Introduction
A balanced sentence is a sentence that employs parallel structure of approximately the same length and importance. This literary device is used to create a sense of harmony and rhythm in writing, making the text more pleasing to read. Balanced sentences often use coordination to join equal ideas and make writing more engaging.
Pronunciation
BAL-uhnsd SEN-tuhns
How Writers Use Balanced Sentences
Writers use balanced sentences to:
- Create Rhythm: The parallel structure creates a rhythm that enhances the flow of the text.
- Emphasize Equality: Balanced sentences highlight the equal importance of two or more ideas.
- Add Elegance: The symmetry of balanced sentences can add a formal, elegant tone to writing.
- Clarify Ideas: By clearly linking related ideas, balanced sentences can make complex thoughts easier to understand.
Types of Balanced Sentences
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Balanced Sentence | A single balanced sentence with two parallel elements. | “She likes reading, and he enjoys writing.” |
| Complex Balanced Sentence | A balanced sentence with multiple parallel elements. | “The professor lectured on philosophy, the students listened attentively, and the classroom remained silent.” |
| Antithetical Balanced Sentence | A balanced sentence that contrasts two ideas. | “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” |
| Compound Balanced Sentence | A balanced sentence with two independent clauses joined by a conjunction. | “The sun was shining, but the air was cold.” |
Rules of Balanced Sentences
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Parallel Structure | Use parallel structure to ensure each part of the sentence is balanced. |
| Equal Importance | Ensure the elements being balanced have equal importance. |
| Consistency | Maintain a consistent style and tone throughout the sentence. |
| Clarity | Make sure the sentence is clear and easy to understand. |
| Variety | Use balanced sentences in combination with other sentence structures to keep writing dynamic. |
Examples of Balanced Sentences in Different Media
Balanced Sentence in Literature
| Title | Author | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A Tale of Two Cities | Charles Dickens | “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” |
| Pride and Prejudice | Jane Austen | “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” |
| 1984 | George Orwell | “War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.” |
Balanced Sentence in Children’s Books
| Title | Author | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Green Eggs and Ham | Dr. Seuss | “I do not like green eggs and ham, I do not like them, Sam-I-Am.” |
| Charlotte’s Web | E.B. White | “He was both saved and doomed at the same time.” |
| Winnie-the-Pooh | A.A. Milne | “Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” |
Balanced Sentence in Poetry
| Poem | Poet | Example |
|---|---|---|
| The Tyger | William Blake | “Tyger Tyger, burning bright, In the forests of the night.” |
| If— | Rudyard Kipling | “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you.” |
| The Raven | Edgar Allan Poe | “And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain.” |
Balanced Sentence in Songs
| Song | Artist | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Imagine | John Lennon | “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.” |
| Hey Jude | The Beatles | “The movement you need is on your shoulder.” |
| Bohemian Rhapsody | Queen | “I’m just a poor boy, I need no sympathy.” |
Balanced Sentence in Movies
| Movie | Scene | Example |
|---|---|---|
| The Godfather | Opening Scene | “I believe in America. America has made my fortune.” |
| Star Wars | Yoda’s Wisdom Scene | “Do or do not, there is no try.” |
| Forrest Gump | Run Forrest Run Scene | “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” |
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Balanced Sentence in Advertising
| Advertisement | Company | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Think Different | Apple | “Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels.” |
| Just Do It | Nike | “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.” |
| Because You’re Worth It | L’Oréal | “Because you’re worth it.” |
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FAQs about Balanced Sentences
What is a balanced sentence in literature?
A balanced sentence in literature is a sentence that uses parallel structure to create a sense of rhythm and harmony, often highlighting the equality of ideas.
How does a balanced sentence differ from a regular sentence?
A balanced sentence employs parallel structure, making the elements within it equal in length and importance, while a regular sentence may not have this structured balance.
Can balanced sentences be used in all types of writing?
Yes, balanced sentences can be used in all types of writing to enhance rhythm, clarity, and elegance, making the text more engaging.
Why are balanced sentences important in writing?
Balanced sentences add rhythm, emphasize the equality of ideas, and make complex thoughts easier to understand, enhancing the overall readability of the text.
Related Devices
Parallelism
The use of components in a sentence that are grammatically the same, or similar in their construction, sound, meaning, or meter.
Antithesis
A rhetorical device that juxtaposes two contrasting or opposing ideas, often within parallel grammatical structures.
Chiasmus
A rhetorical device in which two or more clauses are related to each other through a reversal of structures to make a larger point.
Anaphora
The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, used for emphasis and rhythm.
Epiphora
The repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses, creating emphasis and rhythm.