beginning sentences for essays

36 Engaging opening sentences for an essay

Last Updated on July 20, 2022 by Dr Sharon Baisil MD

An essay’s opening sentence has a tremendous impact on the reader. It doesn’t matter if you’re writing an argumentative essay, a personal narrative, or a research paper; how your text begins will affect its tone and topic. You can write about anything as long as it is relevant to your thesis—starting with an engaging opening sentence may be the difference between a successful and unsuccessful essay.

An introduction is the first section of any paper that allows you to introduce your thesis and provide an overview of your argument or discussion. A good introduction should grab your audience’s attention and entice them to read on, summarising what you’re trying to say concisely. It’s a good idea to think of your introduction as a hook, writing an opening sentence that will leave your reader wanting more.

Writing a thesis statement is the first thing you need to do when planning your paper. Although there are multiple strategies for creating a thesis statement, you must express yourself clearly and answer three simple questions: What is the main idea of my essay? Why is it important? How do I plan to prove it in a paper?

There are countless ways to begin an essay or a thesis effectively. As a start, here are 36 introductory strategies accompanied by examples from a wide range of professional writers.

1. “Is it possible to be truly anonymous online?”

This is an engaging opening sentence because it immediately poses a problem that the reader will likely want answered. It’s also interesting that this question applies directly to internet usage, something everybody has experience with. The subject of the opening sentence is “online anonymity,” which allows the writer to discuss two related concepts.

2. “I was shocked to awake one morning to find I had turned into a snail.”

The opening sentence immediately grabs the reader’s attention with its play on words, leaving them unsure if it’s meant as a joke. It continues to entertain by combining an unlikely image (a person turning into a snail) with waking up more common. The sentence also establishes the essay’s tone, which is humorous and personal.

3. “I didn’t want to study abroad.”

This opening sentence immediately intrigues the reader because it presents an opinion that contradicts what would be expected in this type of assignment. The writer then follows with a statement about their decision to study abroad, discussing the reasons for this choice and explaining their position on the matter.

4. “The three dogs had been barking for over an hour before my neighbor finally came out to investigate.”

This opening sentence introduces a narrative about something that happened in the past, starting with dogs barking at night. The next sentence provides background information by revealing that the neighbor came out after an hour and then reasons for this delay. The fact that the writer does not reveal why this is significant until later on makes the opening sentence even more effective because it keeps the reader engaged with what will happen next.

5. “I have always been interested in fashion.”

This opening sentence immediately sets the topic for the entire paper by discussing interest in fashion. It also establishes the tone, clearly portraying the writer’s voice while informing the audience about their personal experience with the subject matter.

6. “I remember when I first realized I didn’t have a home.”

This opening sentence begins a personal narrative about a time before moving out of their family home when the writer realized they didn’t live there anymore. It uses flashbacks to set up the rest of the essay by showing what happened before they moved out and how this made them feel.

7. “When I was in middle school, my dad told me not to get into fights.”

This opening sentence establishes a relationship between the writer and the subject of their essay, creating a more personal tone. It also establishes an expectation for what will be discussed by telling something that happened in the past. The sentence ends with a twist, so it’s more interesting than just stating something that was told to them, making this opening sentence effective.

8. “When I first sat down to write this essay, I was absolutely certain of the thesis.”

This opening sentence immediately introduces conflict because it tells about something that didn’t occur as expected. It also implies that there will be an alternate solution or angle for this paper that will be explored in the following paragraphs. The vocabulary (like “absolutely”) suggests more certainty in this opening paragraph than presented, making it interesting to read.

9. “I remember the first time I killed a man.”

This opening sentence offers an unexpected statement that intrigues the reader and immediately draws them into the essay, wanting to know more about what happened. This type of sentence is called a gripping opener because it does just that. The sentence is also effective because it creates suspense and anticipation in the reader’s mind about what will happen next in this story .

10. “There are two sides to every story: my side and your side.”

This opening sentence introduces a topic that will be revisited multiple times throughout the essay, making it effective for an introduction. It also creates a sense of mystery about the two sides and how they relate to each other, which will be resolved later on once it becomes clear that there are three sides.

11. “I should start this essay by introducing myself.”

This opening sentence includes an explanation for why this paragraph is being written (to introduce oneself) before it ends with a question (“who am I?”). This is effective because it gets the reader to think critically about who the writer is and what they want to say. It also permits them to stop reading after this sentence if they don’t feel like it, making it one of the less intimidating opening sentences.

12. “At the age of seven, I knew my life was going to be amazing.”

This opening sentence establishes a confident, optimistic tone by mentioning something that happened in the past. It also implies that the writer had this positive outlook before anything particularly special happened to them yet, which will likely be mentioned later on, making it more interesting to read.

13. “I don’t know when I lost my sense of excitement for learning.”

This opening sentence presents a conflict that the writer will likely try to resolve in this essay, which gives the reader something to look forward to. It also establishes voice by expressing how they feel about their education so far and suggesting what could be done about it.

14. “Coming home after a long day of school and work is like walking into a warzone.”

This opening sentence creates a sense of conflict that will likely be discussed later on and establishes voice because it shows the writer’s attitude towards their environment. It provides an example of why this subject has been brought up by describing what happens during this “warzone” of a day.

15. “I’ve always loved school.”

This opening sentence is effective because it provides an example of how their life used to be before the issue was introduced (in the next few sentences), making it more interesting to read. It also creates a sense of nostalgia about how good things used to be, making it more engaging.

16. “I feel like I’m losing my mind.”

This opening sentence is effective because it creates a voice by describing the writer’s experience and establishes conflict, so the reader knows what to expect in this essay. It provokes an emotional response in the reader, making them more interested.

17. “On day two of our honeymoon, my wife passed out.”

This opening sentence creates suspense by mentioning what happens before revealing why this is significant. It also establishes conflict because it implies that the writer’s wife’s health will be an issue throughout the essay. This leads to a likely discussion about whether or not they should continue their honeymoon, making it engaging for the reader.

18. “I’m a college student, and I hate it.”

This opening sentence establishes conflict for the rest of the essay because it implies that something negatively affects their education. It also establishes voice by showing what they think about being a student and how they feel about college so far, which makes it more interesting to read.

19. “The first time I heard the word ‘stan’ was when Eminem released his song in 2000 by the same name.”

This opening sentence establishes conflict for what will likely be discussed later on and also creates a sense of nostalgia because it takes the reader back to a significant point in recent history that they might remember (rare for essays). It also establishes voice because it shows the writer’s knowledge about rap music.

20. “I used to hate when people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up because I never knew how to answer them.”

This opening sentence helps the reader understand why this essay was written to tie into their own experiences. It also establishes conflict by revealing something that the writer used to be troubled by. It also makes them seem relatable because everyone has problems with their future at one point or another.

21. “All my life, I’ve been told I was destined for greatness.”

This opening sentence establishes that the writer had difficulties in their life despite being seen as destined for greatness so far. It also creates a sense of conflict because it implies that they will have to convince the reader otherwise, making it more interesting to read.

22. “My friend once told me that I should never say ‘I’m just being honest when discussing our differences, but I always do.”

This opening sentence creates conflict by showing the reader that there is always tension between the writer and their friend because of this issue. It also establishes voice because it shows how honest they are about their differences, which makes them more relatable. This makes it engaging for the reader to read on.

23. “I’ve never been one to keep my emotions bottled up, and now that I’m pregnant, that’s been amplified.”

This opening sentence establishes emotion from the writer because it shows that they are uncomfortable keeping their emotions to themselves and continue to do so even when they become pregnant. It also creates a sense of conflict because the reader will probably wonder how this lack of emotional inhibition might affect them later on.

24. “The first time I read ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ it changed my life.”

This opening sentence grabs the reader’s attention and shows what impact this book has had on the writer so far. It also establishes how passionate the writer is towards literature and makes them more relatable because many people have been affected by great works of literature in some way. This is engaging for the reader to read on.

25. “As I walked out of class one day, my professor asked me what I wanted to do with my future.”

This opening sentence establishes conflict by showing that there was a time when the writer did not have an answer to this question despite being capable of doing anything in their mind. It also establishes voice by showing that the writer can stand up for themselves when pushed and makes them seem more relatable because everyone struggles with thinking about their future at some point or another. This is engaging for the reader to continue reading.

26. “I’ve always been taught that it’s impolite to talk about money, but I want to share my experience with you.”

This opening sentence establishes voice by showing that the writer does not abide by this code of conduct because they believe it’s more important to be open and honest. It also creates a sense of conflict so that the reader might have their own contrasting opinions, which will create tension while reading. This is engaging for the reader to continue reading.

27. “Growing up, I never liked math, and it wasn’t until college that I realized why.”

This opening sentence establishes voice because it shows how passionate the writer was about their dislike of math despite not knowing why. It also creates conflict because they will have to explain their reasoning to the reader, which makes it more interesting to read, and it is engaging for the reader to read on.

28. “There are so many factors that go into determining how much someone should be paid, but I believe that everyone deserves equal pay.”

This opening sentence establishes conflict because the writer believes in something that not many people support, and they will have to explain their reasoning. It also establishes voice because it shows that the writer is passionate about this belief and makes them more relatable for other people who share the same opinion. This is engaging for the reader to read on.

29. “Many things have been said about Millennials, but no one has asked us what we think.”

This opening sentence creates a sense of conflict because the reader might be wondering what this person thinks as a Millennial. It also establishes voice by using “us” to show that they are not alone in their beliefs and makes them seem more relatable. This is engaging for the reader to read on.

30. “I finally found a job that I love, and as it turns out, it’s located in a city that has been my dream destination since I was little.”

This opening sentence establishes voice because it shows how the writer feels about their new job and makes them sound passionate about their work which makes the reader want to read on. This is engaging for the reader to continue.

31. “It was the summer of 2001 when I first came across an anime dubbed in French.”

This opening sentence establishes voice through personal experience and makes it relatable because many people have watched their favorite movies or shows in another language. It also creates a sense of conflict by making the reader wonder why they continued watching even though they didn’t understand much of what was being said. This is engaging for the reader to read on.

32. “For years, I thought my life was perfect, until one day when I realized that there’s nothing more important than your mental health.”

This opening sentence establishes voice by showing that the writer used to have this belief but then had a heart change, making them more relatable because everyone’s beliefs change over time. It also creates a sense of conflict by questioning what the reader believes about their mental health, which will make them want to continue reading. This is engaging for the reader to read on.

33. “As children, it’s easy to dream about becoming an astronaut or a firefighter, but I never imagined that my greatest passion would be writing.”

This opening sentence establishes voice by showing how the writer is passionate about what they are currently doing. It also creates a sense of conflict because the reader may have different interests, making it more interesting to read. This is engaging for the reader to continue reading on.

34. “If you would’ve asked me a few months ago, I wouldn’t have said that my life was perfect. However, after some time and perspective, I’m grateful for the twists and turns.”

This opening sentence establishes voice by showing how this person’s perspective has changed over time. It also creates a sense of conflict because it questions what the reader thinks and makes them want to read on. This is engaging for the reader to read on.

35. “Everyone has goals in life, whether it’s saving up enough money to buy a house or finally writing that book.”

This opening sentence establishes conflict because it questions the reader’s goals and shows how they may be different from the writer’s. It also creates a sense of connection because many people share the same goals and make them want to keep reading. This is engaging for the reader to read on.

36. “I’m not sure if I’ve ever told you this, but my favorite show as a child was A Little Princess.”

This opening sentence establishes voice by showing that the writer shares a secret and makes them sound like they’re talking directly to someone. It also creates a sense of conflict because it’s difficult to imagine that the reader doesn’t know this information and makes them want to read on. This is engaging for the reader to read on.

Final Words

To conclude, there are countless ways to begin an essay or a thesis effectively. These 36 opening sentences for an essay are just a few examples of how to do so. There is no “right way” to start, but it will become easier to find your voice and style as you continue writing and practicing. Good luck!

Harvard University

Purdue University

Royal Literary Fund- Essay Writing Guide

University of Melbourne

Amherst College

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Home ➔ How to Write an Essay ➔ Words to Use in an Essay ➔ Sentence Starters

Sentence Starters for Essays

A sentence starter is simply a word or a phrase that will help you to get your sentence going when you feel stuck, and it can be helpful in many different situations. A good sentence starter can help you better transition from one paragraph to another or connect two ideas. If not started correctly, your sentence will likely sound choppy, and your reader might not be able to follow your thoughts.

Below, we will explain when sentence starters for essays are used and what types of them exist. We will then give you plenty of examples of sentence-starter words and phrases that you can use in your writing.

Note: To learn more about word choice in academic writing, you can read our guide: Words to Use in an Essay

Why you need good sentence starters

In academic writing, sentence starters are usually used to connect one idea to another. Sentence starters make your essay coherent as they are often used to transition from one paragraph to another. In other words, they glue your writing together so that it makes sense and is easy to read.

You can also use sentence starters inside paragraphs. This will help you to better transition from one idea to another. It can make your writing flow better and sound more unified if done correctly.

When sentence starters are used

You don’t have to use them in every sentence, but they can be helpful if you feel like your ideas are choppy or you want to connect two thoughts. If overused, sentence starters can make your writing sound repetitive and distracting to the reader.

Here’s a list of cases where you should consider using sentence starters:

• To transition from one paragraph or section of your writing to another
• To introduce a new idea at the start of your essay or paragraph
• To start the final paragraph and conclude the entire essay
• To emphasize something important
• To create a hook and grab your reader’s attention
• To clarify something or give brief background information

These are just some common situations for using sentence starters, and this list is not definitive. If you can’t decide whether or not to use a sentence starter, it’s usually best to err on the side of not using one. If your paragraph flows nicely, don’t overthink it and move on with your essay writing .

What are the different types of sentence starters?

Sentence starters vary based on what you want to achieve in the sentence you’re starting. Here are some of the most common purposes that define what sentence starter you need to apply, along with some examples.

Starters for hooks

If you want to grab your reader’s attention in the first paragraph and make them want to read your essay, you need to use introduction sentence starters that are attention-grabbing and interesting. Some common sentence starters for essay hooks are:

• Did you know that… (for a fact)
• When I was… (for an anecdote)
• Just as… (for an analogy)
• According to… (for a statistic)

Starters to start a thesis statement

The thesis statement is the main idea of your essay. It’s what you want to prove or argue in your essay. You will need to use sentence starters that introduce your essay topic in a clear and concise way. For example:

• This essay will discuss…
• The purpose of this essay is to…
• In this essay, I will argue that…
• In my opinion…
• I think that…

Starters for topic sentences

A topic sentence is the first sentence at the beginning of each body paragraph that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. You will want to use body paragraph starters that state the main idea of the paragraph in a clear and concise way. Some specific examples:

• One reason why…
• The most important thing to remember is that…
• Another important factor to consider is…
• The first thing to note is that…
• It’s important to remember that…
• Besides the previous point,…

Starters for concluding

When you’re concluding your essay , you need to use conclusion sentence starters that emphasize the main points of your argument and leave your reader with a strong impression. Here are some examples:

• In conclusion,…
• To sum up,…
• Overall,…
• To conclude,…
• Finally,…
• In the final analysis,…

Starters for lists

If you’re listing ideas or items, you will want to use sentence starters that introduce each item clearly. Some common list starters are:

• The first…
• The second…
• Thirdly,…
• Next,…
• Lastly,…

Starters for comparing and contrasting

If you’re writing an essay that compares and contrasts two or more things, you will need to use sentence starters that introduce each item you’re discussing and emphasize the similarities and/or differences. For example:

• Similarly,…
• However,…
• In contrast to…
• On the other hand,…
• Compared to…
• Despite the fact that…

Starters for elaborating

If you want to elaborate on an idea, you need to use sentence starters that introduce the detail you’re going to include and how it relates to the main idea. Some common starters for elaborating are:

• For example,…
• In other words,…
• That is to say,…
• To elaborate,…
• Another way to put it would be…
• To put it more simply,…

Starters for giving background information

If you want to give some brief background information in your essay, you need to use sentence starters that introduce the information and explain why it’s relevant. For example:

• As previously mentioned,…
• As everyone knows,…
• In today’s society,…

Starters for giving an example

If you want to give an example in your essay, you need to use sentence starters that introduce the example and explain how it supports your argument. For example:

• For instance,…
• To illustrate,…
• Thus,…
• In this case,…

Starters for introducing a quotation

If you want to include a quotation in your essay, you need to use sentence starters that introduce the quotation and explain its relevance. Some examples:

• As John Doe said,…
• According to Jane Doe,…
• As the old saying goes,…
• In Jane Doe’s words,…
• To put it another way,…

Starters for introducing evidence

If you want to include evidence in your essay, you need to use sentence starters that introduce the evidence and explain its relevance. For example:

• The data shows that…
• This proves that…
• This suggests that…
• The evidence indicates that…

Starters for bridging

If you want to create a bridge sentence between two paragraphs, you need to use sentence starters that introduce the second paragraph and explain how it relates to the first. For example:

• This leads to the question,…
• This raises the issue,…
• Another important point to consider is…
• This brings us to the question of…

Starters to show causation

If you want to show causation in your essay, you need to use sentence starters that introduce the cause and explain its relationship to the effect. For example:

• Because of this,…
• As a result,…
• Consequently,…
• Due to the fact that…
• Therefore,…

Starters to emphasize a point

If you want to emphasize a point in your essay, you need to use sentence starters that draw attention to the point and make it clear why it’s important. Examples of sentence starters to add emphasis:

• Importantly,…
• Significantly,…

Starters to express doubt

If you want to express doubt about an idea in your essay, you need to use sentence starters that make it clear you’re not certain and explain why you have doubts. For example:

• It’s possible that…
• It’s uncertain whether…
• Some people might argue that…
• There is evidence to suggest that…
• Although it is debatable,…
• It might be the case that…

Key takeaways

• Sentence starters are especially important in academic writing because they can help you make complex arguments and express yourself clearly.
• There are many different types of sentence starters, each with its own purpose.
• You need to choose the right sentence starter for the specific task you’re writing about.
• When in doubt, err on the side of caution and choose a simpler sentence starter.

Now that you know the different types of sentence starters and how to use them effectively, you’ll be able to write clear, concise, and well-organized essays.

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Sentence Starters: Ultimate List to Improve Your Essays and Writing

By Ashley Shaw

This blog post is going to be about … No. Too boring.

Today, I am going to talk to you about ... No. Too specific.

This is a blog post for all writers ... Nope. Too generic.

Has this ever been you while writing? I get it. Writing a good sentence can be hard, and when you have to string a whole lot of them together, the task can become daunting. So what do you do?

From the first sentence you write to the very last, you want each one to show your style and motivate your reader to keep reading. In this post, we are going to think about how you start your sentences.

What Is a Good Sentence Starter for an Essay Introduction?

What is a good sentence starter for a body paragraph, 25 useful transitions, can i repeat a sentence starter, how can i rephrase "in conclusion".

The first paragraph of a paper can make or break your grade. It is what gets your audience into the topic and sets the whole stage. Because of this, it is important to get your readers hooked early.

