Tension is the lifeblood of storytelling. It keeps readers on edge, forces them to turn the page, and immerses them in the moment. But how do you build tension effectively? One powerful technique is using short sentences.
Short sentences create urgency. They make the scene feel immediate, almost breathless. They strip away distractions, focusing attention on the raw emotion of the moment. Each word counts. Each pause amplifies the suspense.
In this article, we’ll explore how short sentences enhance tension and craft an example scene that demonstrates this technique in action.
The Power of Short Sentences
Imagine a character walking through a dark alley. If the scene is written with long, flowing sentences, the tension might dissipate. The reader has time to breathe. The rhythm is slower, more reflective.
Now, consider the same scene with short, clipped sentences:
He stepped forward. A sound behind him. He froze. Silence. His breath, shallow. His heart, racing.
The difference is striking. Short sentences mimic real-life fear—our thoughts fragment, our focus narrows. This technique works brilliantly in thrillers, horror, and suspenseful moments across all genres.
A Tension-Filled Scene
Below is an example of a scene written using short sentences. The goal is to create tension, urgency, and a visceral experience for the reader.
The Chase
She ran.
Footsteps pounded behind her. Close. Too close.
Her lungs burned. Her legs ached. The alley stretched ahead, endless.
A shadow moved. A turn. A dead end.
She stopped. Spun. Listened.
Silence.
Her pulse pounded in her ears.
A rustle.
She backed up. Her heel hit the wall.
No way out.
A breath. Not hers.
She swallowed hard.
A figure emerged.
Dark. Tall. Waiting.
She clenched her fists. No escape.
A flicker of movement.
She ducked.
A rush of air. A fist missed her face by inches.
She twisted. Kicked. Hit something solid.
A grunt. A stumble.
She bolted past.
Footsteps. Again.
She pushed harder.
Light ahead. Streetlights. Safety.
She lunged forward.
A hand grabbed her wrist.
She screamed.
Why It Works
This scene works because every sentence is short, precise, and direct. Let’s break down why this approach is so effective:
Speed and Urgency
Short sentences keep the action moving. There’s no room for unnecessary description.
The reader feels the protagonist’s panic in real-time.
Sensory Focus
The scene uses sound (footsteps, breath, rustle) to increase fear.
The physical sensations (burning lungs, aching legs, pounding heart) immerse the reader.
Pauses for Effect
One-word sentences like Silence. No escape. A breath. slow the pace suddenly, forcing the reader to pause—just like the character does.
This mimics how fear makes us freeze before we act.
Surprise and Impact
The short sentence structure makes surprises hit harder.
“A hand grabbed her wrist.” lands like a punch because it’s abrupt and isolated.
How to Apply This in Your Writing
Want to create a tension-filled scene using short sentences? Follow these steps:
1. Cut Out Unnecessary Words
Instead of:"She quickly turned around, her heart pounding, feeling as if something dangerous was behind her."
Use:"She turned. Heart pounding. Something behind her."
Shorter sentences remove clutter and keep the focus sharp.
2. Use Strong Verbs
Avoid weak verbs like was/were/is/are whenever possible. Choose action-driven words instead.
Instead of:"She was very scared and was running as fast as she could."
Use:"She ran. Terror gripped her."
3. Mix Short and One-Word Sentences
Not every sentence needs to be ultra-short, but variation creates rhythm. Try alternating between:
One-word sentences (Silence. Darkness. A breath.)
Medium-length sentences (She turned the corner. No exit. Nowhere to hide.)
4. Use Physical and Sensory Details
Short sentences shouldn’t mean bland writing. Use sound, touch, movement, and breath to create immersion.
Instead of:"She was afraid and didn't know where to go."
Use:"Her hands trembled. The alley was empty. Cold air filled her lungs."
5. Avoid Complex Thoughts
Fear isn’t intellectual—it’s primal. When a character is terrified, their thoughts fragment.
Instead of:"She wondered if she could escape or if she was already doomed."
Use:"Could she run? No time. The shadow moved."
Practice Exercise
Try this challenge:
Write a scene in which a character is hiding from someone or something.
Use only short sentences (no more than 6 words per sentence).
Focus on movement, sound, and sensory details.
Example prompt:"Your character hides under a table as footsteps approach. The person stops inches away."
Conclusion
Short sentences are a powerful tool for building tension. They create urgency, strip away excess, and pull the reader into the moment.
The next time you write a high-stakes scene, try this technique. Cut the fluff. Keep it sharp. Let the tension breathe.
And remember—sometimes, the scariest thing is what’s left unsaid.
