When you’re struggling to make your writing stand out, it can help to vary your syntax. This might sound complicated, but we’re basically talking about varying the actual structure of your sentences to add some variety to your work.
But we’re not going to bore you by rambling on and on about what syntax is and why it’s important. With such a complex subject, it’s usually easiest to show instead of to tell, which is why instead of explaining the technicalities between each type of syntax, we’re simply going to share examples. That way, it’ll be easier for you to pick up these techniques and to apply them to your own work.
And so without further ado, here are fifteen varieties of syntax that can improve your writing. Let’s go!
Write in active voice
Example: Tom kicked the ball.
Write in passive voice
Example: The ball was kicked by Tom.
Write in short, consecutive sentences
Example: Tom kicked the ball. It hit the back of the net.
Use a dependent marker
Example: When he was playing football, Tom kicked the ball.
Start with the second sentence and rework the first
Example: The ball hit the back of the net after Tom kicked it.
Quote somebody
Example: When Tom kicked the ball, he remembered the advice of his favourite player, Pelé: “Everything is practice.”
Use a shifted element to add emphasis
Example: Tom loved football, tennis and classical music.
Add a second statement that doesn’t stand on its own after the first
Example: Tom loved football, especially when it was raining.
Use a rambling sentence
Example: Tom loved football, especially when it was raining, but he preferred tennis because he collected rackets and kept them all in a special trophy room that he shared with his father, his mother and his sister.
Use idioms
Example: Tom loved football, especially when it was raining cats and dogs.
Add a non-essential phrase
Example: Tom kicked the ball and, to no-one’s surprise, it hit the back of the net.
Use a semicolon to break up separate but related sentences
Example: Tom kicked the ball; it was a beautiful day for a game.
Join two simple sentences
Example: Tom loved football and Jane loved tennis.
Add an opinion
Example: Tom loved football – which I hate! – and played it every time he had the opportunity.
Use a metaphor or a simile
Example: Tom loved football like a father loves his newborn child.
Conclusion
It doesn’t have to be difficult to vary your syntax, but it can have a huge impact when you’re trying to bring your work to life in the minds of readers. In fact, Tito Cook, who works for one of the top essay writing services, says, “Varying your syntax is the single easiest way there is to make a boring essay infinitely more readable. And it typically boosts results scores, too.”
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try it – the results speak for themselves!
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