The first sentence of a paper is often called the hook. It shouldn’t be anything ordinary. It should have strong language and be a little surprising, with an interesting fact, story, statistic, or quote on the topic.

Because it is designed to pull the reader in and surprise them a little, it is often good to avoid pre-written sentence starter examples when writing your hook. Just get into it here, and worry about the flow later.

Here are some examples:

Spider webs were once used as bandages.

I taught myself to read when I was three. At least, that’s the story my parents tell.

Recent studies suggest that the average person lies at least once in every conversation.

“The world is bleeding and humans wield the knife,” or so says environmental scientist So Andso.

(P.S. Except for example 1, which is true, I just made all of these up to demonstrate my point. So, please don’t quote me on these!)

Once you jump right in with your hook, it is time to start working on ways to move sentences along. Here is where you may need some sentence starter examples.

In your first paragraph, you basically want to connect your hook to your thesis. You’ll do this with a few sentences setting up the stage for your topic and the claim you will make about it. To do that, follow the tips found in the next section on body paragraphs and general sentence starter tips.

Many of the tips I am about to discuss can be used anywhere in a paper, but they are especially helpful when writing body paragraphs.

Let’s start with one of the most important types of sentence starter in essay writing: transition words.

How Do I Use Transitions in an Essay?

If you want to start writing terrific sentences (and improve your essay structure ), the first thing you should do is start using transition words.

Transition words are those words or phrases that help connect thoughts and ideas. They move one sentence or paragraph into another, and they make things feel less abrupt.

The good thing about transition words is that you probably know a lot of them already and currently use them in your speech. Now, you just need to transition them into your writing. (See what I did there?)

Before we get into examples of what a good transition word is, let’s look at a paragraph without any transitions:

I went to the store. I bought bacon and eggs. I saw someone I knew. I said hello. I went to the cashier. They checked me out. I paid. I got my groceries. I went to my car. I returned home.

Yikes! That is some boring writing. It was painful to write, and I am sure it is even worse to read. There are two reasons for this:

• I start every sentence with the same word (more on this later)
• There are no signposts showing me how the ideas in the paragraph connect.

In an essay, you need to show how each of your ideas relate to each other to build your argument. If you just make a series of statements one after the other, you’re not showing your instructor that you actually understand those statements, or your topic.

How do we fix this? Transition words. Roughly 25% of your sentences should start with a transition word. If you can hit that number in your essay, you’ll know that you’ve made meaningful steps towards demonstrating your understanding.

Of course, hitting that number isn’t enough—those transitions need to be meaningful. Let’s look at the different types of transitions and how you can use them.

What Are Words Like First , Next , and Last Called?

You probably already use some transitions in your essays. For example, if you start a paragraph with firstly , you’ve used a transition word. But transitions can do so much more!

Here are 25 common transitional words and phrases that you could use in your essay:

• Additionally / In Addition
• Alternatively / Conversely
• As a result of
• At this time
• Consequently
• Contrary to
• First(ly), Second(ly), etc.
• In contrast
• Nonetheless
• On the other hand
• Particularly / In particular
• In other words

This list isn’t exhaustive, but it is a good start.

These words show different types of relationships between ideas. These relationships fall into four main categories: Emphasis , Contrast , Addition , and Order .

What Are Emphasis Transition Words?

These phrases are used when you want to highlight a point. Examples from my above list include clearly , particularly , and indeed . Want to see some more? Follow my bolded transitions: Undoubtedly , you understand now. It should be noted that you don’t need to worry.

How Do You Use Addition Transitions?

These words add on to what you just said. These are words like along with , moreover , and also . Here are some more: Not only are you going to be great at transitions after this, but you will also be good at writing sentences. Furthermore , everyone is excited to see what you have to say.

How Can I Use Transitions to Contrast Ideas?

This is the opposite of addition, and you use it when you want to show an alternative view or to compare things. Examples from my list include words like nonetheless , contrary to , and besides .

Here are some more: Unlike people who haven’t read this article, you are going to be really prepared to write great sentences. Even so , there is still a lot more about writing to learn.

How Do I Order Ideas in My Essay?

A good first step is using order transition words.

This set of transitions helps mark the passage of time or gives an order to events. From the list, think of things like first and finally . Now for some extras: At this time yesterday , you were worried about starting sentences. Following this , though, you will be an expert.

Now that you get the concept of transitions, let’s go back to that poorly written paragraph above and add some in to see what happens:

This morning , I went to the store. While I was there, I bought bacon and eggs. Then I saw someone I knew. So I said hello. After that , I went to the cashier. At that time , they checked me out. First , I paid. Next , I got my groceries. Following that , I went to my car. Finally , I returned home.

(Notice the use of commas after most of these transitions!)

This isn’t the best paragraph I’ve ever written. It still needs a lot of work. However, notice what a difference just adding transitions makes. This is something simple but effective you can start doing to make your sentences better today.

If you want to check your transition usage, try ProWritingAid’s Transitions report . You’ll see how many of each type of transition word you've used so you can pin-point where you might be losing your reader.

Sign up for a free ProWritingAid account to try it out.

What Are Some Linking Phrases I Can Use in My Essay?

As well as individual words, you can also use short phrases at the beginning of your sentences to transition between ideas. I just did it there— "As well as individual words" shows you how this section of the article is related to the last.

Here are some more phrases like this:

As shown in the example,

As a result of this,

After the meeting,

While this may be true,

Though researchers suggest X,

Before the war began,

Until we answer this question,

Since we cannot assume this to be true,

While some may claim Y,

Because we know that Z is true,

These short phrases are called dependent clauses . See how they all end with a comma? That's because they need you to add more information to make them into complete sentences.

• While some may claim that chocolate is bad for you, data from a recent study suggests that it may have untapped health benefits .
• Since we cannot assume that test conditions were consistent, it is impossible to reach a solid conclusion via this experiment .
• As a result of this, critics disagree as to the symbolism of the yellow car in The Great Gatsby .

The bolded text in each example could stand on its own as a complete sentence. However, if we take away the first part of each sentence, we lose our connection to the other ideas in the essay.

These phrases are called dependent clauses : they depend on you adding another statement to the sentence to complete them. When you use a sentence starter phrase like the ones above in your writing, you signal that the new idea you have introduced completes (or disrupts) the idea before it.

Note: While some very short dependent clauses don’t need a comma, most do. Since it is not wrong to use one on even short ones (depending on the style guide being used), it is a good idea to include one every time.

Along with missing transitions and repeating sentence structure, another thing that stops sentences from being great is too much repetition. Keep your sentences sharp and poignant by mixing up word choices to start your sentences.

You might start your sentence with a great word, but then you use that same word 17 sentences in a row. After the first couple, your sentences don’t sound as great. So, whether it is varying the transitional phrases you use or just mixing up the sentence openers in general, putting in some variety will only improve your sentences.

ProWritingAid lets you know if you’ve used the same word repeatedly at the start of your sentences so you can change it.

The Repeats Report also shows you all of the repeats in your document. If you've used a sentence starter and then repeated it a couple of paragraphs down, the report will highlight it for you.

Try the Repeats Report with a free ProWritingAid account.

Now that you have your introduction sentences and body sentences taken care of, let’s talk a little about conclusion sentences. While you will still use transitions and clauses as in the body, there are some special considerations here.

Your conclusion is what people will remember most after they finish reading your paper. So, you want to make it stand out. Don’t just repeat yourself; tell them what they should do with what you just told them!

Use the tips from above, but also remember the following:

Be unique. Not only should you vary the words you use to start different sentences, but you should also think outside of the box. If you use the same conclusion sentence starter everyone else is using, your ideas will blend in too.

Be natural. Some of the best writing out there is writing that sounds natural. This goes for academic writing, too. While you won’t use phrases like "at the end of the day" in essay writing, stilted phrases like "in conclusion" can disrupt the flow you’ve created earlier on.

Here are some alternatives to "in conclusion" you could use in an essay:

• To review, ... (best for scientific papers where you need to restate your key points before making your final statement)
• As has been shown, ...
• In the final analysis, ...
• Taking everything into account, ...
• On the whole, ...
• Generally speaking, ...

If you’re looking for more ways to rephrase "in conclusion," take a look at our complete list of synonyms you can use.

There may not be a set word or words that you can use to make your sentences perfect. However, when you start using these tips, you’ll start to see noticeable improvement in your writing.

If you’ve ever heard people talk about pacing and flow in academic writing, and you have no idea what they mean or how to improve yours, then this is your answer. These tips will help your writing sound more natural, which is how you help your ideas flow.

Take your writing to the next level:

20 Editing Tips from Professional Writers

Whether you are writing a novel, essay, article, or email, good writing is an essential part of communicating your ideas., this guide contains the 20 most important writing tips and techniques from a wide range of professional writers..

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Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.

Ashley Shaw

Ashley Shaw is a former editor and marketer/current PhD student and teacher. When she isn't studying con artists for her dissertation, she's thinking of new ways to help college students better understand and love the writing process.

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Crafting Compelling Sentence Starters for Essays

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on mastering sentence starters for essays. Ever wondered how some writers effortlessly hook their readers from the first line, smoothly transition between ideas, and leave a lasting impression?

The secret lies in the artful use of sentence starters. These short phrases are more than just transition words; they're the key to making your paper engaging, coherent, and sophisticated.

In this blog post, we'll shed light on the importance of good sentence starters, provide examples, and guide you on how to use them effectively in different parts of your essay. Whether you're writing an introduction, body paragraph, or conclusion , we've got you covered. But that's not all.

We'll also delve into common mistakes to avoid when using sentence starters and how to adapt them for different types of essays. So, buckle up and get ready to elevate your essay writing skills to new heights. Let's get started!

Understanding the Importance of Good Sentence Starters

Whether you're crafting an academic text or writing a blog , the right sentence starter can make all the difference. It's not just about stringing words together; it's about choosing the right words that will hook the reader and keep them engaged. So, let's delve deeper into understanding the importance of good sentence starters and how they can elevate your writing.

Why Good Sentence Starters are Crucial for Your Writing

Good sentence starters are the backbone of compelling writing. They act as the gateway to your thoughts, guiding the reader through your narrative or argument. They're not just a fancy academic phrase or a tool to meet a word count. They're the key to making your writing flow, to connecting your ideas, and to keeping your reader engaged.

Imagine reading a text that jumps from one point to another without any clear transitions. It would be like trying to follow a map without any signposts. You'd likely get lost, frustrated, and give up. That's exactly what happens when you don't use sentence starters. Your readers can't follow your train of thought, and they lose interest.

When you use sentence starters effectively, you're laying out a clear path for your reader. You're telling them, "Pay attention, this is an important point," or "Here's a contrasting view," or "Let's move on to a new idea." You're hooking the reader, keeping them engaged, and making your writing more impactful.

Examples of Effective Sentence Starters

Here are some examples of effective sentence starters that can elevate your writing:

• "Despite the common belief, ..."
• "Drawing from the data, ..."
• "Contrary to what one might think, ..."
• "Given the circumstances, ..."
• "Taking into account the evidence, ..."
• "As a matter of fact, ..."
• "In light of recent events, ..."
• "Considering the implications, ..."
• "Reflecting on the situation, ..."
• "From a different perspective, ..."

These sentence starters are not just words or phrases; they are the hooks that grab your reader's attention. They are the bridges that connect your thoughts and ideas, making your academic text more coherent and engaging. So, the next time you sit down to write, pay close attention to your sentence starters. They might just be the key to taking your writing to the next level.

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Sentence Starters for Essay Introductions

In this section, we will explore how to use sentence starters effectively in essay introductions, providing you with practical tips and examples.

How to Use Sentence Starters in Essay Introductions

The art of crafting an engaging essay introduction lies in the strategic use of sentence starters. These are not just any random words, but carefully chosen transition words, short phrases, or clauses that guide the reader into the narrative. They serve as a bridge, connecting the title to the body of the essay, and setting the tone for what's to come.

To use a sentence starter effectively, you need to understand its purpose. It's not just about starting a sentence; it's about creating a smooth transition that guides the reader from one idea to the next. It's about shedding light on the purpose of your research, and preparing the reader for the arguments you're about to present.

The goal is to make your paper as readable and engaging as possible. So, don't overuse sentence starters. Use them sparingly, and only when necessary to enhance the clarity and coherence of your essay.

Examples of Sentence Starters for Essay Introductions

Here are some examples of sentence starters that can be used in essay introductions:

• "The purpose of this research is to..."
• "This essay will shed light on..."
• "In answer to the top question..."
• "To paraphrase the research findings..."
• "The essay introduction starters are designed to..."
• "Using a sentence starter, we can..."
• "With the use of transition words, we can..."
• "A short phrase can make your paper more engaging..."
• "Here's a starter example to illustrate..."
• "This sentence starter example will clarify..."

These starters not only grab the reader's attention but also provide a clear roadmap for the essay. They can be used to introduce a new argument, create a smooth transition between paragraphs, or emphasize key ideas. Remember, the goal is to make your writing more compelling and engaging for the reader.

Sentence Starters for Body Paragraphs

Understanding how to use these paragraph starters effectively is crucial in crafting a well-structured essay. They not only introduce new ideas but also create a seamless connection between the previous and the upcoming content.

How to Use Sentence Starters in Body Paragraphs

In essay writing, sentence starters for essays are the secret sauce that adds flavor to your content. They are the transition phrases that guide your reader from one idea to the next, ensuring a smooth journey through your thoughts. When it comes to body paragraphs, these starters play a pivotal role in maintaining the flow and coherence of your essay.

A good paragraph starter doesn't just introduce the next idea, it also ties in with the previous one. It's a bridge that connects the two, making your paper feel like a cohesive whole rather than a collection of disjointed thoughts. So, when you start a body paragraph, consider the content of the previous one and choose a transition that will smoothly carry your reader forward.

Sentence Starters for Essay Conclusions

Wrapping up an essay or research paper with a strong conclusion is just as important as having a compelling introduction. The conclusion is your final chance to leave a lasting impression on your reader, and using the right sentence starters can make all the difference.

These conclusion sentence starters not only help you summarize your findings but also add a touch of sophistication to your writing. They serve as a bridge, connecting your final thoughts and the main body of your work, ensuring a smooth transition that enhances the overall readability of your paper.

Whether you're looking to paraphrase research findings or shed light on the broader implications of your work, the right sentence starter can help you achieve your goal. So, let's delve into the art of using sentence starters for essay conclusions.

How to Use Sentence Starters in Essay Conclusions

When it comes to wrapping up your research paper or essay, the use of conclusion sentence starters can be a game-changer. These short phrases or transition words can help you summarize your findings, restate your thesis, and leave a lasting impression on your reader.

The key to using these sentence starters effectively is to use them sparingly. Overuse can make your paper sound repetitive and unprofessional. Instead, use them to introduce a new idea or to transition smoothly between thoughts.

Another effective way to use a sentence starter is to highlight something important. A well-placed sentence starter can draw the reader's attention to a key point or finding in your research.

Examples of Sentence Starters for Essay Conclusions

Here are some examples of conclusion sentence starters that can be used to wrap up your research paper or essay:

• "In conclusion, it is evident that..." This starter is a classic way to summarize your findings. For instance, "In conclusion, it is evident that the purpose of this research was to shed light on the effects of climate change."
• "Based on the findings, it can be concluded that..." This phrase is perfect for emphasizing the results of your research. For example, "Based on the findings, it can be concluded that regular exercise contributes to improved mental health."
• "Overall, this research sheds light on..." This sentence starter is great for highlighting the broader implications of your work. For instance, "Overall, this research sheds light on the importance of early intervention in education."

The use of a sentence starter or transition word can make your paper more coherent and impactful.

Sentence Starters for Different Types of Essays

Let's explore the specifics of using sentence starters in different types of essays. Whether you're crafting an argumentative, descriptive, or narrative essay, we'll provide you with a starter example to shed light on how to make your paper more compelling. Let's dive in!

Sentence Starters for Argumentative Essays

• "Despite the prevailing belief, I argue that..."
• "The evidence strongly suggests that..."
• "To shed light on this issue, consider the following..."
• "The purpose of this research is to challenge the notion that..."
• "One cannot ignore the fact that..."
• "Drawing upon the data, it becomes clear that..."
• "This argument is further strengthened by the fact that..."
• "In response to this argument, one might assert that..."
• "The crux of the matter is that..."
• "This line of reasoning leads us to conclude that..."
• "In the face of such compelling evidence, it is hard to dispute that..."

Sentence Starters for Descriptive Essays

Here are some sentence starters that can be effectively used in descriptive essays:

• "As I stepped into the room, ..."
• "The first thing that caught my eye was ..."
• "I was immediately struck by ..."
• "The sight that greeted me was ..."
• "I couldn't help but notice ..."
• "The aroma of ... filled the air."
• "The sound of ... echoed in the distance."
• "The taste of ... lingered on my tongue."
• "The touch of ... sent shivers down my spine."
• "The feeling of ... was overwhelming."

These sentence starters can help you set the scene and engage your reader's senses right from the start. Remember, the purpose of a descriptive essay is to paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind. Using these sentence starters can help you achieve that.

Sentence Starters for Narrative Essays

• Setting the Scene : "The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the park as children's laughter echoed in the distance..."
• Introducing a Character : "Meet John, a man of few words but with a story that could fill volumes..."
• Creating Suspense : "As she turned the corner, her heart pounded in her chest, not knowing what she would find..."
• Describing an Event : "The concert was a whirlwind of lights, music, and energy that swept everyone off their feet..."
• Presenting Dialogue : "'I've never seen anything like it,' he whispered, his eyes wide with awe and wonder..."
• Sharing an Inner Thought : "She couldn't help but wonder if this was the right decision, if she was on the right path..."
• Ending with a Cliffhanger : "As the door slowly creaked open, he braced himself for what was to come..."

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Sentence Starters

It's not just about knowing a variety of good sentence starters, but also about knowing when and how to use them to hook the reader and emphasize important points. Let's explore these common mistakes and learn how to avoid them.

Overusing the Same Sentence Starters

One of the most common pitfalls when using sentence starters is overusing the same phrase or word. It's like a song on repeat; after a while, it loses its charm. This is especially true in academic texts, where the goal is to hook the reader and keep them engaged.

A good sentence starter can be a great way to introduce a new idea or point. However, if you use the same starter example repeatedly, it can make your writing sound monotonous and uninteresting. It's important to pay attention to this as it can detract from the important points you're trying to make.

Remember, variety is the spice of life, and this holds true for sentence starters as well. Mixing up your sentence starters not only makes your writing more engaging but also helps to maintain the reader's interest.

So, the next time you write, be mindful of the sentence starters you use. Try to incorporate different ones to keep your writing fresh and engaging. This is a great way to ensure that your writing is always at its best.

Using Inappropriate Sentence Starters

One of the most common mistakes that writers make is using inappropriate sentence starters. This usually happens when the writer is not fully aware of the context or the tone of the text. For instance, using a casual sentence starter in an academic text can disrupt the flow and confuse the reader.

