Trait 4--Sentence Fluency

My paper sounds choppy. How do I make it flow?

You are worried about sentence fluency. Fluent writing is easy to read aloud because of its well-built sentences. It contains sentences of a variety of lengths and structures, rather than only short, simple sentences. Sentences begin differently and take a variety of forms. In addition, the tone of the writing matches its purpose, subject matter, and audience. For example, if it is an informational piece of writing it should be concise and to the point; if it is creative or expressive, it should be musical and even poetic.

How do I create fluent sentences?

• If you have a tendency to write only short, simple sentences try to combine some sentences. Notice how the following sentences have been combined.
  
  Example:
  "F. Scott Fitzgerald was an important writer. Fitzgerald was a 20th Century writer. Fitzgerald was an American writer. Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby." These four sentences can be combined to read, "The important 20th Century American writer F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby."
  
  
• A short simple sentence can also be used to create a dramatic effect. It is fine to use short sentences but not to overuse them.
• Work on beginning each sentence a different way. Notice the variety in the following sentences.
  
  Example:
  "F. Scott Fitzgerald, who wrote The Great Gatsby, spent much of his youth in Minnesota. Although he eventually moved away, he often makes reference to the Midwest in his novels. Some critics argue that his work is largely autobiographical."
  
  
• Read your writing aloud. Does it sound fluid? It is usually easy to hear sentences that are too long or too short. Listen for this as you read.

Need help with transitions? Try the commons transitions page.

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