How Long Should a Sentence Be? - Oxbridge Editing

In the world of writing, every word counts. The structure of your sentences can significantly impact the clarity, tone, and readability of your work. But how long should a sentence be? Is there an ideal sentence length that guarantees effective communication? In this blog post, we’ll explore the nuances of sentence length, discussing how many words in a sentence are typically needed, the impact of sentence length in writing, and practical tips for finding the right balance. We’ll also show you how to check average sentence length in Word and provide insights into editing your academic documents for maximum impact.

The Importance of Sentence Length in Writing

Sentence length plays a crucial role in how your writing is perceived and understood. Too short, and your sentences might come across as choppy or overly simplistic. Too long, and you risk losing your reader in a maze of ideas. Striking the right balance is key to maintaining the flow of your writing and keeping your audience engaged.

Why Sentence Length Matters

• Clarity: Shorter sentences are often clearer and easier to understand, especially when conveying complex ideas. However, overly short sentences can create a staccato effect that disrupts the flow of your writing.
• Rhythm: Varying sentence length helps create a rhythm in your writing, making it more engaging to read. A mix of short and long sentences can add variety and keep the reader’s interest.
• Emphasis: The length of a sentence can be used to emphasise certain points. A short, punchy sentence can drive home a crucial idea, while a longer sentence can explore nuances and provide detailed explanations.
• Readability: Readers are more likely to stay engaged with text that flows naturally. Sentences that are too long can be overwhelming, while sentences that are too short can feel disjointed.

How Many Words in a Sentence?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how many words should be in a sentence. However, understanding the average sentence length and its impact on readability can help you craft more effective sentences.

Average Sentence Length

The average sentence length in English writing varies depending on the type of writing. For instance:

• Academic Writing: Academic writing tends to have longer sentences, averaging between 15 to 25 words. This allows for the exploration of complex ideas and detailed explanations.
• Journalistic Writing: News articles typically have shorter sentences, averaging around 20 words, to maintain clarity and quick readability.
• Creative Writing: In novels and short stories, sentence length can vary widely, with an average of 10 to 15 words. The flexibility allows for creative expression and rhythm.

Ideal Sentence Length

While the average sentence length provides a useful benchmark, the ideal sentence length depends on the context and purpose of your writing. For most types of writing, sentences ranging from 15 to 20 words strike a good balance between clarity and complexity.

However, aiming for an exact number of words in every sentence can make your writing feel forced. Instead, focus on varying your sentence lengths to create a natural flow. A combination of short, medium, and long sentences will keep your writing dynamic and engaging.

Long vs. Short Sentences

Both long and short sentences have their place in effective writing. Understanding when to use each can enhance the impact of your writing:

• Short Sentences: Use short sentences for emphasis, clarity, and impact. They’re particularly effective at drawing attention to key points or conclusions.
  Example: “The experiment failed. The results were conclusive.”
• Long Sentences: Long sentences are useful for exploring complex ideas, providing detailed descriptions, and connecting multiple thoughts. However, they should be carefully constructed to avoid confusion.
  Example: “The experiment, which involved multiple variables and a diverse range of participants, ultimately failed to produce the expected results, leading to a series of discussions about the underlying methodology and potential improvements for future studies.”

Sentence Length in Different Contexts

Different writing contexts demand different approaches to sentence length. Here’s how sentence length varies across various types of writing:

1. Academic Writing

• Academic writing often requires longer sentences to convey complex ideas and arguments. However, it’s essential to maintain clarity and avoid convoluted structures.
• Tip: Break down complex ideas into manageable parts and use clear transitions to guide the reader.

2. Creative Writing

• In creative writing, sentence length is highly flexible and should be used to create rhythm, build tension, or convey emotion.
• Tip: Experiment with sentence length to reflect the pacing of your narrative. Short sentences can increase tension, while longer sentences can slow down the pace.

3. Business Writing

• Business writing values clarity and conciseness. Sentences should be direct and to the point, with a focus on delivering information efficiently.
• Tip: Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. Aim for clear, straightforward language that communicates your message effectively.

4. Journalistic Writing

• Journalistic writing prioritises clarity and readability. Short to medium-length sentences are common, with each sentence conveying a single idea or piece of information.
• Tip: Use short sentences to convey key facts and longer sentences for background information or analysis.

How to Check Average Sentence Length in Word

Monitoring the average sentence length in your document can help you maintain readability and ensure your writing flows smoothly. Microsoft Word offers tools to help you check the average sentence length and other readability statistics.

Quick Guide:

1. Open Your Document in Word: Start by opening the document you want to analyse in Microsoft Word.
2. Go to the ‘Review’ Tab: On the top menu, click on the ‘Review’ tab.
3. Click on ‘Spelling & Grammar’: In the ‘Review’ tab, click on ‘Spelling & Grammar.’ Word will check your document for spelling and grammar errors.
4. View Readability Statistics: After Word completes the check, it will display the ‘Readability Statistics’ window. Here, you’ll find the ‘Average Sentence Length’ along with other statistics such as ‘Words per Sentence’ and ‘Flesch Reading Ease.’
5. Analyse and Adjust: If your average sentence length is too high or too low, consider revising some sentences to improve readability.

Tips for Balancing Sentence Length

Maintaining a balance in sentence length can enhance the readability and impact of your writing. Here are some tips for achieving that balance:

1. Vary Sentence Length

• Avoid monotonous writing by mixing short, medium, and long sentences. This variation keeps the reader engaged and makes your writing more dynamic.

2. Focus on Clarity

• No matter the length, clarity should always be your priority. Ensure that each sentence conveys its message clearly and concisely.

3. Use Punctuation Effectively

• Punctuation can help break down longer sentences into more digestible parts. Use commas, semicolons, and dashes to improve readability without sacrificing the sentence’s complexity.

4. Read Aloud

• Reading your writing aloud can help you hear the rhythm of your sentences and identify any that are too long or too short. This practice can also highlight areas where your writing may be unclear.

Common Errors to Avoid

When managing sentence length, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overly Long Sentences: Long sentences can be difficult to follow, especially if they contain multiple ideas. If a sentence feels too long, consider breaking it into two or more shorter sentences.
• Choppy Sentences: While short sentences can be effective, using too many in a row can make your writing feel disjointed. Balance short sentences with longer ones to create a smooth flow.
• Complex Vocabulary: Using overly complex words can make sentences harder to read. Opt for clear and straightforward language unless a more complex term is necessary.

Finding the Perfect Balance

The question of how long a sentence should be doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal sentence length depends on the context of your writing and the message you wish to convey. By understanding the average sentence length, varying your sentence structure, and focusing on clarity, you can craft sentences that enhance the readability and impact of your writing.

If you’re concerned about the sentence length in your academic documents, or if you need help with editing to ensure your writing is clear, concise, and effective, we’re here to help. 

Our expert editors can review your work, offering suggestions to improve readability and flow while maintaining the integrity of your ideas. Whether you’re working on an essay, dissertation, or any other document, our editing services can help you achieve polished, professional results. Get a personalised quote today and let us help you refine your writing to perfection.