SENTENCE FLUENCY
Variety in Sentence Beginnings- Here are five different ways to start a sentence.
- Adverb Beginnings
Adverbs describe a verb. Most, but not all end in “ly.” A comma is needed after an adverb that begins a sentence.
suddenly
usually
slowly
hurriedly
calmly
surprisingly
furiously
cautiously
boldly
wisely
soon
again
sometimes
often
next
Sometimes, we borrowed his tools to repair our bikes.
Slowly and carefully, Jim Whitaker began his trek up Everest.
- Prepositional Phrase Beginnings
A preposition shows a relationship between nouns. A prepositional phrase is the preposition with its related nouns. A comma is needed after a long (more than 5 words) prepositional phrase at the beginning, and it is optional after a shorter one. Below are just some of the 120 English prepositions.
about
against
among
behind
by
concerning
except
in
into
of
since
through
under
until
up
with
At the first fork in the road, Sam said we should turn left.
In the spring our neighbors always have a garage sale.
- Gerund Beginnings
A gerund is a verb ending in “ing” that acts as a noun. When used at the beginning of a sentence, it usually becomes the subject of the verb.
Hiking is a great way to get exercise and get close to nature.
Throwing rocks got him in trouble
- Participial Phrase Beginnings
A participle is a verb ending in “ing” or “ed” used as an adjective that describes the word that comes right after it. A participial phrase is the participle and the words that come after it. A comma is needed after a participial phrase.
Hiking across the rocks, we almost slipped and fell.
Destroyed by fire last season, the forest was black and bare.
- Infinitive Phrase Beginnings
An infinitive phrase is “to” followed by a verb. An infinitive phrase includes an infinitive with its related words.
To win the championship was our goal.
To start the game you have to roll the dice