E10/EF7 Sentence Combining Sheet 3

1. I have never understood a certain proverb.
The proverb says, "You cannot have your cake and eat it, too."

I have never understood a certain proverb.
The proverb says, "You cannot have your cake and eat it, too."

I have never understood a certain proverb, and the proverb says, "You cannot have your cake and eat it, too." X POOR STYLE

that, which = adjective clause
I have never understood a certain proverb which says, "You cannot have your cake and eat it, too."

2. My mother once interpreted it for me, and she told me that it meant that you cannot have everything. COMPOUND
My mother once interpreted it for me; also, and she told me that it meant that you cannot have everything. COMPOUND
My mother once interpreted it for me, and she told me that it meant that you cannot have everything. 
My mother once interpreted it for me and told me that it meant that you cannot have everything. SIMPLE

3. For example, it is impossible to find a job that pays well, interests you all the time, and challenges you everyday. PARALLEL

I like cats, dogs, and feeding fish. X NOT PARALLEL
I like cats, dogs, and fish.

For example, it is impossible to find a job that pays well, interests you all the time, and challenges you everyday. 

, and and UP TO YOU, YOUR DECISION

I like dogs, cats, and fish. Oxford comma
I like dogs, cats and fish.

For breakfast I eat two eggs, some cereal, and a peanut butter and jam sandwich. HELPS TO CLARIFY

4. That may be true, but I have often wondered why it has to be that way.
That may be true; however, I have often wondered why it has to be that way.

VERB TENSE
present perfect
I have often wondered why it has to be that way.

past perfect
I had often wondered why it has to be that way.
UNCOMMON- LOW FREQUENCY
I often wondered why it has to be that way.
SUBSTITUTE SIMPLE PAST- "had wondered" "wondered"