It's important to pay attention to the type of text you're writing. If it's an academic paper, using academic phrases as sentence starters is a great way to maintain the formal tone. On the other hand, if you're writing a blog post or a novel, you might want to use more casual or creative sentence starters to hook the reader.

Another important point to remember is that not all sentence starters are suitable for all types of sentences. For example, using a contrasting sentence starter in a sentence that's supposed to add information can lead to misunderstandings.

Final Thoughts on Mastering Sentence Starters for Essays

Mastering the use of sentence starters is a crucial skill for any writer. These transition words and phrases serve as bridges, guiding your reader through your thoughts and arguments. They not only enhance the flow and coherence of your writing but also hook the reader's attention, making your work more engaging and compelling.

However, remember that the effective use of sentence starters requires balance.

Overuse can lead to redundancy, while inappropriate use can confuse your reader. Therefore, it's essential to understand the context and purpose of each sentence starter to use it appropriately.

In the end, the art of using sentence starters is about making your paper more readable and persuasive. So, keep practicing, and soon, you'll find that these handy tools have become an integral part of your writing toolkit.

If you need professional writing help , try Strategically AI for free today.

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The Best Ways to Start a Sentence (With Examples)

Are you tired of choppy, disjointed writing that leaves your readers confused? Say goodbye to bland beginnings and hello to smooth transitions with the ultimate guide to sentence starters.

In this piece, we’ll break down the art of crafting killer opening lines, from when to use them to specific examples so you can learn all you need to know about writing the best sentence starters possible. Get ready to elevate your writing game and hook your readers from the get-go.

What is a sentence starter?

Sentence starters are the secret sauce that elevates your writing and keeps your readers engaged . These words or phrases that introduce the rest of the sentence, often set apart by commas, are crucial for creating a cohesive flow in your writing. They give your readers a preview of what’s to come and set the tone for the rest of the sentence, paragraph, and essay.

Without them, your work can come off as disjointed and choppy, making it hard for readers to follow along. They’re especially important in longer texts that cover multiple topics, as they help bridge the gap between ideas and smooth out jarring transitions.

Paragraph starters play a similar role, providing an organizational signpost to guide readers through your work. They’re particularly useful for nonfiction writing , where a variety of facts need to be presented in a unified manner. Without sentence and paragraph starters, nonfiction can come across as dry and uninteresting, believe me. But with the right phrasing, you can keep your readers engaged and help bring your writing to life.

Why Are Sentence Starters Important?

Sentence openers are the key to unlocking powerful, engaging writing. These words at the beginning of your sentence set the tone and direction for the rest of your sentence. Mastering the art of starting sentences isn’t easy, but with practice and effort, it can elevate your writing and make it more structured, flowing, and clear. In the end, by incorporating a variety of sentence openers in your writing, you can avoid monotony and keep your audience interested until the very end!

When Should You Use Sentence Starters?

Ultimately , there is no single rule for when to use sentence starters and when to avoid them . If you’r e unsure , take a second look at your sentences and see if they flow together nicely . If not , adding a sentence starter just might be  the answer!

Types of Sentence Starters

Starting a sentence in different ways can help better convey your message . Whether you’re new to sentence structure or working on a big project, there are common phrases and words that you’ll often see at the beginning of sentences. Here are a few examples:

Introducing the main topic in an essay

Phrases to conclude an essay, phrases to organize a list or sequence in writing.

Sentence starters are helpful for lists of instructions or explaining a series of events. These items may not be related in obvious ways, but sentence starters link them together and in the correct order so that the reader can understand them properly.

Phrases to show similarities in writing

Phrases to elaborate or add new points in writing, phrases to introduce examples in writing.

When writing essays, it’s important to use evidence to support your claims. Sentence starters make it easy to transition from explaining the general idea to providing specific examples.

Phrases to show contrasts and make abrupt transitions in writing

Phrases to show cause and effect relationship in writing, phrases to emphasize a point in writing.

In some cases, sentence starters aren’t necessary, but they can help make a point stand out. Use these for the sentences that you want your readers to remember most.

Phrases to cite references in writing

Phrases to provide historical or background context in writing, phrases to express uncertainty or doubt in writing.

When writing about facts, readers assume that everything you write is true. In situations where something is unproven or uncertain, it’s important to indicate that there’s room for doubt to avoid misinforming the reader.

Make your writing flow seamlessly

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How to Start an Essay: 13 Engaging Strategies

ThoughtCo / Hugo Lin

• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

There are countless ways to start an essay effectively. A solid introductory paragraph both informs and motivates. It lets readers know what your piece is about and it encourages them to keep reading.

For folks new to learning how to start an essay, here are 13 introductory strategies accompanied by examples from a wide range of professional writers.

State Your Thesis Briefly and Directly

One straightforward way to begin is to get right to the point. But avoid making your thesis a bald announcement, such as "This essay is about...". 

"It is time, at last, to speak the truth about Thanksgiving, and the truth is this. Thanksgiving is really not such a terrific holiday...." (Michael J. Arlen, "Ode to Thanksgiving." The Camera Age: Essays on Television . Penguin, 1982)

Pose a Question Related to Your Subject

A thought-provoking way to start an essay is by asking a relevant question that needs to be unpacked. Follow up the question with an answer, or an invitation for your readers to answer the question.

"What is the charm of necklaces? Why would anyone put something extra around their neck and then invest it with special significance? A necklace doesn't afford warmth in cold weather, like a scarf, or protection in combat, like chain mail; it only decorates. We might say, it borrows meaning from what it surrounds and sets off, the head with its supremely important material contents, and the face, that register of the soul. When photographers discuss the way in which a photograph reduces the reality it represents, they mention not only the passage from three dimensions to two, but also the selection of a point de vue that favors the top of the body rather than the bottom, and the front rather than the back. The face is the jewel in the crown of the body, and so we give it a setting." (Emily R. Grosholz, "On Necklaces." Prairie Schooner , Summer 2007)

State an Interesting Fact About Your Subject

Leading with a fact that draws readers in immediately can grab their attention effectively.

" The peregrine falcon was brought back from the brink of extinction by a ban on DDT, but also by a peregrine falcon mating hat invented by an ornithologist at Cornell University. If you cannot buy this, Google it. Female falcons had grown dangerously scarce. A few wistful males nevertheless maintained a sort of sexual loitering ground. The hat was imagined, constructed, and then forthrightly worn by the ornithologist as he patrolled this loitering ground, singing, Chee-up! Chee-up! and bowing like an overpolite Japanese Buddhist trying to tell somebody goodbye...." (David James Duncan, "Cherish This Ecstasy." The Sun , July 2008)

Present Your Thesis as a Recent Discovery or Revelation

"I've finally figured out the difference between neat people and sloppy people. The distinction is, as always, moral. Neat people are lazier and meaner than sloppy people." (Suzanne Britt Jordan, "Neat People vs. Sloppy People." Show and Tell . Morning Owl Press, 1983)

Briefly Describe the Primary Setting of Your Essay

"It was in Burma, a sodden morning of the rains. A sickly light, like yellow tinfoil, was slanting over the high walls into the jail yard. We were waiting outside the condemned cells, a row of sheds fronted with double bars, like small animal cages. Each cell measured about ten feet by ten and was quite bare within except for a plank bed and a pot of drinking water. In some of them brown silent men were squatting at the inner bars, with their blankets draped round them. These were the condemned men, due to be hanged within the next week or two." (George Orwell, "A Hanging," 1931)

Recount an Incident That Dramatizes Your Subject

Sharing an incident from your life or history in general is an impactful way to start an essay.

"One October afternoon three years ago while I was visiting my parents, my mother made a request I dreaded and longed to fulfill. She had just poured me a cup of Earl Grey from her Japanese iron teapot, shaped like a little pumpkin; outside, two cardinals splashed in the birdbath in the weak Connecticut sunlight. Her white hair was gathered at the nape of her neck, and her voice was low. “Please help me get Jeff’s pacemaker turned off,” she said, using my father’s first name. I nodded, and my heart knocked." (Katy Butler, "What Broke My Father's Heart." The New York Times Magazine , June 18, 2010)

Use the Narrative Strategy of Delay

The narrative strategy of delay allows you to put off identifying your subject just long enough to pique your readers' interest without frustrating them. 

"They woof. Though I have photographed them before, I have never heard them speak, for they are mostly silent birds. Lacking a syrinx, the avian equivalent of the human larynx, they are incapable of song. According to field guides the only sounds they make are grunts and hisses, though the Hawk Conservancy in the United Kingdom reports that adults may utter a croaking coo and that young black vultures, when annoyed, emit a kind of immature snarl...." (Lee Zacharias, "Buzzards." Southern Humanities Review , 2007)

Use the Historical Present Tense

An effective way to start an essay is to use historical present tense to relate an incident from the past as if it were happening now. 

"Ben and I are sitting side by side in the very back of his mother’s station wagon. We face glowing white headlights of cars following us, our sneakers pressed against the back hatch door. This is our joy—his and mine—to sit turned away from our moms and dads in this place that feels like a secret, as though they are not even in the car with us. They have just taken us out to dinner, and now we are driving home. Years from this evening, I won’t actually be sure that this boy sitting beside me is named Ben. But that doesn’t matter tonight. What I know for certain right now is that I love him, and I need to tell him this fact before we return to our separate houses, next door to each other. We are both five." (Ryan Van Meter, "First." The Gettysburg Review , Winter 2008)

Briefly Describe a Process That Leads Into Your Subject

"I like to take my time when I pronounce someone dead. The bare-minimum requirement is one minute with a stethoscope pressed to someone’s chest, listening for a sound that is not there; with my fingers bearing down on the side of someone’s neck, feeling for an absent pulse; with a flashlight beamed into someone’s fixed and dilated pupils, waiting for the constriction that will not come. If I’m in a hurry, I can do all of these in sixty seconds, but when I have the time, I like to take a minute with each task." (Jane Churchon, "The Dead Book." The Sun , February 2009)

Reveal a Secret or Make a Candid Observation

"I spy on my patients. Ought not a doctor to observe his patients by any means and from any stance, that he might the more fully assemble evidence? So I stand in doorways of hospital rooms and gaze. Oh, it is not all that furtive an act. Those in bed need only look up to discover me. But they never do." ( Richard Selzer , "The Discus Thrower." Confessions of a Knife . Simon & Schuster, 1979)

Open with a Riddle, Joke, or Humorous Quotation

A fun way to start an essay is to use a riddle , joke, or humorous quotation that reveals something about your subject. 

" Q: What did Eve say to Adam on being expelled from the Garden of Eden? A: 'I think we're in a time of transition.' The irony of this joke is not lost as we begin a new century and anxieties about social change seem rife. The implication of this message, covering the first of many periods of transition, is that change is normal; there is, in fact, no era or society in which change is not a permanent feature of the social landscape...." (Betty G. Farrell, Family: The Making of an Idea, an Institution, and a Controversy in American Culture . Westview Press, 1999)

Offer a Contrast Between Past and Present

"As a child, I was made to look out the window of a moving car and appreciate the beautiful scenery, with the result that now I don't care much for nature. I prefer parks, ones with radios going chuckawaka chuckawaka and the delicious whiff of bratwurst and cigarette smoke." (Garrison Keillor, "Walking Down The Canyon." Time , July 31, 2000)

Offer a Contrast Between Image and Reality

A compelling way to start an essay is with a contrast between a common misconception and the opposing truth. 

"They aren’t what most people think they are. Human eyes, touted as ethereal objects by poets and novelists throughout history, are nothing more than white spheres, somewhat larger than your average marble, covered by a leather-like tissue known as sclera and filled with nature’s facsimile of Jell-O. Your beloved’s eyes may pierce your heart, but in all likelihood they closely resemble the eyes of every other person on the planet. At least I hope they do, for otherwise he or she suffers from severe myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), or worse...." (John Gamel, "The Elegant Eye." Alaska Quarterly Review , 2009)

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• An Essay Revision Checklist
• Make Your Paragraphs Flow to Improve Writing
• 50 Argumentative Essay Topics
• How to Outline and Organize an Essay
• How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech (With Topic Ideas)
• Writing an Opinion Essay

Sentence Starters: Useful Words and Phrases

Sentence Starters! When writing an essay in the English language , it is very important that your writing flows and sounds good. There are a variety of ways in which you can do this, one such way is by using sentence starters. In this article, we are going to be looking at some sentence starters which you can use as a way of creating much more interesting and engaging written work in English.

Sentence Starters

What is a sentence starter.

In the most simple terms, a sentence starter is a phrase that is used at the beginning of a sentence and can introduce information contained within it. There are thousands of different sentence starters that you can choose and one of the most important rules is to avoid using the same words at the beginning of each sentence. This will allow you to create work that sounds much more interesting and not at all repetitive . You can achieve this by using the extensive list of sentence starters whenever you are writing an essay or other sort of work in English.

There are various ways of using sentence starters, so before we begin looking at some examples we are going to take a look at some useful tips for getting the most out of your sentence starters.

• As we mentioned, avoid using the same word repeatedly at the start of multiple sentences.
• Think about what type of sentence you are writing. Is it an information sentence? Does it ask a question? Does the sentence compare or contrast existing information? Is the sentence putting something in order? Does it conclude something? By working out the type of sentence it is, you will be able to better decide on your sentence starter.
• You should also ask yourself how the sentence relates to the previous one. This will allow you to further choose a relevant sentence starter.
• Once you have finished writing your essay, or other pieces of writing, it is very important that you go over it and make any necessary edits and adjustments. This will help you to make the most of sentence starters and ensure that there is no repetition and that each sentence starter has been sued correctly. You should initially write without thinking too much about it and then make changes when you edit.

Examples Of Sentence Starters

As we mentioned, there are thousands of sentence starters that you can use when writing in English, we are now going to look at some of the most common and useful ones. We will do this by category to better help you select the right one.

Introduction Sentence Starters

If your sentence is being used to introduce some information, you can use one of the following sentence starters.

• The essay discusses…
• In this essay/article/document…
• The theme of this essay/article…
• We will be discussing…

Conclusion Sentence Starters

When writing a concluding sentence, you might consider one of the following options.

• In conclusion …
• To summarise…
• We have seen that…..
• It has been demonstrated that…
• To sum up…

Comparison and Contrast Sentence Starters

If you are writing a sentence to compare or contrast, then these sentence starters will get you off on the right foot.

• However …
• Nevertheless…
• That being said…
• Then again…
• On the other hand …
• Although…
• In comparison…
• Whereas…
• On the one hand…
• Other than…
• Outside of…
• Rather…
• Still…

Cause And Result Sentence Starters

If you are looking to write a sentence which shows the result or cause then you might consider using one of the following sentence starters.

• As a result…
• For this reason…
• For this purpose…
• Otherwise…
• Since…
• So that/then…
• Subsequently…
• This means that…
• Therefore …
• That is why…
• Because …
• Due to the fact that…

Sentence Starters To Emphasise

When you are writing a sentence which requires a little emphasis, you could use one of these sentence starters to achieve that.

• Above all…
• As usual…
• Generally speaking…
• For the most part…
• In this situation…
• No doubt…
• Obviously…
• As a rule…
• Especially…

Sentence Starters For Additional Ideas

When you are writing a sentence which will add new information, you might choose one of these sentence starters.

• Furthermore …
• Also …
• Then…
• In addition …
• Moreover…
• As well as…
• Coupled with…
• Another reason…
• Indeed…
• Identically…
• Likewise…
• Additionally …

Sentence Starters For Rare Or Common Ideas

When you are adding information which is either very common or extremely rare, you may want to indicate this within your sentence starter. This can be done in one of the following ways.

• A few…
• Rarely…
• Unusually…..
• Seldom…
• On occasion…
• Quite often…

Inconclusive Sentence Starters

If you are presenting information which is not conclusive, you could use one of these sentence starters.

• Perhaps…
• There is some evidence to suggest that…
• It may be…
• It could be…
• It is possible that…

Sentence Starters To Show Examples

When you are writing a sentence which will give an example of something, there are many sentence starters you could use. Let’s take a look at some of these now.

• For example …
• Such as…
• For instance…
• As an example…
• You might consider…
• For one thing…
• As an illustration…
• To illustrate this…
• Markedly…
• In this case…
• This can be seen…
• Specifically…

Sentence Starters To Show Time And Order

If you need to show order or time within a sentence then you should use one of these sentence starters to do this.

• Firstly, secondly, thirdly…
• Earlier…
• Afterwards…
• First of all…
• Finally…
• In addition…
• In the first instance…
• After this…
• Additionally…
• With this in mind…
• To begin with…

Learn more with the useful list of transition words in English.

Using a well-selected sentence starter when writing an essay in the English language can bring many benefits. It will allow you to create a piece of writing which is coherent, interesting and above all, diverse. It will depend greatly on the type of sentence that you are writing as to which sentence starter you use and using a good variety within your essay will make it much more engaging for the reader. Once you have finished writing, it is a good idea to go back over your work and check that your sentence starters make sense and are being used correctly.

Sentence Starters Infographic

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April 28, 2018 By Anne R. Allen 53 Comments

How to Write a Great First Sentence—with 22 Inspiring Examples

First sentences from classic and contemporary literature analyzed.

by Ruth Harris

No matter what genre you write, your first sentence is a seduction. It can be in the form of an invitation. A declaration. A tease. A promise. A jolt. A shock.

You must be shameless and your first sentence must be irresistible. It must induce curiosity and promise the answer to an urgent question.

You must do whatever you can to lure your reader into the web you’ve woven by writing a sentence so provocative and so powerful that s/he is compelled to continue.

You’re the master of ceremonies and in your first sentence you must present yourself and your book with confidence and authority. If you’ve written a thriller, your first sentence must promise thrills. If you’ve written a romance, your first sentence must promise romance.

Just like a nothingburger cover or a  meh  blurb, a clunky or poorly-conceived first sentence that’s inconsistent with your genre, will turn readers off and cause them to skip your book.

Whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction, romance or sci fi, a thriller or a mystery, the first sentence of your book must achieve one goal: compel the reader to read on.

Stephen King has said that he spends “months and years” creating that first line. He goes on to say: “An opening line should invite the reader to begin the story. It should say: Listen. Come in here. You want to know about this.”

The question is, how do we accomplish all this in one sentence? From  Moby Dick ’s “ Call me Ishmael”  to  Charles Dickens’  “ It was the best of times, it was the worst of times ,” some first sentences have become famous classics. So, too, Jane Austen’s “ It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”

A deeper look into the breadth of masterful first sentences offers a wide array of the ways writers draw readers into their stories and inspiring examples of how much information can be conveyed in a single sentence.

The First Person Introduction.

In a memoir or a novel written in the first person, the author puts himself in the mind of the central character and, in one way or another, tells us that we are about to get the real deal. No BS here, the sentence promises, just the honest, unvarnished truth about someone we want to know more about.

