Coherence in writing is achieved by a smooth movement from one idea to another and by a clear indication of the relationships among ideas. Sentences and paragraphs should progress so logically and clearly that readers can follow the development of points without confusion or uncertainty. For some suggestions on shaping a logical sequence of ideas, see the various methods of development listed in this book.
Careful use of words and phrases marking transitions is also essential to coherence. Notice the difference between the following two paragraphs. The transitional words and phrases have been removed from the first version; they are included in the second version.
WITHOUT TRANSITIONS
She was somewhat familiar with such scenes. They had often made her very unhappy. She had been completely deprived of any desire to finish her dinner. She had gone into the kitchen to administer a tardy rebuke to the cook. She went to her room and studied the cookbook during an entire evening, writing out a menu for the week, which left her harassed with a feeling that she had accomplished no good that was worth the name.
WITH TRANSITIONS
She was somewhat familiar with such scenes. They had often made her very unhappy. On a few previous occasions she had been completely deprived of any desire to finish her dinner. Sometimes she had gone into the kitchen to administer a tardy rebuke to the cook. Once she went to her room and studied the cookbook during an entire evening, finally writing out a menu for the week, which left her harassed with a feeling that, after all, she had accomplished no good that was worth the name.
— Kate Chopin, The Awakening
The first paragraph proceeds logically but is choppy. The transitions of the second paragraph provide the smooth flow needed to merge the reader's understanding and interest. (For a list of transitional words and phrases, see transitions.) In longer works, transitions from paragraph to paragraph and from section to section are also essential for clearcut communication with your reader.
Be sure to check your draft for coherence during the revising process. Having someone else read your paper can be helpful. (See also the introduction, The Composing Process.)
Collective nouns are singular in form but name a group or collection of persons, places, or things.
band, class, cluster, family, flock, group, herd, jury, staff When a collective noun refers to a group as a whole, it is treated as singular.
The jury was deadlocked; it had to be disbanded. When a collective noun refers to individuals within a group, it is treated as plural.
The jury were allowed to go to their homes for the night.
(See also nouns, agreement of pronouns and antecedents, and agreement of subjects and verbs.)
