How to Write a Sentence
Insights from Stanley Fish
I know, I know. Writing a sentence may seem like a basic skill, but as Stanley Fish argues in his book How to Write a Sentence: And How to Read One, it is an art that requires both understanding and practice. Fish, a literary critic and legal scholar, breaks down the structure of sentences, offering insights that transform the way we approach writing. In this article, we will explore Fish’s ideas on crafting effective sentences, the importance of sentence structure, and the role of creativity within the constraints of grammar.
The Art of the Sentence
Fish begins his exploration of sentence construction by asserting that the sentence is the fundamental building block of all writing. A sentence is not just a string of words but a carefully crafted unit of meaning. According to Fish, the art of writing a sentence lies in the writer’s ability to control the relationship between its elements. This control enables the writer to guide the reader’s understanding and to evoke particular emotions or responses.
Fish emphasizes that effective sentences are not necessarily complex or lengthy. Instead, they are well-constructed, with every word contributing to the overall effect. He cites examples from great literature, such as Jane Austen and Ernest Hemingway, to illustrate how different writers use sentence structure to achieve their unique styles. The key takeaway is that the power of a sentence lies in its structure and the deliberate choices made by the writer.
Structure Before Content
One of the central tenets of Fish’s approach to writing is the primacy of structure over content. Fish argues that learning to write effective sentences begins with mastering the structures that sentences can take. Before worrying about what a sentence says, a writer should focus on how it is constructed.
Fish introduces several classic sentence forms that have stood the test of time, such as the cumulative sentence and the periodic sentence. The cumulative sentence starts with an independent clause and then adds modifying clauses or phrases, building up detail and nuance as it progresses. In contrast, the periodic sentence delays the main clause until the end, creating suspense or emphasizing the conclusion. By practicing these forms, writers can develop a sense of control over their sentences, allowing them to manipulate the reader’s experience.
Fish also suggests that writers practice imitating sentences from great writers. This exercise helps in understanding how structure can dictate meaning and how different structures can be used to achieve different effects. Through imitation, writers can internalize the rhythm and flow of well-crafted sentences, which can then inform their original writing.
Creativity Within Constraints
While structure is essential, Fish also acknowledges the importance of creativity in sentence writing. He argues that the constraints imposed by grammar and syntax are not limitations but opportunities for creativity. By working within these constraints, writers can discover new ways to express ideas and emotions.
Fish compares the process of writing a sentence to composing music. Just as a composer must work within the rules of harmony and rhythm, a writer must adhere to the rules of grammar and syntax. However, within these rules, there is infinite room for variation and innovation. A skilled writer, like a skilled musician, knows how to play with these rules to create something new and beautiful.
This view of creativity aligns with Fish’s broader philosophy of writing. He believes that writing is a craft that can be learned through practice and discipline. The more a writer understands the rules and structures of sentences, the more effectively they can manipulate those rules to achieve their desired effect.
The Sentence as a Microcosm of Writing
In How to Write a Sentence, Fish presents the sentence as a microcosm of writing itself. Every sentence, he argues, contains the potential for complexity, beauty, and meaning. By mastering the art of the sentence, writers can improve not only their sentence-level writing but also their overall writing skills.
Fish’s approach encourages writers to pay close attention to the sentences they read and write. He advocates for a deep engagement with language, where every sentence is an opportunity to learn and experiment. This approach transforms writing from a mechanical process into a creative and intellectual exercise.
The Sentence as the Way to Win Competitions
If you cannot master the art of writing effective and affective sentences you cannot win a competition. If your first sentence is not captivating, a prelim judge may start skim-reading. If your reader is not immediately cast into the story, they’re out of it. Bang goes your authority. Bang goes flow. So, the basics really matter! Fish’s book is a reminder that writing is an art that demands both precision and creativity. By embracing the sentence as the fundamental unit of writing, writers can unlock new levels of skill and artistry in their work. Whether you are a seasoned writer or just starting, How to Write a Sentence offers valuable insights that can help you improve your writing, one sentence at a time.