Sylvia Plath uses the first sentence of  The Bell Jar , to establish the nervous, dark mood that hovers over the character and the story. Her story begins—

“It was a queer, sultry summer, the summer they electrocuted the Rosenbergs, and I didn’t know what I was doing in New York.”

Plath’s use of the word  electrocuted  provides an unexpected jolt and mention of the  Rosenbergs  sets a time (June 1953).  Sultry summer  sets an uncomfortable season,  New York  establishes a place, and the final phrase conveys the uncertainty of a young woman struggling to find an identity and a place in life.

Vladimir Nabokov uses the first nine words of  Lolita  to convey the note of obsessive erotic desire that pulses through the entire novel.

“Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins.”

Nabokov begins by naming the object of his passion, the word  light  expresses her transformative influence on the narrator, the word  loins  promises that we will be reading a story about sex, and the repetition of the letter  l  creates the feeling of an incantation.

In  Ghostwriters In The Sky , Book 1 of The Camilla Randall Mysteries, Anne uses her first sentence to introduce the MC, locate the place (the subway can only mean NYC), and refer to the season (sweaty indicates hot, most likely summer).

“The subway car was so crowded I couldn’t tell which one of the sweaty men pressing against me was attached to the hand now creeping up my thigh.”

The phrase “creeping up my thigh” indicates a level of unwanted personal attention which places the character in an uncomfortable, if rather ludicrous situation—a theme that will be repeated in different variations throughout the novel.

In  Catcher In the Rye , J.D. Salinger uses an effective but contradictory combination of bravado and vulnerability to establish a unique voice as he introduces us to preppy Holden Caulfield.

“If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don’t feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth. 

We read on because Salinger’s confessional tone makes us want to know more about his  lousy childhood  and find out why he doesn’t feel like going into it.

The Third Person Introduction.

In  Goldfinger , Ian Fleming introduces 007 in the first sentence.

“James Bond, with two double bourbons inside him, sat in the final departure lounge of Miami airport and thought about life and death.”

Fleming has told us in only a few words that his MC is a drinking man, one who travels, and one who contemplates the larger questions of existence. Where, we wonder, is Bond going, what is he going to do once he gets there, and why does he need to down  two double bourbons  before he boards his flight?

In  The Hobbit , JRR Tolkien simply tells us where his MC lives, but in such a startling way that we feel compelled to read on.

“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.”

A hobbit? A story about a creature who lives in a hole? Who or what is this hobbit and why does he live in a hole. Curious, we read on.

I introduce DeeDee Dahlen, the MC in  Love And Money , Book 1 of the Park Avenue Series with a brief, declarative sentence.

“Her name was DeeDee Dahlen and she was famous from the day she was born.”

How can a newly-born infant be famous?, the reader wonders. What rewards—and penalties—does unasked-for celebrity impose? What secrets and scandal will shadow her future?—urgent questions that will reverberate throughout the entire novel.

Graham Greene, in  Brighton Rock , compels us to want to know more.

“Hale knew, before he had been in Brighton three hours, that they meant to murder him.”

Who are the ‘they?’ we wonder. And what has Hale done? Why do ‘they’ want to kill him?

Gabriel Garcia Marquez begins  One Hundred Years of Solitude  with this famous sentence—

“Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendia was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice.”

The author uses a shocking situation—a man facing a firing squad—plus a long-ago memory to pique our curiosity. Who is the Colonel and what had he done that he ends up facing a firing squad? What was there about the discovery of ice that it has lodged so forcefully in his memory? Compelling questions to which we must find the answer and, thus, we continue to read.

Whether classic literature, hard-boiled pulp fiction, or cyberpunk scifi, the first sentence establishes a theme that will continue throughout the story. If the book does not follow through on the promise of that first sentence, the disappointed reader will feel cheated.

In his first sentence, Leo Tolstoy in  Anna Karenina  tells us that we are about to read a story about an unhappy family.

“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”

Why, we ask ourselves, are they unhappy? What has happened to them and what will they do? Powerful questions the reader wants answered.

James Matthew Barrie establishes the theme of  Peter Pan  with a brief, declarative statement.

“All children, except one, grow up.”

Which child, we wonder. Why not? And what will happen to a child who doesn’t grow up?

A far different theme is set by Franz Kafka in his posthumously published 1925 novel,  The Trial.

Someone must have slandered Josef K., for one morning, without having done anything truly wrong, he was arrested.

Kafka’s first sentence thrusts us immediately into the MC’s waking nightmare of terror and paranoia that will be sustained throughout the story.

William Gibson’s  Neuromancer  was the first novel to win the Nebula Award, the Philip K. Dick Award, and the Hugo Award. The chilling first sentence, said to have been written at the last minute, sets the novel’s theme of a burnt-out computer hacker adrift in a dystopian near future governed by artificial intelligence.

“The sky above the port was the color of television, tuned to a dead channel.”

Hunter S Thompson, starts his novel,  Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas , by establishing a place, a mood, and a theme (a disenchanted retrospective look at the 1960s) in the first sentence.

“We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take hold.”

A Tease, a Shock, a Jolt.

A skillfully written first sentence containing a tease, a shock or a jolt can introduce a character, establish a tone or a setting, and dare the reader not to continue.

The first sentence of  Nineteen Eighty-Four,  George Orwell’s dystopian novel, often considered one of the best one hundred books of the 20 th  Century, tells us immediately that something—time itself—is awry in a future world of Big Brother, doublethink and government surveillance.

“It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.”

Joe Konrath pulls us right into the action in the first sentence of his mystery thriller,  Dirty Martini , Book 4 of the Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels Mystery series.

“No security cameras this time, but he still has to be careful.”

What is he doing, we wonder? In his first sentence, Konrath lets us know that whatever it is, it’s something he’s done before. Something risky, perhaps dangerous, and, even though experienced, he still has to be careful. Of what? Of whom?

In his legal thriller,  The Firm , John Grisham uses his first sentence to tell us that this unnamed and mysterious senior partner will indeed find something to dislike about Mitchell Y. McDeere who, the word  résumé  indicates, is being considered for a job.

“The senior partner studied the résumé for the hundredth time and again found nothing he disliked about Mitchell Y. McDeere, at least not on paper.”

What kind of job, we wonder, and what will the senior partner find to dislike? Grisham’s tease promises evil doings and the reader is lured on.

In  L.A. Confidential,  James Ellroy’s first sentence introduces a main character, sets a theme, and tells us exactly what we are about to read. Ellroy uses a knowledgable tone and vernacular language to let us know that he knows what he’s talking about.

“An abandoned auto court in the San Berdoo foothills; Buzz Meeks checked in with ninety-four thousand dollars, eighteen pounds of high-grade heroin, a 10-gauge pump, a .38 special, a .45 automatic, and a switchblade he’d bought off a pachuco at the border—right before he spotted the car parked across the line: Mickey Cohen goons in an LAPD unmarked, Tijuana cops standing by to bootsack his goodies, dump his body in the San Ysidro River.”

Dennis Lehane, in his short story,  Until Gwen  pulls us in with the use of the second person combined with the promise of drugs and sex.

“Your father picks you up from prison in a stolen Dodge Neon, with an 8-ball of coke in the glove compartment and a hooker named Mandy in the back seat.”

The Rule Breakers.

Although writers are often cautioned about starting a book with a character’s dream, that rule was effectively broken in the classic first sentence of Daphne DuMaurier’s famous gothic mystery,  Rebecca .

“Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again.”

Marie Force begins her Gansett Island romance,  Meant For Love , with a reference to a dream.

“The dream was always the same, the last perfect moment before life as Jenny Wilks knew it changed forever.”

Both dreams refer to emotionally significant aspects of the characters’ pasts. The reader wonders why the unidentified first-person narrator of  Rebecca  dreams of a place and Jenny Wilks of a “perfect” life now gone forever. The authors use dreams to provoke interest in their characters and in the events of the story to come.

The passive tense is usually considered to be another no-no. Charles McCarry, in  TheTears Of Autumn, considered to be one of the best espionage thrillers of the 20 th  Century, uses the passive tense to introduce American intelligence officer, Paul Christopher, who is investigating the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

“Paul Christopher had been loved by two women who could not understand why he had stopped writing poetry.”

McCarry’s elegant use of the passive tense to introduce his MC sets the theme of the book: an exploration of glittering promise that results in the wreckage of unintended consequences—the end of poetry and the end of Camelot.

Your first sentence is your opportunity to let your creativity shine. Whether you decide to go for a tease or a jolt, a theme or a rule breaker, a first person or third person introduction, remember what Mom always said: You never have a second chance to make a first impression.

For more info on beginnings, Anne and I have both opined about first chapters. For  Anne’s take . For  Ruth’s take .

by Ruth Harris (@RuthHarrisBooks) April 29, 2018

What about you, scriveners? Do you have a favorite first line? Do you find your first line hard to write? (I usually write mine last.) Do you have a dynamite first line for a book you haven’t written yet? 

This week Anne is Poisoning People for Fun and Profit again. This time she’s talking about Gelsemium , a pretty plant that may be growing in your own backyard. And is so deadly it’s the drug of choice of many professional assassins. It also nearly killed Arthur Conan Doyle.

BOOK OF THE WEEK

OPPORTUNITY ALERTS

Central Coasters: Don’t miss the “Writers in Action: From Idea to Publication” Workshop  on May 19th! 1-day workshop by Sisters in Crime, Central Coast at the PG&E Energy Center in San Luis Obispo. Should be a lot of fun. Here’s a link to the application form and lunch menu.

Red Hen Press annual Nonfiction Contest.    $25 entry FEE. $1,000 prize and publication by the prestigious Red Hen Press. They’re looking for an essay collection, memoir, or book of narrative nonfiction. Florencia Ramirez will judge. Using the online submission system, submit a manuscript of at least 150 pages.  Deadline April 30

CRAFT Literary Short Story contest. $20 FEE .  Short fiction up to 6000 words. $2000 first prize; the two runners-up will receive $500 and $300, respectively. plus publication in CRAFT  Literary Magazine. Deadline April 30th.

Mad Scientist Journal: Battling in All Her Finery.  Genre : Speculative fiction stories about women leaders in any field.  Payment : 2 cents/word.  Deadline: April 30, 2018.

13 Imprints of Big 5 publishers who take unagented submissions. From the good people at Authors Publish Magazine.

Supernatural Fiction Award : $1000 prize + publication in The Ghost Story magazine. Not just ghost stories. Any paranormal story welcome. 1500-10,000 words   $20 entry fee. Deadline April 30 th .

Prophecy Creek Book Award for Speculative Fiction . Prize $1,000 and publication by Hidden River Publishing.  Any length novel that includes elements of science fiction, supernatural fiction, or fantasy. $22 fee. Deadline May 15.

Smokelong Quarterly Flash Fiction contest. $13 Fee.  Under 1000 words. Nominates for Pushcart. Must never have been published (including on blogs.) $1500 prize plus publication. Runner-up prizes, too. Deadline May 20th. 

Nowhere Spring Travel Writing Contest   $10 Fee.  800-5000 words showing a powerful sense of place: Fiction or nonfiction. Previous publication okay. $1000 prize plus publication in Nowhere magazine. Deadline May 31st

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About Anne R. Allen

Anne writes funny mysteries and how-to-books for writers. She also writes poetry and short stories on occasion. Oh, yes, and she blogs. She's a contributor to Writer's Digest and the Novel and Short Story Writer's Market.

Her bestselling Camilla Randall Mystery RomCom Series features perennially down-on-her-luck former socialite Camilla Randall—who is a magnet for murder, mayhem and Mr. Wrong, but always solves the mystery in her quirky, but oh-so-polite way.

Anne lives on the Central Coast of California, near San Luis Obispo, the town Oprah called "The Happiest City in America."

April 29, 2018 at 10:27 am

I didn’t fully appreciate the importance of the first line until after my first book. I am proud of the first lines of the next three books, especially the two that say so much about the character. Those are excellent examples and a good breakdown as to why they work. Knowing that is half the struggle.

April 29, 2018 at 12:54 pm

Alex—Thanks! Congratulations on your quality first lines….knowing what and where the target is makes it so much easier to score!

April 29, 2018 at 11:10 am

Couldn’t agree more Ruth, and it’s one of my favorite topics to cover with aspiring authors on the library-circuit. It’s one of those things a newish writer hasn’t truly considered, but they light up when you show examples like these gems (we overlap with several!). I would suggest there’s also the out-and-out lunatic opening to consider, like Ian Banks who set the bar pretty high with his opening to “The Crow Road” (1992):

“It was the day my grandmother exploded.”

Tell me who’s going to put that one back on the rack!

April 29, 2018 at 12:56 pm

Will—Love the Ian Banks first line. Thanks for the great addition!

April 29, 2018 at 11:28 am

Excellent! I particularly like the constellation of 1st person examples: Plath, Nabokov, Salinger, & Allen! Well-chosen, indeed. And, as I am big-idea person more than an analytical person, I love seeing these split into categories — I simply wouldn’t think to do that to these fine examples, but it helps me conceptualize it all. Thanks again.

April 29, 2018 at 12:59 pm

CS—Thanks and happy to hear my category breakdown helped. There are infinite ways to write a great first sentence!

April 29, 2018 at 1:39 pm

I love the topic you chose for today, Ruth, and the way you take a close, illuminating look at each one. Thanks so much for the insight.

I think you had one or two short story first lines in the mix, and I’m glad for that.(I write short stories.) I think an awesome first line is every bit as important in short stories. (Last line too.)

Tolstoy’s Anna Kerenina first line is also an example of what I think has the potential to be powerful: A truism, or a simple philosophical (sort of) statement. He certainly nails it with this one!

An article on great last lines would be a fascinating complement to this one.

April 29, 2018 at 4:32 pm

Tricia—thanks! Yes, the Dennis Lehane first sentence was from a short story. First sentences matter!

April 29, 2018 at 2:35 pm

My favourite opening line is from J.G. Ballard’s ‘High-Rise’:

“Later, as he sat on his balcony eating the dog, Dr Robert Laing reflected on the unusual events that had taken place within this huge apartment building during the previous three months.”

It sets tone, character, place…and the opportunity to decline an invitation to proceed.

April 29, 2018 at 4:34 pm

Patricia—that’s just great! Thanks!

April 29, 2018 at 3:44 pm

I used my favorite first line in an email signature that earned me a visit from the President of the college; he never made me take it down, but I knew somebody had asked about it nonetheless. From James Crumley’s Last Good Kiss: “When I finally caught up with Abraham Trahearne, he was drinking beer with an alcoholic bulldog named Fireball Roberts in a ramshackle joint just outside of Sonoma, California, drinking the heart right out of a fine spring afternoon.” I can smell that wasted, lost afternoon, I know the likes of Abraham Trahearne right up front, and one day I’m going to name my new bulldog Fireball Roberts.

April 29, 2018 at 4:38 pm

Ruthie—thanks for another fabulous first line! Wonder if anyone would name a kitten Fireball Roberts? Nah, don’t think so. 😉

April 29, 2018 at 4:35 pm

Sorry to be picky, but there are two typos in this article…which, by the way, is great. This a wonderful collection of first lines, some of which I’ve never seen before. ‘auto court’, I think, rather than ‘auto cout’ – although maybe this is a type of area I’ve not come across before! And Mr Grisham gets spelt as Grosham at one point….

April 29, 2018 at 4:47 pm

Mcrow—Thanks for your eagle eye! I wondered about “cout” but that’s how it came up in my research so I decided to go with it. Maybe a regionalism? Grissom is just a plain vanilla typo. (As I type this, tho, autocorrect turns it into Grissom.) lol

April 30, 2018 at 8:53 am

This is such a great post. I love to look at the first line of a book. It really does either pull you in … or not. I really liked ““All children, except one, grow up.” I’ve never read the book. Maybe now I will. I always try to write a first line or at least the first few lines in a way that the reader will wonder what’s going to happen next and what’s going on. Thanks for this.

April 30, 2018 at 11:24 am

Patricia—thanks for the kind words. First lines are well worth the effort.:)

April 30, 2018 at 10:01 am

First lines are tough and hard to make appealing to a large group of people–even within our own genres.

One I like is: This is the way the world ends – not with a band or a whimper, but with zombies breaking down the back door. – Hollowland by Amanda Hocking

I love the call back to Eliot with a fantasy twist.

April 30, 2018 at 11:27 am

HR—thanks for another good example and fine analysis!

April 30, 2018 at 5:48 pm

Thanks so much for this insightful look into first lines, Ruth. A good reminder to go over some of my old favs and revisit first lines in particular. 🙂

May 1, 2018 at 6:11 am

Dg—appreciate your kind words. Have fun with your old faves!

April 30, 2018 at 6:41 pm

Thanks for this article! I was inspired to re-check out some first lines. I’m pretty happy with the first lines of my two fantasy novels…the second one took a long time. The whole first chapter and especially the first paragraph went through a dozen false starts before I managed to like one I tried. But the first line of Stephen King’s “The Gunslinger” is wonderful–and it must be, as it begins not only a novel, but an epic seven-book series. The line: “The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed.”

May 1, 2018 at 6:15 am

Fred—*only* a dozen tries? Wow! Speedy. ;-). Thanks for the excellent Stephen King addition. Much appreciated!

May 6, 2018 at 4:32 pm

Not really speedy. I had it published about twenty-two years after I finished the first draft. I’m finishing a paranormal romance and beginning a fantasy series. Thanks to your article I re-examined, and changed, the first sentence of each one. And of course I may do so again before I’m finished. My thanks to you and Anne both for all these great helpful blogs.

May 1, 2018 at 6:47 am

Wow, those are some great first lines. I’ve always found first lines hard to write and this post has really motivated me to make sure the promise I’m making to my audience is there inside it.

One of my favorite first lines is from the manga Fullmetal Alchemist (English Translation):

“Teachings that do not speak of pain have no meaning…for humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return.”

May 1, 2018 at 7:25 am

Amy—happy to hear the post helped. 🙂 thanks,too, for the excellent addition to our first lines!

May 1, 2018 at 7:30 am

I often write my first lines after the first draft. Rather, I should say, I “rewrite” my first line a gazillion times after the first draft. Great post, Ruth. Thanks for the inspiration!

May 1, 2018 at 11:06 am

Sue—yes! It’s not the writing. It’s the rewriting. + the revisions. Facts of life! 😉

May 1, 2018 at 10:17 pm

I love, love, love first sentences. I’ve written hundreds of them! If only I had completed stories to go with all with my first lines….heavy sigh. Enjoyed the post.

May 2, 2018 at 4:13 am

Tammy—ditto and thanks. Maybe find the love for second sentences? 😉

May 6, 2018 at 8:26 am

A great article, Anne.

May 6, 2018 at 12:20 pm

Robbie–The thanks go entirely to Ruth. Not only did she write the piece. but she chose the image this time too. I thought it was perfect!

May 6, 2018 at 4:52 pm

Robbie—glad to learn you enjoyed the post!

May 6, 2018 at 10:31 am

3 greatest are from Moby Dick, Old Man and Sea and Tale of 2 Cities. Oh, and that “In the beginning…” one is pretty famous too.

