Writing Coherent Paragraphs

Posted by qpen on January 3, 2010

A paragraph is coherent when its sentences are related to each other, not only in content but also in grammatical structures and choice of words.

To achieve coherence in your writing, write each sentence of a paragraph so that it flows sensibly from the one before.

A coherent paragraph gives a reader a sense of continuity.

The techniques of coherence can be divided into: Transitional Expressions, Pronouns, Deliberate Repetition, and Parallel Structures.

Using Transitional Expressions

Transitional expressions are words and phrases that signal connections among ideas. By signaling how ideas relate to each other, you achieve coherence in your writing.

Using Pronouns

When you use pronouns that clearly refer to nouns or other pronouns, you help your reader follow the bridges you build from one sentence to the next.

Using Deliberate, Selective Repetition

You can achieve coherence by repeating key words in a paragraph. A key word is usually one related to the main idea in the topic sentence or to a major detail in one of the supporting sentences.

Repeating a key word now and then helps your reader follow your material. This technique must be used sparingly, however, because you risk being monotonous. The shorter the paragraph, the less likely that repeated words will be effective.

Using Parallel Structures

Parallel Structures can help you achieve coherence in a paragraph. Parallelism is created when grammatically equivalent forms are used several times.

The repeated tempos and sounds of parallel structures reinforce connections among ideas and create a dramatic effect.

Be aware, however, that a thin line exists between effective parallelism and lack of conciseness.

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