How can I improve my fluency?

[Daenerys Targaryen]

I have noticed, as well as others, that as I write some of my sentences lose fluency and don't make sense as much as I'd like them to.

So how can I improve this?
Some have suggested to stop every now and again and read it aloud, and I should pick up on it. However, these things usually go by unnoticed.

Suggestions?
Cheers

[FlorianK]

I have noticed, as well as others, that as I write some of my sentences lose fluency and don't make sense as much as I'd like them to.

So how can I improve this?
Some have suggested to stop every now and again and read it aloud, and I should pick up on it. However, these things usually go by unnoticed.

Suggestions?
Cheers

well, I recon redrafting essays is the best to improve fluency. Redraft an essay per section until it flows perfectly

[paulsterio]

I have noticed, as well as others, that as I write some of my sentences lose fluency and don't make sense as much as I'd like them to.

So how can I improve this?
Some have suggested to stop every now and again and read it aloud, and I should pick up on it. However, these things usually go by unnoticed.

Suggestions?
Cheers

I'd say you might benefit from learning grammar. I think that the reason why some students have a hard time constructing complicated sentences is because they do it by "feel" rather than by "theory". What I mean is that when you write a sentence, you should focus on what "is" right rather than what "sounds" right.

I would suggest that you revise the different types of sentences as well as the parts which make up a sentence - I'm talking about your different clauses, phrases...etc.

If you know them well, you will find that your sentence structure becomes much nicer.

[nacho]

Try avoiding sentences which are really long, and briefly go over things like conjunctions and basic sentence structure rules.

Actively try to keep things short and sweet and also try to keep in mind some things flow much better one way than the other, despite both being correct grammatically.

Eg:
"some variations flow much better one way than others, despite both being correct grammatically."
"Despite both being grammatically correct, some variations flow much better one way than others."

edit: Scratch that, what I meant was be consistent in how you structure your words.
If you use the first variation once, don't use the second variation some time later in your writing. I forgot what they call them, Subject order or something.

[Lolly]

I'd say you might benefit from learning grammar. I think that the reason why some students have a hard time constructing complicated sentences is because they do it by "feel" rather than by "theory". What I mean is that when you write a sentence, you should focus on what "is" right rather than what "sounds" right.

I would suggest that you revise the different types of sentences as well as the parts which make up a sentence - I'm talking about your different clauses, phrases...etc.

If you know them well, you will find that your sentence structure becomes much nicer.

I disagree, but maybe this is just because I absorb language intuitively and hence have an entirely different perspective. It's really really useful to have technical knowledge of how grammar works so that you're able to write with control and clarity; however, having a sense of how language "feels" and having an "ear" for how sentences flow is what makes writing really speak to an audience. Essentially, I'd say you need both elements in order to write kick ass essays.
 Constructing scintillating sentences is an artform -  not just a theory.

[brenden]

I'd tend to agree with both Lolly and Paul. The way I construct my sentences is based entirely on I-don't-even-know-what. Just from a lifetime of reading and writing I decide to write this way. However when I mark an essay, I immediately identify things that need to be fixed and I can explain it in a grammatical way (or as Paul said, explain what "is" right). But yeah, rarely do I write consciously. I never really was a conscientious writer, I got lucky with VCE because it let me practice on the same thing over and over haha. So for someone who didn't have a love for reading and writing (and the subsequent skill-set that accompanies), I would probably recommend brushing up on grammar so you know why your writing doesn't make sense. Contrarily, read more. This is what I get at when I tell people to read the newspaper daily; they'll start to develop the intuition. Both are okay.

[Lolly]

I think we're actually on the same wavelength here. I get that everyone has a slightly different approach to essay writing. However, I think sometimes we forget that WE constructed the rules of grammar, and so what is considered technically "correct" is only judged by current conventions, which will change over time. We rule grammar; grammar doesn't rule us. It's only there to help us express ourselves in the best possible way.

[Daenerys Targaryen]

Usually once they piece is done and finished and I'm proof reading it is when I tend to pick up on all of these things. However, because I have hand written the piece I really cannot be bothered fixing it up and stuff.
But I think after reading your opinions is to write my essay, and proof read it and fix up paragraph by paragraph to make it more sophisticated and correct any 'gross' sentences

edit: if i put up one of my pieces would anyone like to read it and give me suggestions?

[Lolly]

Usually once they piece is done and finished and I'm proof reading it is when I tend to pick up on all of these things. However, because I have hand written the piece I really cannot be bothered fixing it up and stuff.
But I think after reading your opinions is to write my essay, and proof read it and fix up paragraph by paragraph to make it more sophisticated and correct any 'gross' sentences

edit: if i put up one of my pieces would anyone like to read it and give me suggestions?

Sure thing

[Daenerys Targaryen]

Pm'd

[Lolly]

Post it up on the submission board