Picture yourself reading a piece of text. The first sentence takes your hand, gently guiding you forward. Each subsequent line draws you deeper into the narrative, creating an almost magnetic pull. Then something shifts.
A sentence catches you off guard, making you pause. Your eyes widen. When crafted with care, sentence fragments and broken sentences create this precise impact—commanding attention and compelling readers to continue.
The great sentence fragment debate
The classical writing guide ‘The Elements of Style’ by Strunk and White cautions against breaking sentences in two. While they reluctantly permit fragments for emphasis (provided the emphasis is warranted), their advice—much like a dusty meat pie at the servo—feels rather dated.
Contemporary writing embraces a more relaxed approach. Take Nathan Hill’s novel ‘The Nix’, which demonstrates how fragments can create a modern, approachable tone. Like a skilled cricket captain adjusting field positions, writers can deploy fragments strategically in blog posts, newsletters, books, emails and social media content.
Let’s explore how.
Powerful techniques for using sentence fragments
Begin with conjunctions
Starting sentences with ‘But’ or ‘Because’ offers impact through brevity. Consider this example:
‘They retreated to separate corners of their sprawling homestead. Life was uncomfortable, painful even. But familiar.’
The six-word finale delivers its message with the precision of a well-aimed boomerang. Merged into the previous sentence, it would lose its potency.
Amplify emotional resonance
Short, sharp fragments can heighten emotional impact and energy. Like the intensity of a Melbourne summer storm. Unpredictable. Electric.
Create staccato rhythm
Similar to a kookaburra’s distinctive call, staccato writing creates a sharp, defined pattern:
‘She watched him approach. Through the window. Past the letterbox. Up the garden path. Each step deliberate.’
Present sequential elements
Fragment series work brilliantly for building tension or describing change:
‘The neighbourhood transformed gradually. Organic cafes. Designer boutiques. Luxury apartments. The inevitable march of gentrification.’
Accelerate narrative pace
Fragments can quicken story progression while maintaining clarity:
‘She entered the office. Checked her messages. Reviewed the proposal. Made three crucial phone calls. Accomplished more before morning tea than most manage all day.’
Mirror thought patterns
Our thoughts rarely arrive in perfectly formed sentences. Fragments can capture this natural cognitive flow:
‘Sarah considered the contract offer. Generous salary. Excellent benefits. Something felt off. Perhaps the location.’
The art of intentional writing
Writing with fragments requires finesse—like brewing the perfect flat white. Too many fragments create a jarring experience. Too few miss opportunities for emphasis.
The key lies in deliberate application. Read your work aloud. Does it flow like a conversation with a trusted colleague? Would you share it with your most discerning reader?
Remember, exceptional writing transcends rigid rules. It’s about connecting with readers through carefully crafted language. Creating moments of recognition. Building trust.
Even in business communication.
Because ultimately, human connection drives engagement. Through words. Through understanding. Through respect for your reader’s time and intelligence.
That’s the true power of well-crafted prose.
