How to Write with Rhythm

Learn how to write with rhythm.

Writing is like singing.

You have to play with the rhythm to make it sing. Playing with sentence length is one of the ways to write with rhythm. Vary it.

Varying the sentence length makes your writing sing.

This is paragraph is boring and pointless. I'm using medium sentences for this paragraph. Using medium sentences, again and again, makes your paragraph boring and monotonous. Like this paragraph that you're reading.

When to Use Short Sentences

Short sentences approximately contain 3 to 5 words.

Short sentences are the best if you want to:

  • Emphasize

  • Create tension

Example:

example from "Project Hail Mary"

Project Hail Mary

When to Use Medium Sentences

Medium sentences approximately contain 7 to 13 words.

Medium sentences are the best if you want to write a steady rhythm.

Example:

example from "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck"

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

When to Use Long Sentences

Long sentences approximately contain 15 to 25 words.

Long sentences are the best if you want to add depth and expansiveness.

Example:

example from "Atomic Habits"

Atomic Habits

Conclusion

Play with the sentence length.

Write with music. Combine short, medium, and long sentences. Combine simple with complex.

Hope you learned something new for today :)

- Nicole