May 6, 2018 at 1:10 pm

Carl—thanks for the suggestions. We should also add “once upon a time.” 🙂

May 7, 2018 at 3:55 am

Yes, of course !

May 6, 2018 at 4:50 pm

Fredwaiss—22 years? Definitely not speedy! I stand corrected. 🙂 Pleased to learn the post encouraged you to go back and review your first lines. Anne and I work with the goal of helping writers avoid the mistakes we made!

May 8, 2018 at 12:23 pm

Great post, thanks! It was a dark and stormy night…?????

May 8, 2018 at 12:52 pm

M. L.—Perfecto! A truly worthy addition! 🙂

May 8, 2018 at 1:08 pm

Great article Ruth! I have a harder time with LAST lines but reading this reminded me of an unread book I peeked at while unpacking last week that made me want to sit in the pile boxes to keep reading:

“Even before I push the fucking door open I know.” First line of IN SIGHT OF THE STARS by Gae Polisner.

I’m a little envious of that opening…

May 8, 2018 at 2:06 pm

Eldonna—Thanks. 🙂 Thanks, too, for adding another great first sentence!

May 10, 2018 at 3:17 pm

What a fun post – and great comments with more first lines – love it! Thanks for this.

My favorite for description is from IN COLD BLOOD by Truman Capote because of the contrast with the title:

“The village of Holcomb stands on the high wheat plains of western Kansas, a lonesome area that other Kansans call ‘out there.’ ”

and my favorite for ‘you had me at the first line’ (technically, 3 sentences, they could have been separated by commas… but it would change the rhythm) still, it got me and I read this one, then pretty much all his other books in a 2-month binge. It’s in STRAIGHT by Dick Francis:

“I inherited my brother’s life. Inherited his desk, his business, his gadgets, his enemies, his horses and his mistress. I inherited my brother’s life, and it nearly killed me.”

May 10, 2018 at 5:58 pm

Msmartha—Thanks for the kind words—and for two great suggestions! I recall a lengthy dick Francis binge, too. 🙂

June 3, 2018 at 3:09 pm

I don’t have a favorite first line, sorry! I opened an email from you and saw this as title as one of your previous posts and was intrigued. Fantastic post! I’m starting my new WIP today and you’ve inspired me to nail down that first line of my WIP. Thanks!

June 3, 2018 at 4:16 pm

Fiona—Ruth Harris here. Glad you enjoyed the post! Even happier to learn it was inspiring. Good luck with your great first sentence!

October 7, 2018 at 3:21 pm

“If there were a way, if I could, I would write this book in sign language.” Ruth Sidranski’s first line in her memoir entitled In Silence.

October 7, 2018 at 4:48 pm

Katherine—excellent! Thank you.

October 28, 2019 at 8:58 am

I read and try to write romance. This is my favorite opening line from a romance novel, The Best Man by Kristan Higgins:

“On a beautiful day in June, in front of literally half the town, wearing a wedding dress that made her look like Cinderella and holding a bouquet of perfect pink roses, Faith Elizabeth Holland was left at the altar.”

It was my first book by Kristan Higgins, but I can assure you it wasn’t my last!

October 28, 2019 at 10:24 am

Dena Jo—Wonderful! Thanks for a great addition to the list of compelling first lines. Appreciated! 🙂

November 21, 2019 at 6:54 am

First lines–yes! I waffled when I started to write my first book. (A fantasy novel based on a D&D scenario I wrote.) I decided to self-publish it after an agent who had taken me on tried to get me to publish with a publisher who asked for a lot of money. At least it was a lot to me. I was proud of that book, but it took far too long to get to the story proper. I wrote part 2 of the series and published it. Then I found a publisher for my next book, who wanted to take on my previously published books, so I took the opportunity of rewriting the beginning. I cut at least the first 4 chapters and began where the protagonist and his friends were given their quest. A much better beginning,I think.

November 21, 2019 at 1:34 pm

V.M.—Thanks for the great comment! Sounds like you’re on the right track by cutting your early chapters and starting with the quest. And yes, indeed, sometimes getting a book right does take “too long.” Frustrating but worth it!

June 19, 2020 at 5:30 am

so I wrote a first paragraph and I was hoping that someone might help me with critiquing it “You know that every time I peek my head through this window and see the tower, my heart fills with uneasiness, how it pokes into the sky here in Paris and is quite the centerpiece in the culture. Of course, I was talking about the Eiffel tower, the looming feeling I get measures to about the amount you get when you see the corpse of a person next to a puddle of blood with a 15mm Occitane Pistol floating along slowly to a sewer pipe. When you know whatever caused it can just peek out and get you too, slide its fingers along the side of the trigger, and in seconds your years of life have come to an end. ” by the way, Occitane is a region in France, in the book I am writing it also holds a secret underground gun producing factory.

June 19, 2020 at 6:26 am

Noah—Thanks for taking the time to comment. Anne and I do not offer critique services, but wish you the best of luck with your book.

August 15, 2021 at 4:10 pm

Here’s the first sentence of my second novel, plus the short one that follows:

“Who was that,” Greg asked as he and Josie drove home from the folk dance, “the fiddler, singing, at the end? You know him?” Jealousy tainted his question.

It seems to set up the emotional tension that permeates the book.

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• 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.

Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.

It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.

If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.

General explaining

Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.

1. In order to

Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”

2. In other words

Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”

3. To put it another way

Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”

4. That is to say

Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”

5. To that end

Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”

Adding additional information to support a point

Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument. Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.

6. Moreover

Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”

7. Furthermore

Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”

8. What’s more

Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”

9. Likewise

Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”

10. Similarly

Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”

11. Another key thing to remember

Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”

12. As well as

Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”

13. Not only… but also

Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”

15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.

16. Not to mention/to say nothing of

Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.

17. However

Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”

18. On the other hand

Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”

19. Having said that

Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”

20. By contrast/in comparison

Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”

21. Then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”

22. That said

Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”

Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”

Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations

Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.

24. Despite this

Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”

25. With this in mind

Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”

26. Provided that

Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”

27. In view of/in light of

Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”

28. Nonetheless

Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”

29. Nevertheless

Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”

30. Notwithstanding

Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”

Giving examples

Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.

31. For instance

Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”

32. To give an illustration

Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”

Signifying importance

When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.

33. Significantly

Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”

34. Notably

Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”

35. Importantly

Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”

Summarising

You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.

36. In conclusion

Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”

37. Above all

Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”

38. Persuasive

Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”

39. Compelling

Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”

40. All things considered

Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”

How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.

At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of  summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine  and engineering .

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Sentence Starters: Useful Words and Phrases You Can Use As Sentence Starters

Posted on Last updated: October 24, 2023

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Sentence Starters! Here you will find a useful list of common sentence starters that you can use in a discussion as well as in essay writing. Learn these sentence starters to improve your English speaking and writing skills.

Table of Contents

Sentence Starters

Sentence starters | common phrases.

• (The topic) has fostered a debate on …
• A sensible idea would be to…
• We all know that…
• It is said that…
• It is believed that…
• People assumed that…
• There is growing support for the notion that …
• The data gathered in the study strongly suggests that …
• The supposition drawn from this being that…
• Leading to the supposition that…
• This can be argued that..
• The source suggest…
• My own feeling on the subject is that …
• Generally speaking…
• As far as I know…
• As far as I am concerned…
• I believe that…
• The focus of discussion in this paper is …
• The premise of (the topic) seems to be based on …
• Latest research corroborates the view that …
• Most people would agree that…
• It is estimated…
• The reader supposed that…
• It is clear that…
• Everybody knows that…
• Surely you would agree that…
• This clearly shows that…
• I discovered…
• We always…
• This indicates…
• Demonstrating that…
• It is vital that…
• It wouldn’t be very difficult to…
• The real truth is that…
• Are we expected that…
• The fact is that…
• I felt as…
• I think/ I believe that…
• It seems to me that…
• We concluded that…
• My perspective is…
• I agree with…
• Have you thought about…
• In other words…
• I see what you mean but…
• I share your point of view on…
• In my opinion…

Transition Words Used as Sentence Starters

Words to add an idea

• In addition to
• For instance
• For example
• As an example
• Additionally
• Furthermore
• Another reason
• Coupled with
• Correspondingly
• In addition
• Identically
• One other thing

Words that show cause

• Accordingly
• As a result
• Consequently
• For this reason
• For this purpose
• Subsequently
• This is why
• Following this
• As you can see
• For all of those reasons

Words that show contrast

• Comparatively
• Different from
• Even though
• However ( however synonyms )
• In comparison
• Nevertheless
• In contrast
• On the one hand…
• On the other hand
• On the contrary

Words that add emphasis

• Generally speaking
• For the most part
• In this situation
• No doubt (undoubtedly)
• Particularly
• Unquestionably

Sentence Starters | Infographic

ALIYI Ahmad

Sunday 30th of April 2023

This great gift thank you forever

Wednesday 7th of December 2022

thank that helped m out alot

Thursday 1st of December 2022

Amazing list. It helps change up how you start your sentence, and it helps for writers to keep readers engaged.

Friday 27th of May 2022

so i think that there should be more expansion so we can tell the reader a bit more about what is happening

Wednesday 6th of April 2022

i like his book

Starting Sentences for Essays & Tips for Opening Sentences

Starting sentences for essays.

A good opening sentence can make or break your essay. It’s what catches the reader’s attention and makes them want to keep reading. Before you start writing, here are some tips to help you come up with a great opening sentence for your essay:

Make it clear what the essay is about

State your main argument clearly in this sentence. This will help the reader understand what they’re going to read, and it will set the tone for the rest of your essay.

Make it interesting

Your first sentence needs to grab the reader’s attention, so think about how you can make it interesting. A good way to do this is by using an anecdote or story as part of your opening sentence.

Start with action

Sometimes it can be hard to come up with a catchy opening line that also includes some action. Try starting with something like “I remember the first time I ever set foot on an airplane…” or “When I was a kid, my mom always told me…”

Topic Sentence

A topic sentence can be an anecdote, a quote or an interesting fact. It can be a question that you raise in your essay and answer throughout the rest of your essay.

The topic sentence should be placed at the beginning of your paragraph to create interest and draw readers in. In order to do that, it needs to be relevant and specific enough to relate only to the following paragraphs, but broad enough that it provides an overview of everything that follows.

A good essay starts with a strong introduction. Here are some examples of introductory sentences that you can use to get your reader interested in your topic:

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17 academic words and phrases to use in your essay

(Last updated: 20 October 2022)

Since 2006, Oxbridge Essays has been the UK’s leading paid essay-writing and dissertation service

We have helped 10,000s of undergraduate, Masters and PhD students to maximise their grades in essays, dissertations, model-exam answers, applications and other materials. If you would like a free chat about your project with one of our UK staff, then please just reach out on one of the methods below.

For the vast majority of students, essay writing doesn't always come easily. Writing at academic level is an acquired skill that can literally take years to master – indeed, many students find they only start to feel really confident writing essays just as their undergraduate course comes to an end!

If this is you, and you've come here looking for words and phrases to use in your essay, you're in the right place. We’ve pulled together a list of essential academic words you can use in the introduction, body, and conclusion of your essays .

Whilst your ideas and arguments should always be your own, borrowing some of the words and phrases listed below is a great way to articulate your ideas more effectively, and ensure that you keep your reader’s attention from start to finish.

It goes without saying (but we'll say it anyway) that there's a certain formality that comes with academic writing. Casual and conversational phrases have no place. Obviously, there are no LOLs, LMFAOs, and OMGs. But formal academic writing can be much more subtle than this, and as we've mentioned above, requires great skill.

So, to get you started on polishing your own essay writing ability, try using the words in this list as an inspirational starting point.

Words to use in your introduction

The trickiest part of academic writing often comes right at the start, with your introduction. Of course, once you’ve done your plan and have your arguments laid out, you need to actually put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and begin your essay.

You need to consider that your reader doesn’t have a clue about your topic or arguments, so your first sentence must summarise these. Explain what your essay is going to talk about as though you were explaining it to a five year old – without losing the formality of your academic writing, of course! To do this, use any of the below words or phrases to help keep you on track.

1. Firstly, secondly, thirdly

Even though it sounds obvious, your argument will be clearer if you deliver the ideas in the right order. These words can help you to offer clarity and structure to the way you expose your ideas. This is an extremely effective method of presenting the facts clearly. Don’t be too rigid and feel you have to number each point, but using this system can be a good way to get an argument off the ground, and link arguments together.

2. In view of; in light of; considering

These essay phrases are useful to begin your essay. They help you pose your argument based on what other authors have said or a general concern about your research. They can also both be used when a piece of evidence sheds new light on an argument. Here’s an example: The result of the American invasion has severely impaired American interests in the Middle East, exponentially increasing popular hostility to the United States throughout the region, a factor which has proved to be a powerful recruitment tool for extremist terrorist groups (Isakhan, 2015). Considering [or In light of / In view of] the perceived resulting threat to American interests, it could be argued that the Bush administration failed to fully consider the impact of their actions before pushing forward with the war.

3. According to X; X stated that; referring to the views of X

Introducing the views of an author who has a comprehensive knowledge of your particular area of study is a crucial part of essay writing. Including a quote that fits naturally into your work can be a bit of a struggle, but these academic phrases provide a great way in.

Even though it’s fine to reference a quote in your introduction, we don’t recommend you start your essay with a direct quote. Use your own words to sum up the views you’re mentioning, for example:

As Einstein often reiterated, experiments can prove theories, but experiments don’t give birth to theories.

Rather than:

“A theory can be proved by experiment, but no path leads from experiment to the birth of a theory.” {Albert Einstein, 1954, Einstein: A Biography}.

See the difference?

And be sure to reference correctly too, when using quotes or paraphrasing someone else's words.

Adding information and flow

The flow of your essay is extremely important. You don’t want your reader to be confused by the rhythm of your writing and get distracted away from your argument, do you? No! So, we recommend using some of the following ‘flow’ words, which are guaranteed to help you articulate your ideas and arguments in a chronological and structured order.

4. Moreover; furthermore; in addition; what’s more

These types of academic phrases are perfect for expanding or adding to a point you’ve already made without interrupting the flow altogether. “Moreover”, “furthermore” and “in addition” are also great linking phrases to begin a new paragraph.

Here are some examples: The dissociation of tau protein from microtubules destabilises the latter resulting in changes to cell structure, and neuronal transport. Moreover, mitochondrial dysfunction leads to further oxidative stress causing increased levels of nitrous oxide, hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidases.

On the data of this trial, no treatment recommendations should be made. The patients are suspected, but not confirmed, to suffer from pneumonia. Furthermore, five days is too short a follow up time to confirm clinical cure.

5. In order to; to that end; to this end

These are helpful academic phrases to introduce an explanation or state your aim. Oftentimes your essay will have to prove how you intend to achieve your goals. By using these sentences you can easily expand on points that will add clarity to the reader.

For example: My research entailed hours of listening and recording the sound of whales in order to understand how they communicate.

Dutch tech companies offer support in the fight against the virus. To this end, an online meeting took place on Wednesday...

Even though we recommend the use of these phrases, DO NOT use them too often. You may think you sound like a real academic but it can be a sign of overwriting!

6. In other words; to put it another way; that is; to put it more simply

Complement complex ideas with simple descriptions by using these sentences. These are excellent academic phrases to improve the continuity of your essay writing. They should be used to explain a point you’ve already made in a slightly different way. Don’t use them to repeat yourself, but rather to elaborate on a certain point that needs further explanation. Or, to succinctly round up what just came before.

For example: A null hypothesis is a statement that there is no relationship between phenomena. In other words, there is no treatment effect.

Nothing could come to be in this pre-world time, “because no part of such a time possesses, as compared with any other, a distinguishing condition of existence rather than non-existence.” That is, nothing exists in this pre-world time, and so there can be nothing that causes the world to come into existence.

7. Similarly; likewise; another key fact to remember; as well as; an equally significant aspect of

These essay words are a good choice to add a piece of information that agrees with an argument or fact you just mentioned. In academic writing, it is very relevant to include points of view that concur with your opinion. This will help you to situate your research within a research context.

Also , academic words and phrases like the above are also especially useful so as not to repeat the word ‘also’ too many times. (We did that on purpose to prove our point!) Your reader will be put off by the repetitive use of simple conjunctions. The quality of your essay will drastically improve just by using academic phrases and words such as ‘similarly’, ‘as well as’, etc. Here, let us show you what we mean:

In 1996, then-transport minister Steve Norris enthused about quadrupling cycling trips by 2012. Similarly, former prime minister David Cameron promised a “cycling revolution” in 2013…

Or Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI) aims to bridge the gap of access to electricity across the continent (...). Another key fact to remember is that it must expand cost-efficient access to electricity to nearly 1 billion people.

The wording “not only… but also” is a useful way to elaborate on a similarity in your arguments but in a more striking way.

Comparing and contrasting information

Academic essays often include opposite opinions or information in order to prove a point. It is important to show all the aspects that are relevant to your research. Include facts and researchers’ views that disagree with a point of your essay to show your knowledge of your particular field of study. Below are a few words and ways of introducing alternative arguments.

8. Conversely; however; alternatively; on the contrary; on the other hand; whereas

Finding a seamless method to present an alternative perspective or theory can be hard work, but these terms and phrases can help you introduce the other side of the argument. Let's look at some examples:

89% of respondents living in joint families reported feeling financially secure. Conversely, only 64% of those who lived in nuclear families said they felt financially secure.

The first protagonist has a social role to fill in being a father to those around him, whereas the second protagonist relies on the security and knowledge offered to him by Chaplin.

“On the other hand” can also be used to make comparisons when worded together with “on the one hand.”

9. By contrast; in comparison; then again; that said; yet

These essay phrases show contrast, compare facts, and present uncertainty regarding a point in your research. “That said” and “yet” in particular will demonstrate your expertise on a topic by showing the conditions or limitations of your research area. For example:

All the tests were positive. That said, we must also consider the fact that some of them had inconclusive results.

10. Despite this; provided that; nonetheless

Use these phrases and essay words to demonstrate a positive aspect of your subject-matter regardless of lack of evidence, logic, coherence, or criticism. Again, this kind of information adds clarity and expertise to your academic writing.

A good example is:

Despite the criticism received by X, the popularity of X remains undiminished.

11. Importantly; significantly; notably; another key point

Another way to add contrast is by highlighting the relevance of a fact or opinion in the context of your research. These academic words help to introduce a sentence or paragraph that contains a very meaningful point in your essay.

Giving examples

A good piece of academic writing will always include examples. Illustrating your essay with examples will make your arguments stronger. Most of the time, examples are a way to clarify an explanation; they usually offer an image that the reader can recognise. The most common way to introduce an illustration is “for example.” However, in order not to repeat yourself here are a few other options.

12. For instance; to give an illustration of; to exemplify; to demonstrate; as evidence; to elucidate

The academic essays that are receiving top marks are the ones that back up every single point made. These academic phrases are a useful way to introduce an example. If you have a lot of examples, avoid repeating the same phrase to facilitate the readability of your essay.

