicolons) to join clauses

Worked Example 1.3

Original:
"The witness was credible the lawyer objected the judge overruled him."

Corrected:
"The witness was credible; the lawyer objected, but the judge overruled him."

Answer:
The corrected sentence uses a semicolon and a coordinating conjunction to properly join independent clauses for clarity.

Precision and Consistency

Ensure consistency in tense and pronoun usage within and between sentences. Inconsistent references can confuse readers and reduce the impact of your analysis.

Revision Tip (Consistency)

Always reread your essay for tense shifts, ambiguous pronouns, or changes in point of view. Maintain consistency for credibility.

Summary

Effective LSAT writing requires:

• Complete sentences (no fragments or run-ons)
• Accurate subject–verb agreement
• Varied sentence structures for emphasis and clarity
• Consistent, precise use of language
• Proper use of transitions and punctuation for logical flow

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• Always write in complete, grammatically accurate sentences
• Check that all subjects and verbs agree in number and tense
• Use a variety of sentence structures to improve clarity and interest
• Maintain a formal, precise tone for all written responses
• Use transitions and conjunctions to show logical relationships
• Review your work for consistency, avoiding tense and pronoun errors
• Avoid informal language, contractions, or ambiguous statements

Key Terms and Concepts

• sentence fragment
• run-on sentence
• subject–verb agreement
• sentence variety
• formal tone