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“This sentence has five words. Here are five more words. Five-word sentences are fine. But several together become monotonous. Listen to what is happening. The
by Rainymood 11y ago
“This sentence has five words. Here are five more words. Five-word sentences are fine. But several together become monotonous. Listen to what is happening. The writing is getting boring. The sound of it drones. It’s like a stuck record. The ear demands some variety. Now listen. I vary the sentence length, and I create music. Music. The writing sings. It has a pleasant rhythm, a lilt, a harmony. I use short sentences. And I use sentences of medium length. And sometimes, when I am certain the reader is rested, I will engage him with a sentence of considerable length, a sentence that burns with energy and builds with all the impetus of a crescendo, the roll of the drums, the crash of the cymbals–sounds that say listen to this, it is important.” - Gary Provost
- webnrrd2k 11y agoLike a lot of things, I think it depends mostly on the effort the writer puts into mastering his craft. I prefer the variety in length, and agree with it as a general rule. However, one counterpoint: Hemmingway seems to have done fine with (mostly) short sentences.
- blt 11y agoThe last sentence is still too long though ;)