How to Write a Metanoia
There are certain key words and phrases that can introduce a metanoia clearly. A few examples include:
- ___, or rather, ___
- ___, or at least, ___
- ____, or even ____
- ____; or, more precisely, ____
These phrases, and others like them, show the reader that you’re about to introduce a change. If you don’t include a phrase like this, there’s a risk that the writing will come across as lacking in direction, because readers will be surprised by the sudden change in your statements. Use these phrases to make the transitions within your metanoia smoother and less abrupt.
When to Write Metanoia
Metanoia is equally appropriate in pretty much all rhetorical situations. The only exception is extremely formal writing such as business letters. In these cases, the conversational tone created by a metanoia might actually be a problem, since a business letter is not supposed to sound conversational. However, if it’s used carefully and sparingly, metanoia can be equally appropriate in creative writing, formal essays, emails, etc.