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Sentence Starters: Ultimate List to Improve Your Essays and Writing

Ashley Shaw

Ashley Shaw

How to start a sentence

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.

sentence starter tip

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?

Definition of Transitions

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

Common Transitional 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.

The four types of transitions

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.

prowritingaid transitions report for essay

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.

Definition of a dependent clause

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.

ProWritingAid's Repetition Report

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.

in conclusion alternatives

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

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..

starter sentences for essay

Be confident about grammar

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

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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  • 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

starter sentences for essay

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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starter sentences for essay

Crafting Compelling Sentence Starters for Essays

Embarking on the journey of essay writing can often feel like standing at the edge of a cliff, especially when it comes to crafting that perfect opening line. The initial words of your essay set the tone and can either captivate your reader or lose their interest. In this article, we'll explore various strategies and examples of sentence starters that can elevate your essays, making them not just informative but also engaging and thought-provoking.

The Art of the Opening Sentence

The opening sentence is your first impression, your chance to grab the reader's attention. It's the gateway to your thoughts and arguments, setting the stage for what's to come.

Why Are Good Sentence Starters Important?

  • Engagement: A compelling starter draws the reader in, piquing their curiosity.
  • Direction: It sets the tone and direction of your essay.
  • Context: A well-crafted opening provides a glimpse into the essay's context.

Examples of Effective Sentence Starters

  • "In the realm of X, it is often debated that..."
  • "Imagine a world where X is the norm..."
  • "X is a phenomenon that has captured the attention of many..."

Types of Sentence Starters

Depending on your essay's tone and subject, different types of sentence starters can be employed.

Question Starters

  • "Have you ever wondered what it would be like to X?"
  • "Why is X considered essential in the field of Y?"

Statement Starters

  • "The concept of X has evolved significantly over the years."
  • "X is a testament to the power of Y."

Quotation Starters

  • "As X once said, '...'"
  • "The words of X resonate deeply in the context of Y."

Tailoring Starters to Your Essay

The key to choosing the right starter is understanding the purpose and tone of your essay. Is it argumentative, descriptive, or narrative? Each type demands a different approach to engaging your reader.

Tips for Crafting Your Own Starters

  • Know Your Audience: Tailor your language to resonate with your readers.
  • Be Concise: Keep it clear and to the point.
  • Be Original: Avoid clichés to make your essay stand out.

Summary and Key Insights

Mastering the art of the opening sentence can transform your essays from mundane to memorable. It's about making a connection with your reader and setting the stage for your ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a sentence starter too cliché.

A cliché starter is one that's overused and predictable, lacking originality and failing to engage the reader.

Can I start an essay with a quote?

Absolutely! A relevant and thought-provoking quote can be an excellent way to start an essay.

How long should a sentence starter be?

It should be concise enough to be impactful but long enough to set the context.

Is it okay to start an essay with a question?

Yes, starting with a question can be a great way to engage the reader's curiosity.

Can humor be used in essay sentence starters?

If appropriate for the topic and audience, humor can be an effective tool.

The right sentence starter can be the difference between an essay that resonates and one that falls flat. It's your first step in a dialogue with your reader, so make it count.

Looking for more than just tips? Our expert content writing agency offers professional writing services, SEO content, and unlimited revisions to ensure your essays and content not only start strong but also leave a lasting impression.

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Love English

Get Talking with These Sentence Starters: The Ultimate Guide

Sentence starters are an essential tool for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills. They are words or phrases that help to introduce the rest of the sentence, typically set apart by commas. The words that start a sentence are some of the most important in writing: They introduce what the sentence is about so the reader knows what to expect.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of using sentence starters in your writing. We will provide you with examples of sentence starters that you can use in your own writing, and we will explain how to use them effectively. Whether you are a student looking to improve your essay writing skills, or a professional looking to enhance your communication skills, this article will provide you with the tools you need to succeed.

Sentence Starters

Sentence Starters

What are sentence starters.

As the name would suggest, sentence starters are any words or phrases that can be used to perfectly start a sentence. Every sentence is different, so every sentence requires a different starter to really convey a meaning. A common sentence starter like “however” has a very specific purpose. You wouldn’t just be able to throw the word “however” into the first sentence of an essay, for example, because it wouldn’t be compared against anything.

However, it is a good idea to figure out when is the best time to use certain sentence starters to really add something extra to your writing. It will be what separates you from the rest of the crowd when you get a better understanding of how it should all work.

The Importance of Variety in Sentence Starters

When it comes to writing, sentence starters play a crucial role in grabbing the reader’s attention and conveying the message effectively. However, using the same sentence starters repeatedly can make the writing monotonous and dull, leading to a loss of interest from the reader. This is where the importance of variety in sentence starters comes into play.

Using a mixture of different sentence starters can keep the reader engaged and interested in the content. It also adds emphasis to important points in the text and makes the writing more lively and enjoyable to read.

Additionally, using a variety of sentence starters can help the writer to convey different emotions and tones in their writing. For example, using a rhetorical question as a sentence starter can create a sense of curiosity and make the reader think deeply about the topic. On the other hand, using a declarative sentence as a starter can convey a sense of confidence and authority.

To achieve variety in sentence starters, writers can use a combination of techniques such as varying the length and structure of sentences, using different types of phrases, and incorporating transitional words. By doing so, the writing becomes more dynamic and engaging, making the reader want to keep reading.

Types of Sentence Starters

When it comes to writing, it’s important to have a variety of sentence starters in your arsenal. Different types of sentence starters can help you achieve different effects in your writing. In this section, we’ll cover three types of sentence starters: conjunction starters, adverb starters, and prepositional phrase starters.

