LessWrong (Curated & Popular) “Why Have Sentence Lengths Decreased?” by Arjun Panickssery
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Apr 4, 2025 Join Arjun Panickssery, an insightful author known for his exploration of language trends, as he delves into the evolution of sentence lengths. He uncovers fascinating historical shifts, showing how classic literature featured long, intricate sentences while modern writing favors brevity for better comprehension. Arjun discusses how societal factors, such as rising literacy and the influence of journalism, have shaped our approach to writing, making it more accessible and engaging than ever.
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Decreasing Sentence Lengths
- Sentence lengths have decreased over centuries, from an average of 49 words for Chaucer (died 1400) to 12 for J.K. Rowling.
- This decline predates modern technology, showing a consistent trend across different eras and writing styles.
Possible Reasons for Decline
- Several factors might contribute to declining sentence length, including changes in reader demographics, reading habits, and writing styles.
- One theory suggests that as literacy became more widespread, the average reader's skill level decreased, leading to a preference for simpler sentences.
Readability and Shorter Sentences
- Shorter sentences correlate with higher readability scores, like the Flesch-Kincade, suggesting easier and faster comprehension.
- Studies confirm that shorter sentences improve reading speed and clarity, supporting the idea that writing has become more efficient.
