Topic: Syntax
Chapter Written By: Xanaphia00
Level: Intermediate
Related genre(s): All

Syntax is another word for sentence structure, or the way sentences are constructed. Let's talk briefly about different kinds of sentences:

Sentence: A sentence (or independent clause) has a subject and a predicate (verb phrase), and encompasses a complete thought. If you don't have all three elements, you have a sentence fragment, or a dependent clause.

Complex sentence: A sentence with both a dependent clause and an independent clause.

Compound Sentence: A sentence with two or more independent clauses, joined by a conjunction, or a semicolon. (If you only use a comma, this is an error known as "comma splice".)

Complex-Compound Sentence: A sentence with at least two independent clauses and a dependent clause.

Vary your syntax!

Too many short, simple sentences make your writing sound juvenile. Too many long makes your write difficult to parse or follow. Too many sentences of the same format or too many sentences starting with the same word (usually a pronoun) become dull and monotonous.

Anaphora Is actually a figurative device that describes repeating the same sentences beginning over several sentences. Usually done to connect the ideas or draw the readers attention to a certain point. Anaphora works best when the prose doesn't already have a habit of repetitive sentences starters.

Simplify your Syntax!

Compare the following sentences:

Things grew tense as the sun began to set, and there was no hint of losing their hunters. Worse still, distant howling and barking could be heard, giving the group an idea what might be hounding them.

Wow, that is a mouthful! What am I even trying to say with all that mess? If I can't figure it out, what makes me think a reader is going to bother to? Let's simplify these sentences.

The sun set, yet tensions grew. Predators stalked from the growing shadows, unseen howls drawing closer. They weren't alone.

How to simplify a sentence?

Strong verbs and clear tense usage: "Sun began to set" becomes "The sun set."

Precise nouns: "An idea what might be hunting them" becomes "Predators."

Straightforward construction: "There was no hint of losing their hunters" becomes "They weren't alone."

Basically, get to the point. Don't write circles around your point, just get straight to it. Overly long sentences don't make your writing sounds sophisticated, they just confuse the reader and obscure your meaning. This is not always a hard and fast rule for every type of writer, but when in doubt, it's the side to err upon.