Other Ways to Vary Sentences: Different Beginnings

by Vivian Zabel 

  

   We have discussed sentences as to types, combinations, and usage to offer a variety in writing. Now, let's look at another way to have assorted sentences to help keep the reader's interest: using diverse sentence beginnings.

      Several ways exist to create a diversity for sentence starts, each which shouldn't be used regularly enough to become a pattern in paragraphs and series of paragraphs. Remember we want variety in order to retain interest.

1. A prepositional phrase - You can start your sentence by using a
          prepositional phrase.

• Through your help I was able to move on with life.

• In three to four years, you'll have your money back.
  
  
  Prepositions phrases provide information of place, time, direction, or
         relationship:
              At yesterday’s game, the half-time show was a disaster.
              By tomorrow morning, there will be six inches of snow on the
                     ground.
              Beneath our property, people find old and abandoned mine shafts.
              For each one of us, memory has a different meaning.
  NOTE: When a sentence begins with a prepositional phrase, a comma follows.

2.   An infinitive phrase - You can start your sentence by using an infinitive
            phrase. Infinitive phrases are verb forms using "to" in front of the
            present from of the verb.

• To reach his goals, Justin must practice writing everyday.

• To love you, I need to love myself first.

3. A participial phrase - You can start your sentence by using a participial  
          phrase.

• Playing all afternoon, the children are now tired.

• Ignoring you all day, I now found myself full of regrets.

          Participial phrases generally gin with –ing verbs and are used to describe
            nouns.

                  Erin work early. She dressed quickly and went to feed the horses.
                  Waking up early, Erin dressed quickly and went to feed the horses.

           NOTE: When a sentence begins with a participial phrase, a comma   
                              always follows it.

4. A direct object - You can start your sentence by using a direct object.This
          is a very awkward way to begin a sentence and should be avoided.

• The cake, I gave to my boyfriend.

• The letter, I read it to you.

5. A dependent clause - You can start your sentence by using a dependent   
           clause. We discussed dependent clauses in Know about Sentences.

• Although I love you, I still need to leave.

• By finishing the project, Justin felt successful.

6. An adverb - You can start your sentence by using an adverb.

• Happily, Justin did it.

• Immediately, I ran to his house.

7. An adjective - You can start your sentence by using an adjective.

• Tall and beautiful, my sister walked down the street.

• Being terrified, Justin ran to me.

      Yes, other ways may exist to vary sentence beginnings, but those above are major ways. Remember, using a direct object is stilted and should be not be used UNLESS using in dialect-dialogue.

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