{"id":36916,"date":"2023-07-14T15:48:34","date_gmt":"2023-07-14T14:48:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/?post_type=section&#038;p=36916"},"modified":"2024-04-30T13:06:38","modified_gmt":"2024-04-30T12:06:38","slug":"coherence","status":"publish","type":"section","link":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/coherence\/","title":{"rendered":"Coherence &#8211; How to Achieve Coherence in Writing"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"tts_content_wrapper_2\" >\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_69_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/coherence\/#What_is_Coherence\" title=\"What is Coherence?\">What is Coherence?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/coherence\/#What_is_Logical_Consistency\" title=\"What is Logical Consistency?\">What is Logical Consistency?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/coherence\/#What_is_Conceptual_Consistency\" title=\"What is Conceptual Consistency?\">What is Conceptual Consistency?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/coherence\/#What_is_Linguistic_Consistency\" title=\"What is Linguistic Consistency?\">What is Linguistic Consistency?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/coherence\/#Synonyms\" title=\"Synonyms\">Synonyms<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/coherence\/#FAQs\" title=\"FAQs\">FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/coherence\/#Why_Does_Coherence_Matter\" title=\"Why Does Coherence Matter?\">Why Does Coherence Matter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/coherence\/#How_Do_Writers_Create_Coherence_in_Writing\" title=\"How Do Writers Create Coherence in Writing?\">How Do Writers Create Coherence in Writing?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/coherence\/#Recommended_Resources\" title=\"Recommended Resources\">Recommended Resources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-coherence-coherency\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Coherence\"><\/span>What is Coherence?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Coherence in writing refers to the logical connections and consistency that hold a text together, making it understandable and meaningful to the reader. Writers create coherence in three ways: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>logical consistency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>conceptual consistency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>linguistic consistency.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Logical_Consistency\"><\/span>What is Logical Consistency?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A writer adhering to <em>logical consistency<\/em> ensures their statements do not contradict each other within the frame of formal logic. \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For instance, if they argue, &#8220;If it rains, the ground gets wet,&#8221; and later state, &#8220;It&#8217;s raining but the ground isn&#8217;t wet,&#8221; without additional explanation, this represents a logical inconsistency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Conceptual_Consistency\"><\/span>What is Conceptual Consistency?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Conceptual consistency<\/em> in writing refers to maintaining a consistent line of thought or <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/genre\/argument-argumentation\/\" title=\"Argument \u2013 Argumentation\">argument<\/a> throughout a piece of text. It means that all the points, ideas, arguments, and evidence presented in a work align with, and support, the <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/purpose\/thesis\/\" title=\"Thesis\">central thesis or theme<\/a>.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For example, if you are writing an essay arguing that regular exercise has multiple benefits for mental health, each paragraph should introduce and discuss a different benefit of exercise, all contributing to your main argument. Including a paragraph discussing the nutritional value of various foods, while interesting, would break the conceptual consistency, as it doesn&#8217;t directly relate to the benefits of exercise for mental health. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Linguistic_Consistency\"><\/span>What is Linguistic Consistency?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Linguistic coherence<\/em> refers to the clear and logical arrangement of <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/diction\/\" title=\"Diction\">words<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/sentences\/sentence-parts\/clauses-phrases\/\" title=\"Independent Clauses, Dependent Clauses &amp; Phrases\">phrases<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/sentences\/\" title=\"Sentences\">sentences<\/a> in a piece of writing to ensure the message is understood as intended. It involves the use of <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/\" title=\"grammatically correct sentences\">grammatically correct sentences<\/a>, appropriate use of conjunctions, pronouns and transitional phrases, <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/organization\/organizational-patterns-structures\/transitions\/\" title=\"Transitions \u2013 Transition Words \u2013 Transitional Phases\">correct sequencing of ideas<\/a>, and maintaining the same tense and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-stance\/point-of-view\/\" title=\"Point of View\">point of view<\/a> throughout the <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/text-composition\/\" title=\"Text \u2013 Composition\">text<\/a>. \n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For example, if a writer jumps erratically between different tenses or switches point of view without clear demarcation, the reader might find it hard to follow the narrative, leading to a lack of linguistic coherence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-synonyms\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Synonyms\"><\/span>Synonyms<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"h-related-concepts\">Related Concepts: <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/flow\/\">Flow<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/organization\/organizational-patterns-structures\/given-to-new-information\/\">Given to New Contract<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Grammar\">Grammar<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/organization\/\">Organization<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/organization\/organizational-structures\/\">Organizational Structures<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/organization\/organizational-patterns-structures\/\">Organizational Patterns<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/sentences\/sentence-errors\/\">Sentence Errors<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Does_Coherence_Matter\"><\/span>Why Does <em>Coherence<\/em> Matter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Coherence is crucial in writing as it ensures that the text is understandable and that the ideas flow logically from one to the next. When writing is coherent, readers can easily follow the progression of ideas, making the content more engaging and easier to comprehend. Coherence connects the dots for the reader, linking concepts, arguments, and details in a clear, logical manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Without coherence, even the most interesting or groundbreaking ideas can become muddled and lose their impact. A coherent piece of writing keeps the reader&#8217;s attention, demonstrates the writer&#8217;s control over their subject matter, and can effectively persuade, inform, or entertain. Thus, coherence contributes significantly to the effectiveness of writing in achieving its intended purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_Writers_Create_Coherence_in_Writing\"><\/span>How Do Writers Create Coherence in Writing?