Doliner
New member
I never thought about prose having rhythm until a professor pointed out how syntax in writing creates musical effects. She showed us two versions of the same idea:
'As the old saying goes, God is in the details.'
'God is in the details, the old saying goes.'
The second just... sings. It has a rhythm—specifically trochaic meter, with stressed and unstressed syllables alternating in a way that feels satisfying. The first version is fine, but the second is memorable. This blew my mind. Syntax isn't just about clarity—it's about pleasure. Well-constructed sentences feel good to read. They have a beat, a flow, a cadence that carries readers along.
Now when I write, I read everything aloud. I notice where sentences drag or where they dance. I mix long and short. I pay attention to where stressed syllables fall. It's made writing feel less like work and more like composing music. For anyone who thinks writing is just conveying information, rhythm will change your mind. Syntax adds the music.
'As the old saying goes, God is in the details.'
'God is in the details, the old saying goes.'
The second just... sings. It has a rhythm—specifically trochaic meter, with stressed and unstressed syllables alternating in a way that feels satisfying. The first version is fine, but the second is memorable. This blew my mind. Syntax isn't just about clarity—it's about pleasure. Well-constructed sentences feel good to read. They have a beat, a flow, a cadence that carries readers along.
Now when I write, I read everything aloud. I notice where sentences drag or where they dance. I mix long and short. I pay attention to where stressed syllables fall. It's made writing feel less like work and more like composing music. For anyone who thinks writing is just conveying information, rhythm will change your mind. Syntax adds the music.