A clear sentence lets a reader follow who did what and why. Cohesion is how sentences link to each other.
This lesson is part of language accuracy and expression in SPM Bahasa Cina.
What are the four checks?
Run these on any sentence you doubt.
- Length. Can you say it in one breath? If not, split it.
- Subject. Is it clear who does the action?
- Connector. Does the word linking the ideas match their relationship?
- Pronoun. Can the reader tell who 他 or 它 refers to?
Worked example: a run-on sentence
Read this original sentence.
我昨天去图书馆借了一本书是关于环保的里面有很多资料所以我很喜欢。
It is one long stream with no pauses. The reader cannot tell where one idea ends.
Step 1, find the ideas. There are three: I borrowed a book about the environment, the book has rich material, and I like it.
Step 2, give each idea its own clause.
我昨天去图书馆借了一本关于环保的书。书里有丰富的资料，所以我很喜欢。
The connector 所以 now links a reason (rich material) to a result (I like it).
Matching connectors
Connectors come in pairs. The first half sets up a relationship, and the second half must complete the same one.
| Relationship | Correct pair | Mismatch to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Concession | 虽然…但是 | 虽然…所以 |
| Cause | 因为…所以 | 因为…但是 |
| Addition | 不但…而且 | 不但…但是 |
| Condition | 如果…就 | 如果…所以 |
Example of a mismatch: 虽然他很努力，所以成绩很好。
The first half is a concession, so the second half should be 但是. The content shows a cause, so rewrite it as 他很努力，所以成绩很好。
The mistake that keeps happening
A common error is to use a connector from habit. The sentence 他不但会唱歌，而且不会跳舞 pairs an addition with a contrast, so the meaning collapses.
The correct approach is to decide the relationship first. If the ideas add to each other, write 他不但会唱歌，而且会跳舞. If they contrast, write 他会唱歌，但是不会跳舞.
An unclear pronoun
Read: 小明告诉小华他的书丢了。
Whose book is lost? The sentence allows both readings.
Repeat the name to fix it: 小明告诉小华，小明的书丢了。Or rewrite: 小明对小华说：“我的书丢了。”
Check yourself
Improve each sentence.
- 因为天气不好，但是我们还是去了公园。
- 妈妈对姐姐说她要早点回家。
Answer
- 因为 sets up a cause, and 但是 sets up a contrast, so they do not pair. Use 虽然天气不好，但是我们还是去了公园。
- 她 could be mother or sister. Possible fixes: 妈妈对姐姐说，妈妈要早点回家。Or 妈妈对姐姐说：“你要早点回家。”
What to study next
The next lesson, editing punctuation and register, covers the marks and tone that finish a clear sentence. Then try the practice set.
To apply the checks to a full composition, see narrative composition, or ask about online one-to-one Chinese tuition.