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Establish a Clear Thesis<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/purpose\/thesis\/\" title=\"thesis statement\">thesis statement<\/a> serves as the guiding star of your paper. It sets the direction and focus, ensuring all subsequent points relate back to this central idea.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Address Counterarguments<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Acknowledge and address potential <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/genre\/argument-argumentation\/counterargument\/\" title=\"Counterarguments \u2013 Rebuttal \u2013 Refutation\">counterarguments<\/a> to strengthen your position and add depth to your writing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Choose Appropriate Organizational Patterns<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use the <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/genre\/\" title=\"Genre\">genres<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/organization\/organizational-patterns-structures\/\" title=\"Organizational Patterns\">organizational patterns<\/a> appropriate for your <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/rhetoric\/rhetorical-situation\/\" title=\"Rhetorical Situation\">rhetorical situation<\/a>. A <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/organization\/organizational-patterns-structures\/deductive-order-deductive-reasoning-deductive-writing\/\" title=\"Deductive Order, Deductive Reasoning, Deductive Writing\">deductive structure<\/a> (general to specific) is often effective, guiding the reader logically through your argument. Yet different disciplines may privilege more <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/organization\/organizational-patterns-structures\/inductive-organization-inductive-writing\/\" title=\"Inductive Order, Inductive Reasoning, Inductive Writing\">inductive approaches<\/a>, such as law and philosophy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Follow the Given to New Contract<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When following a given-to-new order, writers move from what the reader already knows to new information.\u00a0In formal or persuasive contexts, writers are careful to vet new information for the reader following <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/information-literacy\/\" title=\"Information Literacy \u2013 Discerning Quality Information from Noise\">information literacy laws and conventions<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Repeat Key Terms and Concepts<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strategic repetition of crucial terms and your thesis helps your readers follow your main ideas and evidence for claims&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use Synonyms Wisely<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>While repetition is useful, varying language with synonyms can prevent redundancy and keep the reader engaged.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Employ Parallel Sentence Structures<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/parallelism-parallel-structure\/\" title=\"Parallelism, Parallel Structure, Parallel Construction\">Parallelism<\/a> in <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/sentences\/\" title=\"Sentences\">sentences<\/a> can provide rhythm and clarity, making complex ideas easier to follow.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prioritize Pronoun Consistency<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Consistent use of <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/grammar\/parts-of-speech\/pronouns\/\" title=\"Pronoun \u2013 Guide to Writing with Pronouns\">pronouns<\/a> avoids confusion and helps in maintaining a clear line of thought.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sequence Ideas Logically<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Arrange your ideas in a sequence that naturally builds from one point to the next, <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/style\/elements-of-style\/flow\/\" title=\"Flow, Transitions, Coherence @ Paragraph Level\">ensuring each paragraph flows smoothly into the next<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Integrate Signposts<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/organization\/organizational-patterns-structures\/announcements-signposting-organizational-theses\/\" title=\"Signposting\">Signposting<\/a>, or using phrases that indicate what\u2019s coming next or what just happened, can help orient the reader within your argument.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>End with Strong Conclusions<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Don\u2019t bother repeating your argument in your conclusion. Prioritize conciseness. Yet end with a call to action or appeal to <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/article\/kairos-2\/\" title=\"Kairos \u2013 How to Strategically Time Your Messages for Impact\">kairos<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/article\/ethos\/\" title=\"Ethos\">ethos<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recommended_Resources\"><\/span> Recommended Resources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/organization\/\" title=\"Organization\">Organization<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/section\/organization\/organizational-patterns-structures\/\" title=\"Organizational Patterns\">Organizational Patterns<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":61697,"parent":10614,"menu_order":0,"template":"","tags":[],"chapters":[2560,2176],"class_list":["post-36916","section","type-section","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","chapters-coherence","chapters-elements-of-style"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/section\/36916","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/section"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/section"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"version-history":[{"count":38,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/section\/36916\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":64015,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/section\/36916\/revisions\/64015"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/section\/10614"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/61697"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36916"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36916"},{"taxonomy":"chapters","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/writingcommons.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapters?post=36916"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}