Web Writing: Create Writing Flow With Four Uncommon Connectors
Connectors -- conjunctions, punctuation, and transitional
phrases -- allow readers to process information promptly by
creating balance and relationships between sentence parts. The
connectors are performing the same work as verbs, objects,
modifiers and multiple subjects.
Here are four uncommon connections that will create an easier
flow for your readers:
1. Parallel Constructions. This side-by-side structure builds
the bond between multiple joined parts. Example: In the
children's story, Peter Pan stresses the need "for Wendy to sew"
his shadow back on, "for her to return" to Never Never Land with
him to take care of the Lost Boys, and "for them to leave"
before her parents returned.
2. Beginning your sentence with a conjunction. One way to divide
a long sentence or several independent clauses is to make each
clause an independent sentence. And, but and or are three common
conjunctions used frequently. This shortens the sentence,
creates a conversational level, and keeps the reader moving
forward.
3. Creating A Series Without A Conjunction. Using punctuation,
usually commas but not limited to them, instead of words to
separate, opens the door of possibilities in the reader’s mind.
It allows them to "feel" the "something more" and mindfully fill
in their own words. The series allows readers to sense a
separateness rather than a joined relationship. Example: Tinker
Bell got angry, didn't like Wendy, flew frantically around the
room. Many times editors want to add a conjunction -- and, but
or or -- to the last series. When actually it is intentionally
not added to create the feeling of possibilities. Ask yourself,
"Do I want to create this feeling, or be more adamant with the
reader?"
4. Listing Your Series In Order of Length -- From Short to Long.
Arranging the words of your series from short to long and from
simple compound/ complex make the process easier to understand.
And if you can list them in alphabetical order it expands flow.
There has also been research done on how people try to memorize
and slow down when they read this type of series.
In the first example, parallel construction, the listing was an
exception. The complex part was in the middle because of the
chronological series of events.
In the first paragraph, "verbs, objects, modifiers and multiple
subjects" is listed in the short to long and create an easier
reading flow. If you read the sentence this way: "The connectors
are performing the same work as modifiers, multiple subjects,
verbs, and objects" your mind stops and goes. Many times this
causes the reader to be confused or even for them to exit.
Web writing differs from paper-printed writing because of the
way it is read. People scan what they read. This is people don't
blink and they approach the Net with a mind set of information
overload. Additionally, this is why there are different
structural rules. Using connectors is just one such change you
need to make in your writing for the World Wide Web.
(c) Copyright 2004, Catherine Franz. All rights reserved.
Word count: 500
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