Here’s an example:

‘High involvement shopping’, an experiential process described by Wu et al. (2015, p. 299) relies upon the development of an identity-based alliance between the customer and the brand. Celebrity status at Prada, for example, has created an alliance between the brand and a new generation of millennial customers.

Concluding your essay

Concluding words for essays are necessary to wrap up your argument. Your conclusion must include a brief summary of the ideas that you just exposed without being redundant. The way these ideas are expressed should lead to the final statement and core point you have arrived at in your present research.

13. In conclusion; to conclude; to summarise; in sum; in the final analysis; on close analysis

These are phrases for essays that will introduce your concluding paragraph. You can use them at the beginning of a sentence. They will show the reader that your essay is coming to an end:

On close analysis and appraisal, we see that the study by Cortis lacks essential features of the highest quality quantitative research.

14. Persuasive; compelling

Essay words like these ones can help you emphasize the most relevant arguments of your paper. Both are used in the same way: “the most persuasive/compelling argument is…”.

15. Therefore; this suggests that; it can be seen that; the consequence is

When you’re explaining the significance of the results of a piece of research, these phrases provide the perfect lead up to your explanation.

16. Above all; chiefly; especially; most significantly; it should be noted

Your summary should include the most relevant information or research factor that guided you to your conclusion. Contrary to words such as “persuasive” or “compelling”, these essay words are helpful to draw attention to an important point. For example:

The feasibility and effectiveness of my research has been proven chiefly in the last round of laboratory tests.

Film noir is, and will continue to be, highly debatable, controversial, and unmarketable – but above all, for audience members past, present and to come, extremely enjoyable as a form of screen media entertainment.

17. All things considered

This essay phrase is meant to articulate how you give reasons to your conclusions. It means that after you considered all the aspects related to your study, you have arrived to the conclusion you are demonstrating.

After mastering the use of these academic words and phrases, we guarantee you will see an immediate change in the quality of your essays. The structure will be easier to follow, and the reader’s experience will improve. You’ll also feel more confident articulating your ideas and using facts and examples. So jot them all down, and watch your essays go from ‘good’ to ‘great’!

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• Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Transition Words & Phrases | List & Examples

Published on May 29, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 23, 2023.

Transition words and phrases (also called linking words, connecting words, or transitional words) are used to link together different ideas in your text. They help the reader to follow your arguments by expressing the relationships between different sentences or parts of a sentence.

The proposed solution to the problem did not work. Therefore , we attempted a second solution. However , this solution was also unsuccessful.

For clear writing, it’s essential to understand the meaning of transition words and use them correctly.

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Table of contents

When and how to use transition words, types and examples of transition words, common mistakes with transition words, other interesting articles.

Transition words commonly appear at the start of a new sentence or clause (followed by a comma ), serving to express how this clause relates to the previous one.

Transition words can also appear in the middle of a clause. It’s important to place them correctly to convey the meaning you intend.

Example text with and without transition words

The text below describes all the events it needs to, but it does not use any transition words to connect them. Because of this, it’s not clear exactly how these different events are related or what point the author is making by telling us about them.

If we add some transition words at appropriate moments, the text reads more smoothly and the relationship among the events described becomes clearer.

Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. Consequently , France and the United Kingdom declared war on Germany. The Soviet Union initially worked with Germany in order to partition Poland. However , Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941.

Don’t overuse transition words

While transition words are essential to clear writing, it’s possible to use too many of them. Consider the following example, in which the overuse of linking words slows down the text and makes it feel repetitive.

In this case the best way to fix the problem is to simplify the text so that fewer linking words are needed.

The key to using transition words effectively is striking the right balance. It is difficult to follow the logic of a text with no transition words, but a text where every sentence begins with a transition word can feel over-explained.

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There are four main types of transition word: additive, adversative, causal, and sequential. Within each category, words are divided into several more specific functions.

Remember that transition words with similar meanings are not necessarily interchangeable. It’s important to understand the meaning of all the transition words you use. If unsure, consult a dictionary to find the precise definition.

Additive transition words

Additive transition words introduce new information or examples. They can be used to expand upon, compare with, or clarify the preceding text.

Adversative transition words

Adversative transition words always signal a contrast of some kind. They can be used to introduce information that disagrees or contrasts with the preceding text.

Causal transition words

Causal transition words are used to describe cause and effect. They can be used to express purpose, consequence, and condition.

Sequential transition words

Sequential transition words indicate a sequence, whether it’s the order in which events occurred chronologically or the order you’re presenting them in your text. They can be used for signposting in academic texts.

Transition words are often used incorrectly. Make sure you understand the proper usage of transition words and phrases, and remember that words with similar meanings don’t necessarily work the same way grammatically.

Misused transition words can make your writing unclear or illogical. Your audience will be easily lost if you misrepresent the connections between your sentences and ideas.

Confused use of therefore

“Therefore” and similar cause-and-effect words are used to state that something is the result of, or follows logically from, the previous. Make sure not to use these words in a way that implies illogical connections.

• We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. Therefore , the average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

The use of “therefore” in this example is illogical: it suggests that the result of 7.5 follows logically from the question being asked, when in fact many other results were possible. To fix this, we simply remove the word “therefore.”

• We asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their work from 1 to 10. The average satisfaction among participants was 7.5.

Starting a sentence with also , and , or so

While the words “also,” “and,” and “so” are used in academic writing, they are considered too informal when used at the start of a sentence.

• Also , a second round of testing was carried out.

To fix this issue, we can either move the transition word to a different point in the sentence or use a more formal alternative.

• A second round of testing was also carried out.
• Additionally , a second round of testing was carried out.

Transition words creating sentence fragments

Words like “although” and “because” are called subordinating conjunctions . This means that they introduce clauses which cannot stand on their own. A clause introduced by one of these words should always follow or be followed by another clause in the same sentence.

The second sentence in this example is a fragment, because it consists only of the “although” clause.

• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. Although other researchers disagree.

We can fix this in two different ways. One option is to combine the two sentences into one using a comma. The other option is to use a different transition word that does not create this problem, like “however.”

• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed, although other researchers disagree.
• Smith (2015) argues that the period should be reassessed. However , other researchers disagree.

And vs. as well as

Students often use the phrase “ as well as ” in place of “and,” but its usage is slightly different. Using “and” suggests that the things you’re listing are of equal importance, while “as well as” introduces additional information that is less important.

• Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf, as well as presenting my analysis of To the Lighthouse .

In this example, the analysis is more important than the background information. To fix this mistake, we can use “and,” or we can change the order of the sentence so that the most important information comes first. Note that we add a comma before “as well as” but not before “and.”

• Chapter 1 discusses some background information on Woolf and presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse .
• Chapter 1 presents my analysis of To the Lighthouse , as well as discussing some background information on Woolf.

Note that in fixed phrases like “both x and y ,” you must use “and,” not “as well as.”

• Both my results as well as my interpretations are presented below.
• Both my results and my interpretations are presented below.

Use of and/or

The combination of transition words “and/or” should generally be avoided in academic writing. It makes your text look messy and is usually unnecessary to your meaning.

First consider whether you really do mean “and/or” and not just “and” or “or.” If you are certain that you need both, it’s best to separate them to make your meaning as clear as possible.

• Participants were asked whether they used the bus and/or the train.
• Participants were asked whether they used the bus, the train, or both.

Archaic transition words

Words like “hereby,” “therewith,” and most others formed by the combination of “here,” “there,” or “where” with a preposition are typically avoided in modern academic writing. Using them makes your writing feel old-fashioned and strained and can sometimes obscure your meaning.

• Poverty is best understood as a disease. Hereby , we not only see that it is hereditary, but acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

These words should usually be replaced with a more explicit phrasing expressing how the current statement relates to the preceding one.

• Poverty is best understood as a disease. Understanding it as such , we not only see that it is hereditary, but also acknowledge its devastating effects on a person’s health.

Using a paraphrasing tool for clear writing

With the use of certain tools, you can make your writing clear. One of these tools is a paraphrasing tool . One thing the tool does is help your sentences make more sense. It has different modes where it checks how your text can be improved. For example, automatically adding transition words where needed.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or writing rules make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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How to Write a Topic Sentence? (Examples & Tips)

A topic sentence is an  important component of every well-structured paragraph . It introduces the main idea and sets the tone for the rest of the paragraph that follows.

Additionally, it is mandatory to structure introductory and supporting paragraphs for every kind of nonfiction writing, including ; essays, theses, blogs, articles, etc. So, perfecting the skill of writing strong topic sentences can be helpful to uplift your writing to the next level.

In this comprehensive blog post, we’re going to discuss useful tips and examples for writing a topic sentence.

What is a Topic Sentence?

A topic sentence refers to the first sentence of a paragraph that reflects its main points . The purpose of this sentence is to tell the readers about what information they are going to read in the rest of the paragraph. It usually comes at the start of a paragraph, though it can also be placed elsewhere.

A topic sentence is also known as;

• Introductory sentence.
• Focus sentence.
• Opening sentence.

Tips to Write a Strong Topic Sentence

Here are some useful tips to help you craft compelling topic/introductory sentences;

1. Determine the Main Idea

As aforementioned a topic sentence is solely focused on the main idea or key point of the paragraph. So, before you begin to write the focus sentence, there’s a need to identify the main idea first.

Useful Tips:

Below are some tips to help you determine the main idea of a paragraph;

• You should brainstorm the key points of a paragraph for which you’re going to craft the opening sentence. To do so, it would be helpful to jot down all the key details.
• Now, we suggest creating an outline to logically organize these points.
• Finally, narrow down to the specific idea that you think could enclose the essence of your paragraph.

2. Start With a Hook

Let’s make your topic sentence compelling. For this, the next tip is to begin the opening sentence with a hook. By hook , we refer to the compelling/interesting statement that grabs the attention of readers.

Types of Hooks that You Can Include in A Topic Sentence:

Some commonly used hook types are lisG

ed below with examples for each;

• A hook line can be a surprising fact or impressive data , like; "Did you know that just 6 minutes of reading a day can cut your stress levels by up to 68%?”
• You can use a stimulating question as a hook statement, such as; " How can a simple , regular practice elevate your creative writing to the next level?”
• You can address a solved mystery in the hook line; for example; “ What ultimately convinced the senator to change their mind?”
• Also, you can use an anecdote or quote in the hook line, for instance; " Author Stephen King once said, 'Books are a uniquely portable magic.'"

3 . Write Something New and Interesting

Include something interesting and attention-grabbing in the introductory sentence. Avoid using statements that are obvious that everyone knows. So, to craft a topic sentence, write information in a new and unique way.

Tip: Avoid casual and unnecessary words or phrases, but you are required to use compelling, interesting, powerful, and trendy terms to draw readers in.

4. Balance Between Specific & General

Ensure that your main sentence strikes a good balance between the specific/narrow and the general/broad. Don’t write the topic sentence around too broad or vague an idea that is impossible to cover in a single paragraph.

Similarly, you shouldn’t write a too narrow statement that has nothing much to say in the supporting sentences.

Instead , you should maintain a good balance and write an idea that is neither too generic nor too specific. Below is an example of such a topic sentence;

✔️ “Incorporating technology into classroom learning can enhance student engagement and understanding without overwhelming traditional teaching methods.”

Pro Tip: Also, choose a particular writing style/tone of your paragraph in the sentence; Persuasive, Informative, Descriptive, Formal, etc . You should choose this according to the overall writing style of your content.

5. Write Concise and Clear

Another effective tip that can help you write a good topic sentence is to use concise and clear wording. You should write a sentence that is succinct and to the point. Also, it should convey the main idea clearly without any jargon, complexity, or unnecessary details.

All in all, you should aim for brevity and maintain a smooth flow in your paragraph.

For Examples:

Error-free and Innovative Way to Write a Topic Sentence

Following all the above tips are sufficient to help you write a good topic sentence. However, it may consume a lot of your time and effort, especially when you’re compiling them for long-form content with several paragraphs.

Also, there is a chance that you sometimes can’t come up with an accurate, relevant, and top-notch opening sentence. In this scenario, let me introduce an efficient, automatic, and perfectly precise way of sentence writing i.e., using AI sentence-generating tools. Here, we’ve come up with a handy solution: Editpad’s AI Sentence Generator .

It works on sophisticated AI, NLP, and Large Language models to promptly generate excellent sentences. You just need to provide the main idea or keyword, select the numbers, set the writing tone, and run the tool.

The AI Sentence Generator by Editpad will take no time to come up with well-structured and relevant sentences. You can “Copy” the suitable one from the output box, and use it as a topic sentence.

A Real-time Showcase:

We provided our main keyword; “Role of Mental Health”, and below are the sentences that we got from Editpad's AI sentence generator.

Output of Editpad AI Sentence Generator:

Demonstration:

Examples of Topic Sentences for Different Paragraphs

Let’s generate topic sentences for different types of paragraphs such as; persuasive, informative, Declarative, and others;

Example1: Persuasive Topic Sentence

We provided the below main idea of a persuasive paragraph into the sentence generator, selected the “Persuasive Tone”, and operated the tool .

“The Need for Comprehensive Health Education in Schools”

Results We Got:

Pictorial Demo of the Output:

Example2: Informal Topic Sentence

“Now, let’s create the focus sentence for an informal paragraph, with the help of the AI sentence generator of Editpad.”

Here’s the Main Idea of the Paragraph;

“How Exercise Can Boost Your Mood”

Focus Sentence We Got:

Image Showing the Output:

Example3: Academic Topic Sentence

In the third example, we gave the central idea of an academic paragraph, and ran the tool after selecting “Academic Tone”.

The Central Idea:

“The Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Productivity”

Academic Focus Sentences:

Output Image:

Example4: Topic Sentence for Professional Paragraph

For the last example, we’ll create a focus sentence for a professional paragraph. For this, we provided the below given main idea, chose the Professional Tone, and operated the tool. The Editpad’s sentence generator AI tool did real-time work and provided multiple results for the professional topic sentence.

The Key Idea:

“The Importance of Effective Leadership in Organizational Success”

Output by the Sentence Generator:

Image of the Output:

A strong topic sentence is an important component for crafting well-structured paragraphs in any non-fiction writing. It introduces the main idea, sets the tone, and guides the reader. In this blog post, we comprehensively explained the manual and automatic way to write a good topic sentence. with tips and examples that will help you write. We discussed the tips and examples along the way, for your better understanding.

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Improve Your Writing Skills: A Beginner's Guide

Article 26 Aug 2024 299 0

Writing is an essential skill, whether for academic, professional, or personal purposes. For beginners, the journey to mastering writing can feel overwhelming. However, with the right approach, anyone can improve their writing skills and develop the ability to communicate effectively and creatively. This guide will provide you with practical tips, writing exercises, and essential techniques to enhance your writing skills, ensuring that you build a strong foundation for your writing journey.

Understanding Writing Fundamentals

Before diving into the intricacies of writing, it's crucial to grasp the basics. Writing fundamentals are the building blocks of effective communication, and mastering them will make the rest of the writing process much easier.

Grammar and Sentence Structure

Grammar is the set of rules that govern how sentences are constructed. Understanding grammar helps you avoid common mistakes and ensures that your writing is clear and coherent. Focus on the following areas:

• Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure that the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number (singular or plural). For example, "The cat runs" is correct, while "The cat run" is not.
• Tense Consistency: Stick to one tense within a sentence or paragraph to maintain clarity. If you start in the past tense, continue in the past tense unless there’s a reason to switch.
• Sentence Structure: Use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences to make your writing more engaging. Avoid run-on sentences and fragments.

Punctuation

Punctuation marks, such as commas, periods, and question marks, are crucial for conveying the intended meaning of your sentences. Incorrect punctuation can lead to confusion or alter the meaning of your writing.

• Commas: Use commas to separate items in a list, after introductory elements, or to set off non-essential information. For example, "Before leaving, she checked the weather."
• Periods: Periods signal the end of a sentence. Use them to complete your thoughts and give your reader a natural pause.
• Apostrophes: Apostrophes indicate possession or form contractions (e.g., "John's book" or "it's" for "it is").

Mastering these fundamentals is the first step toward becoming a proficient writer. Once you feel comfortable with the basics, you can move on to more advanced writing techniques.

Daily Writing Exercises for Beginners

Practice is the key to improvement in any skill, and writing is no exception. By engaging in daily writing exercises, you can gradually enhance your writing fluency, develop your unique style, and overcome common challenges.

Writing Prompts

Writing prompts are a great way to get started, especially when you're unsure of what to write about. Here are a few prompts to kickstart your practice:

• Describe Your Morning Routine: Write a detailed account of how you start your day, focusing on sensory details like sounds, smells, and sights.
• Create a Dialogue: Imagine a conversation between two characters in a coffee shop. Focus on how their personalities influence their speech patterns.
• Write a Letter to Your Future Self: What advice would you give? What do you hope to achieve in the next five years?

Freewriting

Freewriting is a technique where you write continuously for a set period without worrying about grammar, punctuation, or even making sense. The goal is to let your thoughts flow freely, which can help you overcome writer's block and generate new ideas.

• Set a Timer: Start with 10 minutes of non-stop writing. Don’t edit or correct yourself; just write whatever comes to mind.
• Reflect: After your session, review what you’ve written. You may find ideas or phrases that you can develop further in your formal writing.

Revising and Editing

Writing is rewriting. The first draft is often rough and full of mistakes, but that's okay. The real magic happens during revision and editing.

• Take a Break: After completing a draft, step away from it for a while. Returning with fresh eyes will help you spot errors and areas for improvement more easily.
• Read Aloud: Reading your writing aloud helps you catch awkward phrases, unclear sentences, and punctuation errors that you might miss when reading silently.
• Focus on Clarity: Ensure that each sentence clearly conveys your intended meaning. Cut out unnecessary words and simplify complex sentences.

Common Writing Mistakes to Avoid

As a beginner, it's normal to make mistakes. However, being aware of common pitfalls can help you avoid them and improve your writing more quickly.

Run-on Sentences

A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined without proper punctuation or conjunction. This can make your writing difficult to follow. To fix run-ons, split the sentence into smaller sentences or use a conjunction like "and," "but," or "so."

Example of a Run-on Sentence: "I went to the store I bought some bread." Corrected Sentence: "I went to the store, and I bought some bread."

Passive Voice

The passive voice can make your writing seem weak or indirect. In passive voice, the subject receives the action rather than performing it. Whenever possible, use active voice to make your writing more engaging.

Passive Voice Example: "The ball was thrown by John." Active Voice Example: "John threw the ball."

Overuse of Adverbs and Adjectives

While adverbs and adjectives can add detail to your writing, overusing them can make your sentences cumbersome. Focus on using strong verbs and nouns that convey meaning without the need for excessive modifiers.

Example of Overuse: "She quickly and quietly opened the old, creaky door." Simplified Version: "She eased the door open."

Valuable Writing Resources

To continue improving your writing skills, it's helpful to have access to resources that can guide you along the way. Here are some tools, books, and courses that you might find useful.

