Does size matter?

There’s a common perception that the longer the sentence, the more impressive the outcome. That’s not true. Simple sentences can be very effective. Don’t pressure yourself by trying to elongate every sentence you make. Whilst this is very useful when you are learning the basics of a language (see my related article, ‘Just a Little More…’), it doesn’t mean you have to continuously do it. Through creative writing you can learn different ways to frame a piece of writing to create a different impact. For instance, in a novel there are long, complex sentences and short, simple ones. In every genre they weave together to create stories and bring new experiences to the readers. Whereas in poetry the impact often (not always) comes from very short, yet skillfully written prose.

The greater the fluency one achieves in a language, the greater the ability to control the message you send out. That message can be expressed through long-winded, elongated, expansive and descriptive sentences. It an also come from short sentences. What matters is your message, and being able to say it in the most suitable manner.