writershelp2e_axbl

Varying sentence openings

Most sentences in English begin with the subject, move to the verb, and continue to an object, with modifiers tucked in along the way or put at the end. For the most part, such sentences are fine. Put too many of them in a row, however, and they become monotonous.

Adverbial modifiers, being easily movable, can often be inserted at the beginning of the sentence, ahead of the subject. Such modifiers might be single words, phrases, or clauses.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: The city eventually resolved the lawsuit by paying each victim $25,000. Revised sentence: By paying each victim $25,000, the city eventually resolved the lawsuit.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: Drivers will see the sign for “wait and call” parking as they approach the airport from King Drive. Revised sentence: As drivers approach the airport from King Drive, they will see the sign for “wait and call” parking.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: A pair of black ducks flew over the lake just as the sun was coming up. Revised sentence: Just as the sun was coming up, a pair of black ducks flew over the lake.

For variety, adjectives and participial phrases can frequently be moved to the beginning of a sentence without loss of clarity.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: The concert organizers, anticipating increased attendance at the open-air concerts over the Fourth of July holiday, hired additional security for crowd control. Revised sentence: Anticipating increased attendance at the open-air concerts over the Fourth of July holiday, the concert organizers hired additional security for crowd control.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: Edward, dejected and withdrawn, nearly gave up his search for a job. Revised sentence: Dejected and withdrawn, Edward nearly gave up his search for a job.

TIP:When beginning a sentence with a participial phrase, make sure that the subject of the sentence names the person or thing described in the introductory phrase. If it doesn’t, the phrase will be a dangling modifier.

Exercise:

Sentence variety