Online Tools

• Grammarly: This online tool checks your writing for grammar, punctuation, and style issues. It also offers suggestions for improving clarity and conciseness.
• Hemingway Editor: This app highlights complex sentences and passive voice, helping you simplify your writing.
• Thesaurus.com: Use this online thesaurus to find synonyms and expand your vocabulary.
• "The Elements of Style" by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White: A classic guide to writing that covers the basics of grammar, style, and composition.
• "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser: This book offers practical advice on writing nonfiction, with a focus on clarity, simplicity, and avoiding jargon.
• "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott: A motivational book that offers insights into the writing process and tips for overcoming writer’s block.
• Coursera’s "Creative Writing Specialization": This series of courses covers the essentials of writing, including plot development, character creation, and style.
• edX’s "English Grammar and Style": Offered by the University of Queensland, this course helps you improve your grammar and sentence structure.
• Udemy’s "Writing with Confidence": This course teaches you how to write clear, concise, and compelling content for various purposes.

The Importance of Feedback

Feedback is one of the most valuable tools for improving your writing. Constructive criticism from others can help you identify areas where you need to improve and provide new perspectives on your work.

Seeking Feedback

• Join a Writing Group: Writing groups offer a supportive environment where you can share your work and receive feedback from other writers.
• Ask for Peer Reviews: Share your writing with friends, family, or colleagues who can provide honest feedback.
• Hire an Editor: For more formal or professional writing, consider hiring an editor who can provide detailed feedback on your work.

Learning from Feedback

• Stay Open-Minded: Feedback can be hard to hear, but it’s important to stay open-minded and view it as an opportunity to grow.
• Ask Questions: If you don’t understand a piece of feedback, ask for clarification. This will help you learn more and improve your skills.
• Apply the Feedback: Use the feedback you receive to make revisions and improve your writing. Over time, you’ll start to see noticeable improvements in your work.

Writing Consistency: The Key to Improvement

One of the most important aspects of developing strong writing skills is consistency. Writing regularly helps you build your skills, develop your voice, and gain confidence in your abilities.

Setting a Writing Schedule

• Daily Writing: Aim to write for at least 15-30 minutes each day. Consistent practice is more effective than occasional, longer writing sessions.
• Use Writing Prompts: If you’re struggling to find something to write about, use prompts to inspire you.
• Keep a Journal: Journaling is a great way to practice writing daily. It doesn’t have to be formal or polished—just write whatever comes to mind.

Tracking Your Progress

• Set Goals: Establish specific writing goals, such as completing a certain number of words each day or finishing a particular piece by a deadline.
• Review Your Work: Periodically review your past writing to see how you’ve improved over time. This can be a great motivator to keep practicing.
• Celebrate Milestones: Recognize and celebrate your progress, whether it’s completing your first essay or getting positive feedback from a reader.

Conclusion: 

Improving your writing skills as a beginner may seem daunting, but with the right approach, it’s entirely achievable. By understanding the fundamentals, practicing regularly, and seeking feedback, you can develop your writing skills and become a more confident and effective communicator.

Remember, writing is a journey, and every writer starts somewhere. Whether you're writing for academic purposes, professional growth, or personal fulfillment, the tips and techniques outlined in this guide will help you on your path to becoming a better writer. So grab your pen, open your laptop, and start writing today—your future self will thank you.

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190 Good Transition Words for Essays

August 23, 2023

Essay writing consists of two primary procedures: coming up with the content we want to include and structuring that content. These procedures might take place in either order or they could occur simultaneously. When writing an essay it is important to think about the ways that content and structure complement one another. The best essays join these two elements in thoughtful ways. Transition words for essays (including for college essays) are some of our most primary tools when it comes to structuring a piece of writing.

When beginning an essay it is often recommended to begin with a messy first draft. The purpose of this draft is to get everything out on the page. You should put down as many ideas and trajectories as you can without worrying too much about phrasing or whether they will make it into the final draft. The key here is to be loose—to get ahead of our self-editors and expel everything we can from our minds.

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Continued)

While this is a good strategy for beginning an essay it will likely leave you unsure how everything fits together. This is where transition words come in. As you will see in this list (which is necessarily incomplete) the range of transition words for essays is vast. Each transition word implies a different relation, often in subtle ways. After accumulating content, the next step is to figure out how the elements fit together towards an overall goal (this could be but is not necessarily an “argument”). Consulting this list of transition words for essays can provide a shortcut for determining how one piece might lead into another. Along with transition words, rhetorical devices and literary devices are other tools to consider during this stage of essay writing.

Transition Words for College Essays

While this list will be a useful tool for all types of essay writing it will be particularly helpful when it comes to finding the right transition words for college essays . The goal of a college essay is to give a strong overall sense of its author in the tight space of 650 words. As you might imagine, it’s not easy to encompass a life or convey a complex personality in such a space. When writing a college essay you are working with a huge amount of potential content. Students often want to squeeze in as much as they can. To this end, transition words for college essays are essential tools to have at our disposal.

Here is our list of transition words for college essays and other essays. It is organized by the different types of transition words/phrases and their functions. While this organization should be convenient, keep in mind that there’s plenty of overlap. Many of these words can function in multiple ways.

1) Additive Transitions

These words function in an additive manner, accumulating content to build upon what has already been stated. They can be used to construct an argument or establish a scene through the accumulation of details.

• Additionally
• In addition to
• Furthermore
• Not to mention
• In all honesty
• To tell the truth
• Not only…but also
• As a matter of fact
• To say nothing of
• What’s more
• Alternatively
• To go a step further

 2) Comparative Transitions (Similarity)

  These transition words draw a parallel or bring out a similarity between images or ideas. They can be used not only in a straightforward sense but also to establish relations of similarity between objects or ideas that might appear to be dissonant.

• In the same way
• In a similar vein
• Along the lines of
• In the key of

 3) Comparative Transitions (Difference)

  While also functioning comparatively, the following words demonstrate difference between ideas or images. These transition words are useful when it comes to establishing contrasting points of view, an important component of any argument.

• On the other hand
• On the contrary
• In contrast to
• In contradiction
• Nevertheless
• Nonetheless
• In any event
• In any case
• In either event

4) Sequential Transitions

  The following are particularly effective transition words for college essays. They will allow you to order ideas chronologically or in a sequence, providing a sense of continuity over time. This is particularly useful when an essay leans into something more creative or involves telling a story.

• Subsequently
• At the same time
• Concurrently
• In the beginning
• At the start
• At the outset
• Off the bat

5) Spatial Transitions

Rather than organizing ideas or images in regards to sequence, these transitions indicate spatial relationships. They are particularly useful when it comes to painting a scene and/or describing objects, but they can also be used metaphorically. Consider, for example, how you might use the transition, “standing in […’s] shadow.”

• Standing in […’s] shadow
• In front of
• In the middle
• In the center
• To the left
• To the right
• On the side
• Adjacent to
• Around the bend
• On the outskirts
• In the distance
• On the horizon
• In the foreground
• In the background
• Underground
• Through the grapevine

 6) Causal Transitions

These transition words for essays indicate cause and effect relationships between ideas. They will be particularly useful when you are structuring a logical argument, i.e. using logos as a mode of persuasion . Causal transitions are an important element of academic, legal and scientific writing.

• Accordingly
• Resultingly
• As a result
• Consequently
• In consequence
• As a consequence
• For this reason
• So much that
• Granting that
• That being the case
• Under those circumstances
• With this in mind
• For the purpose of
• For all intents and purposes
• In the event that
• In the event of
• In light of
• On the condition that
• To the extent that

7) Examples/Illustration/Supporting Transition

  These transition words for college essays can be used to introduce supporting evidence, emphasis, examples, and clarification. There is some overlap here with additive transitions and causal transitions. These transitions are also useful when it comes to building an argument. At the same time, they can signal a shift into a different linguistic register.

• For example
• For instance
• In other words
• As an illustration
• To illustrate
• To put it differently
• To put it another way
• That is to say
• As the evidence illustrates
• It’s important to realize
• It’s important to understand
• It must be remembered
• To demonstrate
• For clarity’s sake
• To emphasize
• To put it plainly
• To enumerate
• To speak metaphorically

8) Conclusory Transitions

These transition words for essays serve to bring an idea or story to a close. They offer a clear way of signaling the conclusion of a particular train of thought. They might be followed by a summary or a restatement of an essay’s argument. In this way they also provide emphasis, setting the reader up for what is about to come.

• In conclusion
• To summarize
• To put it succinctly
• To this end
• At the end of the day
• In the final analysis
• By and large
• On second thought
• On first glance
• That’s all to say
• On the whole
• All things considered
• Generally speaking

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (Final Thoughts)

Even when elements appear to be disparate on first glance, transition words are a great tool for giving your essay a smooth flow. They can also create surprising juxtapositions, relationships, and equivalences. The way a reader will understand a transition word depends on the context in which they encounter it.

Individual words and phrases can be used in a wide variety of ways, ranging from the literal to the figurative to the colloquial or idiomatic. “Through the grapevine” is an example of the colloquial or idiomatic. When we encounter this phrase we don’t interpret it literally (as hearing something “through” a grapevine) but rather as hearing news secondhand. There are, of course, a vast number of idioms that are not included in this list but can also function as transitional phrases.

This list of transition words for college essays (and really any form of writing you might be working on) is a resource that you can return to again and again in your life as a writer. Over years of writing we tend to fall into patterns when it comes to the transition words we use. Mixing things up can be exciting both as a writer and for your readers. Even if you don’t choose to stray from your trusted transitions, considering the alternatives (and why they don’t work for you) can offer a deeper understanding of what you are trying to say.

List of Good Transition Words for Essays (An Exercise)

As an exercise in self-understanding, you may want to try highlighting all of the transition words in a piece of your own writing. You can then compare this to the transition words in a piece of writing that you admire. Are they using similar transitions or others? Are they using them more or less often? What do you like or dislike about them? We all use transition words differently, creating different tonal effects. Keeping an eye out for them, not only as a writer but also as a reader, will help you develop your own aesthetic.

• College Essay

Emmett Lewis

Emmett holds a BA in Philosophy from Vassar College and is currently completing an MFA in Writing at Columbia University. Previously, he served as a writing instructor within the Columbia Artists/Teachers community as well as a Creative Writing Teaching Fellow at Columbia, where he taught poetry workshops. In addition, Emmett is a member of the Poetry Board at the Columbia Journal , and his work has been published in HAD , Otoliths , and Some Kind of Opening , among others.

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How to Use Transition Words for Essays + Examples

Transition words play a key role in essay writing. They connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, helping readers follow your text easily. These words do many jobs, from comparing things to showing cause and effect. They turn scattered thoughts into a clear story.

Learning to use transition words for essays isn't just about making your writing sound better. It's about making your ideas clearer and easier for readers to understand. Let's look at transition words and how to use them well in your essays.

Understanding Transition Words for Essays

Transition words for essays are like road signs. They guide readers through your ideas. They help show how your thoughts connect, making your writing easier to follow.

The Purpose and Placement of Transition Sentences

Transition sentences do several important things:

• They make your ideas flow better
• They help readers grasp your main point
• They link sentences and paragraphs
• They show how ideas relate to each other
• They make your writing easier to read

Where you put transitions matters. They're often used:

• Between parts of an essay to sum up or introduce new ideas
• Between paragraphs to show connections or changes in focus
• Within paragraphs to link related thoughts

Here's an example: 

"The Industrial Revolution brought many new technologies. On the other hand, it also caused social problems."

In this case, "On the other hand" shows a contrast between the good and bad effects of the Industrial Revolution.

Putting transitions in the right places helps your ideas flow smoothly. For instance, transition words to start a paragraph in an essay can signal a new point or a shift in focus, preparing the reader for what's next.

Types of Transitions Words

There are different types of transition words for essays, each with its own job. Knowing these types can help you pick the right words for different parts of your writing.

• Adding information: "Also," "In addition," "Furthermore"
• Showing contrast: "But," "However," "On the other hand"
• Showing cause and effect: "So," "As a result," "Therefore"
• Showing order: "First," "Second," "Finally"
• Giving examples: "For example," "Such as," "To illustrate"

Using different transition words can make your essay flow better and be more coherent. Aithor can suggest good transition words based on what your essay is about, helping you improve your writing.

Creating Smooth Transitions in Your Writing

To make your transitions smooth:

• Use your essay's structure to find logical connections between sections.
• Put transitions where they best show how ideas relate.
• Don't use too many transition words, or your writing might sound forced.
• Try not to use the same few transitions over and over.

Remember, sometimes less is better. Using too many transition words can make your writing sound unnatural. Writing tools like Aithor can help you find places where transitions might make your essay flow better, suggesting good transition words based on your essay's content.

List of Transitions

Let's look at different types of transition words and phrases you can use in your essays:

1. Addition

Transition words to start a paragraph in an essay that add information include:

• Furthermore
• Additionally
• In addition

Example: "The new policy aims to cut down on carbon emissions. Also, it encourages the use of energy from renewable sources."

2. Contradiction

To show contrast, you can use:

• Nevertheless
• On the other hand
• In contrast
• Despite this

Example: "Many people thought the project would fail. On the other hand, it did better than anyone expected."

3. Condition

Conditional transitions include:

• Provided that
• In the event that

Example: "The company will grow bigger if the market stays good."

4. Emphasis

To highlight important points, use:

• Undoubtedly

Example: "The experiment gave surprising results. In fact, it made people question many old theories in the field."

5. Similarity

Transition words for the second body paragraph showing similarity include:

• In the same way

Example: "The novel explores themes of love and loss. In the same way, the author's previous work dealt with complex human emotions."

To show outcomes or consequences, use:

• As a result
• Consequently

Example: "The team worked very hard on the project. As a result, they finished it early."

7. Conclusion Transitions

Transition words for the conclusion paragraph include:

• In conclusion
• To summarize

Example: "In conclusion, the study shows that social media greatly affects how consumers behave."

8. Sequence

To show order or progression, use:

• First, Second, and Third
• Subsequently

Example: "First, we'll look at the data. Then, we'll explain what it means. Finally, we'll make conclusions based on what we found."

9. Location

Spatial transitions include:

• Adjacent to
• In the vicinity of

Example: "The rare plant was found growing nearby the river bank."

As you start writing, remember this important tip: use transition words carefully. While these words help make your writing easy to read, using too many can confuse your reader. Think of transition words like spices in food — they make it taste better, but too much can ruin the dish.

Your goal is to help your reader easily follow your ideas, not to create a maze of connecting words. So, when you write your next essay, remember: when it comes to transitions, often using fewer is better. Use them thoughtfully to make your argument clear, and your writing will be easy to understand and follow.

If you want to get even better at writing essays, Aithor has special features that can help you choose the best transitions for what you're writing about, making sure your essays flow smoothly from start to finish.

Happy writing!

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How to Write a Personal Narrative: A Step-by-Step Guide

“As I sat down to write this article, memories flooded back, each one a brushstroke in the painting of my past…”

That could be the beginning of your personal narrative. Writing it lets you turn your memories and experiences into stories that click with others. This type of writing goes beyond school assignments or essays for college applications; it’s a chance to get really good at sharing your life's events in ways that matter. 

In this article, we're going to explore what personal narratives are all about and guide you through a simple seven-step process to create your own. You’ll learn how to pull out moments that make your story stand out and how to tweak your writing until it’s just right. We’ve got practical examples for you to follow along, making sure you have everything you need to tell your story. 

What is a Personal Narrative?

A personal narrative is a way to tell your own story. It's a style of writing that puts your experiences front and center, inviting readers into your world. Teachers often assign personal narratives to encourage free, expressive writing. 

The personal narrative definition is wider than academic settings, though. . These narratives can also show potential employers who you are beyond your resume. At its core, writing a personal narrative is a form of storytelling, using a first-person perspective to bring real-life tales to life. Whether it's for a grade, a job, or just for fun, it's about getting your story out there.

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How to Write a Personal Narrative: Steps

In this section, we'll break down the process into manageable steps, starting with how to zero in on the right topic that speaks about who you are.

Step 1. Choosing a Personal Narrative Topic

The first step in crafting your personal narrative is picking the perfect topic. It should be something meaningful to you, something that has not just happened, but also shaped who you are or has a significant story behind it. Here’s how to frame your personal narrative ideas:

• Story Arc : Your narrative is like a mini-movie. Start with setting the scene, build up to the main event, and wrap up with a reflection. For example, if you’re writing about your first solo travel experience, begin with your initial feelings, describe the challenges you faced, and end with what you learned about yourself.
• Thematic Focus : Instead of moving through time, center your narrative around a central theme. Maybe it’s about resilience, and you could link different times you had to be resilient, ending with a major life challenge.
• A Day to Remember : Sometimes a single day can tell a lot about you. Pick a day that was particularly memorable and unpack it from start to finish. Maybe it was a seemingly ordinary day that brought unexpected lessons or joys.

Step 2. Working on Your Personal Narrative Outline

When putting together your personal narrative, starting with a solid outline can help keep your story on track. Here's how you can lay it all out:

• Introduction: Kick things off with a hook that grabs attention, like an intriguing question or a vivid snapshot of a key moment. Set the scene and introduce the main theme.
• Setting and Characters : Give a good sense of where your story is unfolding and who's involved. Paint a clear picture of the backdrop and the key people.
• Plot Development : Lay out the events in the order they happened, or group them around major themes. Build up to your main event, adding conflicts or challenges as you go.
• Climax : This is the high point of your story, where everything comes to a head. Make it a moment that has the most impact.
• Resolution : Wrap up the main storyline, showing how things settled down after the climax.
• Reflection : Spend some time reflecting on what happened. Share what you learned or how you changed because of the experience.

If you're looking for help crafting your personal narrative, consider checking out some legit essay writing services to get professional guidance.

Step 3. Writing the First Draft of Your Personal Narrative

Now let’s move on to the fun part! Don't worry about getting everything perfect right away — the first draft’s goal is to let your story flow naturally:

• Start with Your Hook: Revisit the introduction you outlined and flesh it out. Begin with the attention-grabbing sentence that will make readers want to continue.
• Let the Story Unfold: Follow your outline, but allow yourself some flexibility. As you write, new memories or details may come to mind. Embrace them! Think about what you saw, heard, and felt during these moments. Were you sitting in a sunlit room, listening to the hum of a busy street outside? Maybe you felt the chill of an autumn breeze? 
• Stay True to Your Voice: This is your story, so let your unique voice shine through. Whether you're humorous, reflective, or serious, maintain a consistent tone that feels authentically you. Keep the tone conversational and straightforward, as if you’re telling this story to a friend. 

Once the first personal narrative draft is done, set it aside for a bit before revisiting it with fresh eyes.

