The Importance of Coherence and Syntax Essay Example

📌Category: Education, Learning
📌Words: 598
📌Pages: 3
📌Published: 15 September 2021

Every day, individuals are presented with perfectly constructed sentences. Whether that is in a book, a menu at a restaurant, or an article they click on through their phones. They are surrounded by this environment and are familiar with it as they live in this world.  In the book, First you Write a Sentence, Joe Moran describes how to establish and build a better skill for writing sentences, by using syntax and coherence. What people do not understand, however, is how big of a role these two key elements play. They make up how we form our sentences today, and how writers portray their thoughts. 

The syntax is a vital detail in constructing sentences. “Syntax is what brings the words to life and makes them move.” (Moran 27). Without syntax, everything an individual reads or writes would be dull and lifeless. It would make sentences awkward and unorganized. This is consistent in every language. We see in chapter two, Moran explains languages, including German and Latian, also depend on word order. He describes it like Lego bricks perfectly snapping together. However, the constructor needs to know where to put each piece. This is the same with sentences. If the writer does not know how to communicate his thoughts correctly, it could become sloppy and disorganized. As an individual is writing a sentence, they must think about their word order. They must also think about the combination of words they are incorporating to make sure their sentences are flowing together smoothly and fitting together effectively. “When the vowel sounds vary and there are lots of stressed syllables, each word seems distinct from its neighbors. Every word counts.” (Moran 94). He also goes on to talk about how, most experienced writers, will know how to use every word, and not just merely repeat words. This is another part of ensuring that the sentence they are writing flows together well. They are even careful about putting words together that possibly sound alike. 

As syntax is a big part of writing a sentence, so is coherence. The first step is to construct a sentence with the correct word order so each word is working together to create the perfect blend. The next step is writing a second sentence. However, to make it sound correct, the writer must consider the previous sentence they have written. Making sure there are no repeating words, or repeating synonyms. Even words with the same ending could make your paragraph or a few sentences sound unpleasant. On page 162 of, First You Write a Sentence, Moran talks about this very specific issue. Writers are known to come up with some of the best sentences. Although, once the author writes a dull sentence, the reader is uninterested and confused. When an author is writing a book, or when a student is writing a paper, they must acknowledge the fact that every sentence is very important and is key to keeping the audience's attention. To do this, writers use captivating words to attract the reader. “Flowing sentences are forward-facing, drawing what they need from the previous sentence and then setting up the next one.” (Moran 175). What Moran is trying to convey, that as you are writing, the beginning of your sentence should be flowing from the previous one, and the end of it should pave the way to the next sentence.

Consequently, syntax and coherence should be present while writing sentences. We see in this book, Moran is very persuasive in having these two components, to make sentences sound less awkward and additionally to pull the reader in as they are invested.  Having these key elements will enhance a book, an email, or just a text, in one's every day life. 

Work Cited

Moran, Joe. First You Write a Sentence: The Elements of Reading, Writing ... and Life. Penguin Books, an Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, 2019.

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