Why is it important to vary sentence structure?

While this rule isn’t specifically dictated by The Chicago Manual of Style or New Hart’s Rules, the Oxford Style Guide, it is widely recognized as a key aspect of effective writing.

Good writing is not only about correct grammar and punctuation—it’s also about rhythm. The Chicago Manual of Style states that varying sentence structure is key to achieving clarity and maintaining a reader’s attention. Rather than building a series of sentences in the same way, which can feel mechanical, lively and engaging prose can be achieved by shifting the sentence length and structure naturally.

Why vary sentence structure?

Just as in conversation, changes in tone and structure keep an audience interested. Readers notice when every sentence looks and sounds the same. Shifting sentence length creates a natural rhythm—for example, a short, sharp sentence adds emphasis, standing out against longer ones. And sometimes, changing the way you present an idea can make it easier to understand.

Types of sentence structures

·      Simple sentence (one main clause): “She studied hard for the exam.”

·      Compound sentence (two independent clauses joined by a conjunction): “She studied hard for the exam, and she passed with flying colors.”

·      Complete sentence (a main clause and a subordinate clause): “Because she studied hard, she passed the exam.”

·      Compound–compound sentence (two independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause): “She studied hard for the exam, and she passed because she stayed focused.”

Practical tips

·      Mix long and short sentences: Longer sentences carry depth; shorter ones give punch.

·      Vary your openings: Not every sentence needs to begin with the subject. Try starting with a phrase, a subordinate clause, or a transition.

o   With a phrase: “Under the soft glow of the café lights, he finally told her the truth.”

o   With a subordinate clause: “Although her heart was racing, she managed a steady smile.”

o   With a transition: “Suddenly, their hands brushed, and everything changed.”

·      Use subordination wisely: Subordination helps you balance ideas and show which one is more important. Don’t overuse coordination (“and,” “but,” etc.), because this gives each idea equal weight. Instead, subordination helps show relationships—like cause and effect, contrast, or time.

o   With subordination: “When she opened the letter and read it, she started to cry.”

o   Too much coordination: “She opened the letter, and she read it, and she started to cry.”

That said, when trying to create urgency, coordination can be used deliberately. For example, repeating “and” can mimic racing thoughts or movements.

o   For urgency: “She thought and doubted and hoped and feared, all in the space of a heartbeat.”

·      Read aloud: Reading sentences aloud can help to test rhythm and clarity.

As The Chicago Manual of Style reminds us, style serves clarity. Varying your sentence structures makes your writing sound more engaging to the reader. Rhythm, balance, and flow are key to compelling writing.