Step 4. Revising Your Personal Narrative

Once the first personal narrative draft is done, set it aside for a bit before revisiting it with fresh eyes:

• Tighten Up the Story : As you go through your draft, focus on making everything clear and to the point. If you’ve talked about how nervous you were before a big event more than once, try to combine those thoughts into one powerful sentence that really captures how you felt.
• Keep Your Tone Consistent : Make sure your voice stays the same throughout the story. If you start off with a casual, conversational tone, like saying, “I couldn’t shake the nerves before my big test,” stick with that style instead of suddenly becoming formal later on.
• Adjust the Pacing : Pay attention to how smoothly your story flows from one part to the next. When you’re describing a key moment, like meeting someone important or going through a major experience, give it the detail and time it deserves. Let those moments develop naturally without rushing.
• Enhance Your Descriptions : Make your imagery more vivid to help the reader visualize your story. For example, instead of just saying, “The room was noisy,” you could say, “The room buzzed with excited chatter.” These small tweaks can make your story feel more alive and engaging.

Step 5. Adding Personal Touches

As you polish your personal narrative, focus on making it uniquely yours. You can include personal reflections on your experiences. For example, if you’re writing about a challenging project, discuss not just the struggle but how it impacted you personally and professionally.

Besides, add unique details that only you can share. Instead of generic descriptions, use specific anecdotes or sensory details, like how the scent of freshly baked cookies from your grandmother's kitchen made you feel nostalgic.

Last but not least, incorporate dialogues or direct quotes from people involved in your story to add authenticity and depth. For instance, if your mentor gave you advice, include their exact words to capture the moment’s impact. This approach will help you understand how to write a personal narrative that is both engaging and deeply personal.

Not sure where to begin? You can always buy a narrative essay from experts who can help shape your story.

Step 6: Editing for Clarity and Style

When you’re editing your personal narratives, the goal is to make sure everything flows smoothly and makes sense. Here’s how to get it just right:

• Clarify Your Message: Check for any parts of your story that might be a bit confusing. If you talked about being excited about a project and then suddenly shifted to its challenges, make sure to connect these thoughts clearly. For instance, you might rephrase it as “I was excited about the project, but I soon faced some unexpected challenges, like tight deadlines.”
• Simplify Complex Sentences: Break down long or complicated sentences. Instead of saying, “My enthusiasm for the project, which was incredibly high despite the difficulties I faced, was the driving force behind my perseverance,” you could simplify it to, “Even though the project was tough, my excitement kept me going.”
• Smooth Transitions: Check how your paragraphs and sections flow together. If you jump from describing a problem to the solution without a clear link, add a transition. For example, “After struggling with the project’s challenges, I realized that asking my mentor for help was the key to overcoming the obstacles.”

Oh, and read your narrative out loud. This can help you spot any awkward phrases or spots where the story might be a bit choppy. It’s a great way to catch any issues and make those final tweaks to get everything just right.

Personal Narrative Prompts

Here are ten personal narrative prompts to get you thinking about different moments in your life:

Need more tips on how to get started? Check out this guide on how to start a narrative essay to kick off your writing with a strong opening.

Personal Narrative Examples

Here are a few personal narrative beginnings to spark your creativity. These snippets are designed to get you started and inspire your own storytelling.

Wrapping Up

As you finish up your story, think about how those moments shaped who you are today. It's not just about what happened, but how it changed you. When learning how to write a personal narrative, it’s important to focus on the moments that truly matter to you and tell them in your own voice. This way, your narrative can really connect with others. 

Remember, the best stories come straight from the heart, so trust yourself and let your experiences shine through!

If you're working on a personal statement, you might want to explore a personal statement service that can help you create a compelling narrative.

Turn Memories into Masterpieces

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How to Start a Personal Narrative?

Can a personal narrative be about anything, what is the format of a personal narrative.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• The New York Times. (2020, January 7). Personal Narrative Essay Winners. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/07/learning/personal-narrative-essay-winners.html

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Tiny Memoir Contest for Students: Write a 100-Word Personal Narrative

We invite teenagers to tell a true story about a meaningful life experience in just 100 words. Contest dates: Nov. 6 to Dec. 4, 2024.

By The Learning Network

Illustrations from Modern Love’s Tiny Love Stories , the inspiration for this contest.

Can you tell a meaningful and interesting true story from your life in just 100 words? That’s the challenge we pose to teenagers with our 100-Word Personal Narrative Contest, a storytelling form popularized by Modern Love’s Tiny Love Stories series .

After running this contest for two years, receiving a total of more than 25,000 entries, and honoring dozens of excellent miniature teen-written memoirs, we have discovered the answer is a resounding yes .

So, we challenge you to try it yourself.

We’re not asking you to write to a particular theme or to use a specific structure or style, but we are looking for short, powerful stories about a particular moment or event in your life. We want to hear your story, told in your unique voice, and we hope you’ll experiment with style and form to tell a tale that matters to you, in a way you enjoy telling it.

And, yes, it’s possible to do all that in only 100 words. For proof, just look at last year’s 15 winning entries . We also have a step-by-step guide full of advice that is grounded in 25 excellent 100-word mentor texts, as well as a rehearsal space , published for our first year’s contest, that has over 1,000 student-written mini memoirs. Because that space was so successful, we’re keeping it open for this year’s contest. We hope students will use it to get inspiration, experiment and encourage each other.

Take a look at the full guidelines and related resources below. Please post any questions you have in the comments and we’ll answer you there, or write to us at [email protected]. And, consider hanging this PDF one-page announcement on your class bulletin board.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Resources for Teachers and Students
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Submission Form

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How to Introduce Yourself in an Email: Tips for Professional and Confident Communication

• August 28, 2024
• Email Management Software

Table of Contents

How to introduce yourself in an email? Start with a compelling subject line and a warm greeting to engage your recipient from the beginning. This sets the tone for professional and confident communication that invites a positive response. Introducing oneself in an email can set the tone for effective communication. A well-crafted email introduction includes a clear subject line, a warm greeting, and a concise explanation of who the sender is and the purpose of the email. This approach not only establishes professionalism but also engages the recipient from the start.

The opening lines should entice the reader, making them curious about what follows. It is crucial for the sender to provide context that resonates with the recipient, whether it’s for networking, collaboration, or a simple introduction. The goal is to create a connection that prompts a response.

For those looking for templates or further guidance, resources like MindTools offer valuable insights. These strategies can enhance the effectiveness of email communication , ensuring that the message gets across effectively.

Key Takeaways

• A strong subject line and greeting engage the reader immediately.
• Context and clarity help the recipient understand the purpose of the email.
• Utilizing templates can streamline the email introduction process.

Crafting the Subject Line

Creating an effective email subject line is crucial for capturing attention and setting the right tone. A well-crafted subject line can communicate purpose and encourage recipients to engage with the content of the email.

Importance of a Clear Call to Action

A subject line that includes a clear call to action can significantly improve open rates . It helps the recipient understand what is expected from them, such as responding to a question or confirming an appointment.

For example, using phrases like “ Please Confirm Your Attendance ” or “Request for Feedback by Friday” is direct and informative. Keywords related to the email’s purpose should be incorporated to enhance clarity.

A compelling subject line can also create a sense of urgency, prompting quick responses.

Conveying the Right Tone

The tone of the subject line should reflect the nature of the email and the relationship with the recipient. For corporate communications, a professional tone is typically expected.

Using formal language such as “Update on Project Timeline” or “Introduction from [Your Name]” establishes a serious and respectful tone.

In more casual contexts, such as networking, a friendly tone is appropriate. Phrases like “Excited to Connect!” can foster a warmer relationship. Striking the right balance is essential for effective communication .

Incorporating Personalization

Personalization can greatly enhance the effectiveness of a subject line. Including the recipient’s name or referencing a mutual connection adds a personal touch. For instance, “[Recipient’s Name], Looking Forward to Our Chat” stands out and is more engaging.

Tailoring the message to reflect shared experiences or interests can also improve connection. For example, “Following Up on Our Discussion About [Topic]” can resonate more deeply.

Utilizing personalization indicates attention to detail and can increase the likelihood of a response. For more insights on effective email strategies, consider this resource from HubSpot: Email Subject Lines .

The Opening Greeting

A well-crafted opening greeting sets the tone for the entire email. It is essential to choose an appropriate salutation that aligns with the recipient’s profile and the purpose of the communication.

Choosing Formal or Casual Salutations

Formality in email greetings is crucial depending on the relationship with the recipient. In a professional context, opt for formal greetings like “Dear [Name]” or “To Whom It May Concern.” These address the recipient with respect, particularly when the relationship is unknown. “ Dear Sir or Madam ” can also be utilized for general inquiries.

Conversely, if the relationship is more casual or familiar, using first names or greetings like “Hi [Name]” or “Hello [Name]” is acceptable. It conveys a tone of friendliness and openness. Understanding when to switch between formal and casual greetings can enhance communication effectiveness. For more information, consult resources like Purdue OWL’s email etiquette guide .

Writing How to Introduce Yourself in an Email

Crafting an effective introduction in an email sets the tone for the entire message. A strong opening should convey professionalism, establish connections, and clearly state the purpose.

Presenting Yourself Professionally

When introducing oneself in an email, the first sentence should include the sender’s name and job title. For instance, “My name is Jane Doe, and I am the Marketing Manager at XYZ Corporation.”

This format immediately establishes credibility. Including the industry can provide context, such as, “with over five years in digital marketing.”

The introduction should convey confidence without being overly formal. A friendly tone paired with professional credentials can engage the recipient and encourage a positive response.

Highlighting Mutual Connections

If there are any mutual acquaintances, mentioning them can foster trust and rapport. For example, stating, “I was referred to you by John Smith, who suggested we connect regarding potential collaboration” makes the email more relatable.

Including mutual connections not only demonstrates network strength but can also serve as a conversation starter.

It’s beneficial to briefly mention what the sender and recipient might have in common, such as shared interests or industry challenges, to create a more engaging introduction.

Outlining the Purpose Briefly

Once the sender is introduced, the email should briefly outline its purpose. This can be done in one or two sentences, such as, “I am reaching out to discuss potential opportunities for collaboration.”

Clear articulation helps the recipient understand the email’s intent right away.

Additionally, mentioning what the sender hopes to achieve or how they can add value can entice the recipient to engage further. Being concise while providing necessary details creates an effective and persuasive introduction.

For additional guidance on professional email introductions, consider visiting Harvard Business Review .

Describing Your Role and Company

Clearly presenting your role and company establishes credibility during email communication. It is essential to highlight relevant experience, expertise, and the value your company brings to potential employers or clients.

Sharing Relevant Experience and Expertise

When introducing oneself, specifying the job title helps frame the context of the email. For example, stating “I am a Marketing Manager at XYZ Corp” immediately identifies the sender’s position and the company’s industry.

Highlighting specific achievements or experiences can further demonstrate expertise. Mentioning a successful project or key client can illustrate their professional capabilities. For instance, “I led a team that increased client engagement by 30%” showcases effective outcomes relevant to the recipient’s interests.

Additionally, linking to a professional profile, like LinkedIn, adds depth and offers further insight into qualifications. Such details create a clear picture of the sender’s role and its relevance to the new team or potential employer. For more on effective email introductions, consider reviewing sources like Harvard Business Review .

Setting the Context

Establishing a solid context sets the foundation for effective communication in emails. It enables the recipient to understand the purpose and relevance of the email while also reinforcing any existing connections.

Explaining the Reason for Your Email

Recognizing the purpose of an email is critical. It allows the recipient to quickly gauge the importance of the message. Start by stating the reason clearly. For instance, “I am reaching out to discuss our upcoming project and align our goals.”

Incorporate specifics related to the situation. If a mutual contact referred you, mention that to provide context. For example, “John Smith recommended I contact you regarding the partnership opportunities.” This technique helps the recipient understand why they are included in the conversation.

Using bullet points can efficiently outline key points if the email covers multiple topics. It enhances readability and allows the recipient to absorb information quickly.

Establishing Connection with the Recipient

Building rapport enhances the likelihood of a positive response. Acknowledge any shared experiences or common goals. For instance, “I enjoyed our discussion at the last industry conference and believe we share mutual interests.”

Highlight any pre-existing relationships or connections, which can reinforce trust. If there’s a specific way the recipient and the sender know each other, mention it succinctly.

Additionally, personalizing the email by referencing the recipient’s work or achievements can create a stronger bond. A statement like, “I was impressed by your recent article on market trends,” reflects the sender’s genuine interest in the recipient.

For further tips on effective email communication, refer to this article for more insights.

Making the Ask

When crafting an email, making a clear and appropriate request is crucial. This section addresses how to effectively ask for a meeting or favor, and how to offer value to the recipient.

Requesting a Meeting or Favor

To initiate a meeting request, it is essential to be direct yet polite. Begin with a clear subject line that reflects the purpose of the email, such as “Meeting Request Regarding [Topic].”

In the email body, clearly state the reason for the meeting. For example, “I would like to discuss [specific issue].” Providing context helps the recipient understand the importance of the request.

It’s effective to suggest a few dates and times, offering flexibility when possible. This shows respect for the recipient’s schedule. A closing line might include, “Please let me know what works best for you.”

Offering Value and Assistance

When reaching out, it’s beneficial to offer something of value. Start by identifying potential challenges the recipient may face. Address these challenges directly. For example, “I noticed your team is working on [specific project] and I have some insights that could help.”

Clearly articulate how you can assist. This might include sharing relevant resources or providing expert advice.

Highlighting previous experiences or successes can reinforce credibility. A sentence like, “I recently helped a similar organization achieve [specific outcome]” adds weight.

Including a call to action can encourage a response. “I’d love to discuss this further if you think it would be helpful.” For more tips, a reference can be found at Harvard Business Review .

Concluding Your Email

Ending an email effectively requires precision and professionalism. A well-thought-out sign-off combined with a tone of gratitude and politeness leaves a lasting impression.

Using a Professional Sign-Off

Choosing the right sign-off is essential for maintaining professionalism. Common options include:

• Sincerely : Ideal for formal communications.
• Best regards : A friendly yet professional option.
• Kind regards : Suitable for slightly informal settings.

Selecting a sign-off should reflect the relationship with the recipient. For example, use “Sincerely” in formal contexts, while “Best regards” works well in more casual professional interactions. It reinforces the tone established throughout the email and signals the end of the correspondence clearly.

The Importance of Gratitude and Politeness

Incorporating expressions of gratitude enhances the email’s tone. Phrases such as “Thank you for your time” or “ I appreciate your consideration ” make a positive impact. They demonstrate respect and acknowledge the recipient’s efforts.

Politeness also plays a crucial role. Including a simple “Please let me know if you have any questions” invites further communication. This openness fosters a good rapport. Opting for courteous language contributes to a professional image.

For more detailed guidelines on professional email etiquette, consult this resource from The Forbes .

Final Touches

Ensuring that an email introduction is polished and professional requires attention to detail. Key aspects include proofreading for errors, being mindful of spam triggers, and understanding how to follow up effectively.

Proofreading and Correcting Errors

Proofreading is crucial to present a professional image. Careful examination of spelling and grammar helps avoid misunderstandings. Errors can detract from the message and make it appear rushed or careless.

Here are effective proofreading strategies:

• Read Aloud: Hearing the text can help identify awkward phrasing.
• Use Tools: Software like Grammarly can catch mistakes.
• Take a Break: Stepping away from the text can provide a fresh perspective.

Correcting errors not only improves clarity but also boosts credibility. A well-proofed email can leave a lasting impression on the recipient.

Avoiding Spam Triggers

Understanding what can trigger a spam filter is essential for email delivery success. Certain phrases and formatting can result in messages being marked as spam.

To minimize this risk, adhere to the following guidelines:

• Avoid Excessive Capitalization: Writing in all caps can come across as shouting.
• Limit Exclamation Points: Using too many can flag the email as promotional.
• Steer Clear of Spam Words: Terms like “free,” “guaranteed,” or “winner” should be used sparingly.

Keeping the email content straightforward and professional aids in maintaining recipient attention. For additional tips on avoiding spam, consult resources like Mailchimp’s Spam Filter Guide .

Following Up Appropriately

When a recipient doesn’t respond, it can be helpful to follow up. A well-timed follow-up reinforces interest and shows professionalism.

Consider these best practices:

• Wait a Reasonable Time: Allow at least a week before following up.
• Keep it Brief: A short message reiterating interest is effective.
• Provide Value: Include new information or insights relevant to the initial email.

Effective follow-up can lead to stronger connections and may prompt a response. Being persistent yet respectful is key in professional communication.

Email Templates and Examples

Utilizing structured email templates simplifies the process of introducing oneself effectively. Detailed examples provide clarity on crafting these introductions, including necessary components such as subject lines and calls to action.

Utilizing Email Templates for Efficiency

Email templates are beneficial for maintaining consistency and professionalism in introductory emails. For instance, an introductory email to a new team might include specific elements such as:

• Subject Line : “Introduction: [Your Name] – New Team Member”
• Greeting : “Hello Team,”
• Introduction : “My name is [Your Name], and I am excited to join the team as a [Your Position].”
• Background : “I have experience in [Your Experience], which I hope will contribute to our goals.”
• Closing Statement : “Looking forward to collaborating with all of you!”

These templates can be customized based on the context, such as job applications or networking. For a more formal introduction, like in a cover letter, clarity and professionalism must take precedence.

Analyzing Examples for Better Understanding

Reviewing examples enhances understanding and application of best practices. An effective email introduction might look like this:

Subject Line : “Introduction: [Your Name] – [Position Title]”

Email Body : “Dear [Recipient’s Name], I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I recently joined [Company/Department]. With a background in [Relevant Experience], I am eager to contribute to the team. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance.”

This approach demonstrates directness while respecting the recipient’s time. Each email should end with a clear call to action (CTA), encouraging further interaction. The right template can make a substantial difference in the effectiveness of communication. For additional email examples, visit Indeed .

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common inquiries about introducing oneself in an email. It covers best practices, specific scenarios, and essential content to consider.

What are some best practices for writing a self-introduction email to a new client?

When crafting an email introduction to a new client, it is crucial to keep the tone professional yet approachable. Clearly state your name, position, and purpose for reaching out. Including a brief overview of how you can assist them can also establish a strong first impression.

In what manner should a student introduce themselves in a professional email?

Students should maintain professionalism by using a formal greeting and including their full name and academic affiliation. It’s beneficial to mention the purpose of the email and express enthusiasm about the opportunity or topic of discussion.

What is an appropriate way to start an email when introducing oneself as a new employee at a company?

A new employee should start with a friendly greeting, followed by their name and position. Including a statement of excitement about joining the team can help foster positive relationships with colleagues.

What are key elements to include in an introduction email aimed for networking purposes?

An effective networking introduction email should include the sender’s name, a brief background, and specific reasons for reaching out. It’s helpful to mention a mutual connection or shared interest to establish rapport.

How does one craft a formal self-introduction when reaching out to a potential contact for the first time?

In a formal introduction email, clarity and professionalism are essential. The message should include the sender’s name, purpose for contacting, and a concise explanation of how they can provide value to the potential contact.

What introductory content is recommended when announcing a new role via email to existing colleagues?

When announcing a new role, it is important to include the new title, a brief description of responsibilities, and an expression of eagerness to collaborate. This helps colleagues understand the new role within the team dynamics .

For further insights, consider exploring this comprehensive guide from Harvard Business Review .

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