{"id":1208,"date":"2025-01-18T12:52:39","date_gmt":"2025-01-18T12:52:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/?p=1208"},"modified":"2025-01-17T09:00:16","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T09:00:16","slug":"10-of-the-best-ways-to-start-a-sentence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/articles\/10-of-the-best-ways-to-start-a-sentence\/","title":{"rendered":"10 of the best ways to start a sentence"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/articles\/10-of-the-best-ways-to-start-a-sentence\/#1_Use_a_hook\" >1. Use a hook<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/articles\/10-of-the-best-ways-to-start-a-sentence\/#2_Employ_transitional_words\" >2. Employ transitional words<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/articles\/10-of-the-best-ways-to-start-a-sentence\/#3_Use_adverbial_phrases\" >3. Use adverbial phrases<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/articles\/10-of-the-best-ways-to-start-a-sentence\/#4_Try_a_prepositional_phrase\" >4. Try a prepositional phrase<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/articles\/10-of-the-best-ways-to-start-a-sentence\/#5_Employ_a_time_statement\" >5. Employ a time statement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/articles\/10-of-the-best-ways-to-start-a-sentence\/#6_Use_a_location_statement\" >6. Use a location statement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/articles\/10-of-the-best-ways-to-start-a-sentence\/#7_Employ_cause_and_effect_statements\" >7. Employ cause and effect statements<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/articles\/10-of-the-best-ways-to-start-a-sentence\/#8_Use_a_subject_opener\" >8. Use a subject opener<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/articles\/10-of-the-best-ways-to-start-a-sentence\/#9_Employ_a_clausal_opener\" >9. Employ a clausal opener<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/articles\/10-of-the-best-ways-to-start-a-sentence\/#10_Employ_gerunds\" >10. Employ gerunds<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/articles\/10-of-the-best-ways-to-start-a-sentence\/#What_to_avoid_when_starting_a_sentence\" >What to avoid when starting a sentence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/articles\/10-of-the-best-ways-to-start-a-sentence\/#Write_professionally_and_improve_your_work\" >Write professionally and improve your work<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>Creating high-quality content starts with writing that engages your audience. As a result, consider the start of every sentence you pen as an opportunity to entice them to keep reading.<!--more--><\/p>\n<p>In this detailed blog, we\u2019ll list 10 of the best ways to start a sentence, and outline some common pitfalls that are best avoided.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Use_a_hook\"><\/span>1. Use a hook<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A hook is defined as an opening statement, typically starting a sentence that is designed to get the reader\u2019s attention and encourage them to carry on reading.<\/p>\n<p>There are a wide range of different hooks that can be deployed in a piece, including a challenging statement, a pertinent question that people want answering, a statistic or an anecdote.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important to remember when writing an attention-grabbing hook to always make sure that it is directly related to your article\u2019s overall topic.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Employ_transitional_words\"><\/span>2. Employ transitional words<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A transitional word is defined as a word that connects different ideas in writing. Sometimes called connecting words, they help readers to follow a range of ideas that flow from one sentence to the next, or one paragraph to another. Examples of transitional works include furthermore, therefore and additionally.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Use_adverbial_phrases\"><\/span>3. Use adverbial phrases<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Adverbs open sentence in a way that emphasises the state of mind or way in which actions are performed. They put stress on certain adjectives and verbs, but also add an additional layer of flair or meaning in your work. Writers also use adverbs to produce a sense of rhythm in their work, or evoke an atmosphere or emotion.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Try_a_prepositional_phrase\"><\/span>4. Try a prepositional phrase<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Professional writers find that prepositional phrases are often frequently necessary to show the relationship between action verbs, nouns and pronouns. They can easily be used to open sentences. For instance, you could write: \u201cIn the background, the company worked constantly to reach its goal\u201d.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Employ_a_time_statement\"><\/span>5. Employ a time statement<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Time statements are sentence starters used to indicate the passage of time, specifically when time has passed following a previous sentence. Phrases in this category include \u201cMeanwhile\u201d, \u201cBefore long\u201d, \u201cAfter a while\u201d and \u201cIn the meantime\u201d.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Use_a_location_statement\"><\/span>6. Use a location statement<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When you need to indicate a specific place or position, you can begin your sentence with words that state where it is located, like \u201cAt the bottom of the league table\u201d or \u201cNext to the church\u201d.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Employ_cause_and_effect_statements\"><\/span>7. Employ cause and effect statements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The purpose of a cause-and-effect statement is to indicate that the information in one sentence is a consequence of something stated in the sentence before. Some common examples of these phrases and words include \u201cSubsequently,\u201d \u201cAs a result,\u201d and \u201cObviously.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Use_a_subject_opener\"><\/span>8. Use a subject opener<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When you want to form a simple sentence, you can use a subject opener as a starting point.<\/p>\n<p>A subject opener is a sentence that opens by mentioning the subject. For instance, you could write: \u201cThe Prime Minister flew from Heathrow to attend the conference in Brazil.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Employ_a_clausal_opener\"><\/span>9. Employ a clausal opener<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Using clausal openers as sentence starters can help writers construct clear but complex sentences.<\/p>\n<p>A clausal opener is defined as a sentence that begins with a clausal word like &#8220;when,&#8221; &#8220;while&#8221; &#8220;where,&#8221; &#8220;as,&#8221; &#8220;if,&#8221; &#8220;since,&#8221; or &#8220;although&#8221;. Usually, these sentences start with the dependent clause open and a coordinating conjunction.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Employ_gerunds\"><\/span>10. Employ gerunds<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Words with an \u201cing\u201d ending, gerunds are sometimes used as effective sentence openers.<\/p>\n<p>Typically, these sentence starters highlight a specific action that the subject is presently performing. For instance, \u201cRunning for office, the Mayor held a fundraiser.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_avoid_when_starting_a_sentence\"><\/span>What to avoid when starting a sentence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While there are many excellent ways to start a sentence, there are also some selections best avoided. When writing, it is recommended that you shouldn\u2019t begin a sentence with adverbs such as &#8220;likewise&#8221; and &#8220;also&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>Vague words like \u201cthere\u201d or \u201cit\u201d should also be avoided, as they are considered weak openers. Instead, use the specific subject in their place.<\/p>\n<p>You should also sidestep using coordinating conjunctions like &#8220;for,&#8221; &#8220;but,&#8221; &#8220;and,&#8221; &#8220;or,&#8221; &#8220;yet&#8221;, and &#8220;so,&#8221; as they make writing appear repetitive, but also informal, which can negatively impact professional writing in more formal contexts.<\/p>\n<p>For more in-depth information on why the word \u201cso\u201d is perhaps not the best way to start off a sentence, check out our earlier blog <a href=\"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/articles\/so-why-shouldnt-you-start-a-sentence-with-so\/\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Write_professionally_and_improve_your_work\"><\/span>Write professionally and improve your work<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>At Words of Worth Australia, our experienced editors are always looking for new writers to work with. Reach out to us today for professional writing assignments that challenge your skills while picking up advice and guidance from our team.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Creating high-quality content starts with writing that engages your audience. As a result, consider the start of every sentence you pen as an opportunity to entice them to keep reading.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1208","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-writing-tips"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1208","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1208"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1208\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1210,"href":"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1208\/revisions\/1210"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1208"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1208"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordsofworth.org\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1208"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}