Sometimes, a sentence can feel like a perfectly played melody—balanced, rhythmic, and complete.
Other times, it sounds more like an offbeat tune: too long, too tangled, and too hard to follow.
The difference between the two?
Shape.
After all, a well-shaped sentence not only communicates meaning but also guides readers through it effortlessly.
Joseph Bizup and Joseph M. Williams, in their acclaimed book, “Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace,” dive deep into this idea, showing writers that crafting clear, graceful sentences isn’t just about brevity; it’s also about structure, rhythm, AND intention.
Length isn’t Actually the Problem/Enemy
Many writers have been warned against long sentences, but Bizup and Williams argue that length itself isn’t the enemy—sprawl is.
A sentence can stretch to thirty or forty words and still glide smoothly, as long as it maintains clarity and focus.
The authors even compare an untrained writer who fears long sentences to a composer who can write only jingles.
Simple sentences are essential, sure, but mastery lies in handling complexity without losing grace.
A long sentence can breathe easily if its parts connect logically and its rhythm flows naturally.
Here’s the thing: Clarity begins with awareness.
According to Bizup and Williams, one of the best ways to identify a sprawling sentence is to read it aloud.
If you feel short of breath before reaching the end or struggle to make sense of its parts, your readers will likely feel the same.
Bizup and Williams also point out three common culprits that make sentences feel unwieldy:
- The reader must wait too long to reach the main verb.
- The sentence continues endlessly after the verb with tacked-on clauses.
- Frequent interruptions break the reader’s momentum.
Basically, when a sentence feels like a rollercoaster of pauses and detours, it loses its shape and clarity.
The Power of Beginnings
One of the most practical lessons from “Style” is to get to the point quickly.
Bizup and Williams emphasize two “rules of thumb”:
- Get to the subject quickly.
- Get to the verb and object quickly.
Readers, Bizup and Williams argue, are happiest when they don’t have to wait too long to understand what a sentence is about.
Besides, a long, abstract introduction delays comprehension and burdens memory.
Consider two versions of a sentence about college students choosing majors. The first buries the subject and verb 31 words deep; the second brings them to the surface early, transforming a clunky paragraph into a clear, engaging statement…
We bet you’d choose the latter for the same reasons that we would!
However, the authors also remind writers that sometimes, a long introduction works—especially in a periodic or suspended style, where delaying the main clause builds tension and drama.
For example:
“When a society spends more on its pets than its homeless, when it rewards those who hit a ball farther than those who care most deeply, when it idolizes the trivial over the vital, it has lost its moral center.”
Used sparingly, such sentences or introductions can leave a lasting impact.
Additionally, Bizup and Williams stress that the lifeblood of a sentence lies in the seamless connection between its parts. Therefore, writers like you should avoid interruptions that separate subjects from verbs or verbs from their objects.
That’s because every unnecessary pause weakens the reader’s grasp of meaning.
Take a look at this sentence:
“Some scientists, because they write in a style that is impersonal and objective, do not easily communicate with laypeople.”
Here, the phrase, “because they write in a style that is impersonal and objective” interrupts the subject and verb.
The solution?
Move it elsewhere!
“Since some scientists write in a style that is impersonal and objective, they do not easily communicate with laypeople.”
See?
The revision feels natural and conversational. The connection between ideas remains intact, and the reader can glide from one thought to the next.
What’s more?
At the heart of Bizup and Williams’ teaching lies one timeless principle:
Begin with simplicity before introducing complexity.
Whether crafting a sentence, a paragraph, or an entire essay, starting with something short and direct gives readers a foundation to absorb what follows.
Bizup and Williams demonstrate this through two examples about healthcare plans. In the first, readers must wade through 20 words before reaching the main idea. In the second, the writers flip the structure:
“Workers take more responsibility for their health care when they adopt high-deductible insurance plans.”
By stating the key point first, the reader immediately grasps the message and can better follow the supporting explanation. The shift is subtle but powerful—it gives clarity a shape.
Clarity Beyond Sentences
You see, the same logic that shapes a sentence applies to every level of writing.
Start a paragraph with its central idea.
Begin a section with its purpose.
Open an essay with its point.
When readers see where they are going, they walk with confidence.
Bizup and Williams remind us that clarity is not just mechanical but also an act of empathy. It means respecting the reader’s time, guiding their attention, and shaping information in a way that flows naturally.
In the end, “Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace” isn’t just about rules but also about rhythm, balance, and the art of communication.
Bizup and Williams teach that writing is a reflection of thinking: The clearer the thought, the clearer the prose.
A sentence, like a melody, must have shape. It should rise, fall, and resolve in a way that feels inevitable.
The real secret?
Writing well is not just about sounding elegant; it’s also about making sense beautifully.
Keep these tips in mind for your next writing endeavors!
About The Dynamic Marketing Communiqué’s
“Wednesdays: Write with the Pen of the Masters”
Who doesn’t find content writing to be a skill that requires a lot of practice and effort?
In fact, many people may even find copywriting very intimidating.
However, you can be a good writer as long as you have the right tools. You won’t always get things right the first time, but with enough time and practice, you’ll get the hang of it!
When you write copy for any brand or for your company, your aim is to make an impact and…
… to get people to remember.
Getting people to remember means getting consumers to buy your product or avail of your service.
… and when you get your content to deliver the results you want, THAT is great copy!
Every Wednesday, we publish content based on tips and insights from the masters of content writing, copywriting, and storytelling.
Become more familiar with ways to write great copy that helps you gain ROI from your efforts, drive profitability, and achieve your business goals.
Learn time-tested tactics that better capture the attention of your target audience, and maximize the benefits of great copywriting.
Hope you find this week’s insights interesting and helpful.
Stay tuned for next Wednesday’s “Write with the Pen of the Masters!”
Cheers,
Dyane Diasanta
Senior Content Writer
Valens Dynamic Marketing Capabilities
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