Conjunction Starters

Conjunction starters are words that are used to connect two ideas or thoughts. They can be used to show contrast, addition, or cause and effect. Some common conjunction starters include:

Adverb Starters

Adverb starters are words that modify the verb in a sentence. They can be used to describe how, when, where, or to what extent something is happening. Some common adverb starters include:

  • Nevertheless
  • Furthermore
  • Additionally

Here are some examples of adverb starters in use:

  • “However, he didn’t let that stop him from pursuing his dreams.”
  • “Nevertheless, she persisted in her efforts to make a change.”
  • “Furthermore, the study found that the results were consistent across all age groups.”
  • “Therefore, it is important to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.”
  • “Additionally, the report showed that there was a significant increase in sales.”

Prepositional Phrase Starters

Prepositional phrase starters are words that are used to describe the relationship between two things in a sentence. They can be used to show location, time, or direction. Some common prepositional phrase starters include:

Here are some examples of prepositional phrase starters in use:

  • “In the morning, she always enjoyed a cup of coffee.”
  • “On the way to work, he listened to his favorite podcast .”
  • “At the party, she met some new friends.”
  • “With a little practice, he became an expert at playing the guitar.”
  • “By the end of the day, she was exhausted from all the work.”

Examples of Sentence Starters

When it comes to writing, sentence starters can be incredibly useful. They can help writers get their thoughts flowing, organize their ideas, and make their writing more engaging. In this section, we’ll take a look at some examples of sentence starters that can be used for different types of writing.

For Storytelling

When telling a story, it’s important to hook your readers from the very beginning. Here are some sentence starters that can be used to do just that:

  • Once upon a time…
  • It all started when…
  • In a far-off land…
  • Long ago and far away…
  • Deep in the heart of…

These sentence starters can be used to set the scene and draw the reader in. Once you’ve hooked your reader, you can use the following sentence starters to move the story along:

  • Suddenly…
  • Just then…
  • Meanwhile…
  • Later that day…
  • The next morning…

When writing an essay, it’s important to clearly state your argument and support it with evidence. Here are some sentence starters that can help you do just that:

  • According to…
  • In contrast…
  • Similarly…
  • On the other hand …
  • For example …

These sentence starters can be used to introduce evidence and support your argument. Additionally, you can use the following sentence starters to transition between paragraphs:

  • Moving on to…
  • In conclusion …
  • Taking a closer look…
  • Another important point…
  • It’s worth noting that…

For Business Writing

When writing for business, it’s important to be clear and concise. Here are some sentence starters that can help you achieve that:

  • As previously mentioned…
  • To summarize…
  • In other words…
  • To put it simply…
  • The bottom line is…

These sentence starters can be used to summarize information and make your writing more concise. Additionally, you can use the following sentence starters to make requests or give instructions:

  • I would appreciate it if…
  • Please be advised that…
  • Kindly note that…
  • In order to…
  • It is imperative that…

By using these sentence starters, you can make your business writing more effective and efficient.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to using sentence starters, there are some common mistakes that writers should avoid. Here are a few to keep in mind:

Overusing the Same Sentence Starter

One of the most common mistakes writers make is overusing the same sentence starter throughout their writing. While sentence starters can be helpful in guiding the reader through your writing, using the same one repeatedly can make your writing sound repetitive and monotonous. To avoid this, try using a variety of sentence starters throughout your writing.

Using Sentence Starters Incorrectly

Another mistake writers make is using sentence starters incorrectly. For example, beginning a sentence with “and” or “but” can be effective in some cases, but it’s important to use these words appropriately. Additionally, some sentence starters may not be appropriate for certain writing styles or contexts. Make sure to consider the tone and purpose of your writing before using a particular sentence starter.

Failing to Vary Sentence Structure

Using sentence starters can be a great way to vary sentence structure and keep your writing engaging. However, it’s important to also vary the structure of your sentences themselves. Using the same sentence structure repeatedly can make your writing sound dull and uninteresting. Try experimenting with different sentence structures to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Neglecting Punctuation

Finally, it’s important to remember that sentence starters are just one aspect of good writing. Neglecting punctuation can make your writing difficult to understand and detract from its overall effectiveness. Make sure to use punctuation correctly and consistently throughout your writing.

By keeping these common mistakes in mind, writers can use sentence starters effectively to improve the flow and readability of their writing.

In conclusion, sentence starters are an essential tool that writers use to make their work more organized, coherent, and easy to read. They help to create a smooth flow of ideas and thoughts, making it easier for the reader to follow the writer’s argument or story.

Good sentence starters can be used in different types of writing, including essays, articles, research papers, and even fiction. They help to introduce new ideas, provide evidence, summarize key points, and make transitions between paragraphs and sections.

The use of sentence starters can also help to improve the quality of writing by making it more engaging and captivating. They can be used to create suspense, add emphasis, and convey emotions. Additionally, sentence starters can help to make writing more concise and clear, avoiding ambiguity and confusion.

Overall, using sentence starters is an effective way to improve the quality of writing and make it more organized, coherent, and engaging. Whether you are a student, a professional writer, or someone who enjoys writing for fun, incorporating sentence starters into your work can help you achieve your writing goals and captivate your audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective ways to start a sentence?

There are many effective ways to start a sentence, but it all depends on the context and purpose of your writing. Some common ways to start a sentence include using transitional words and phrases, such as “however,” “in addition,” or “meanwhile,” or starting with a strong subject or action verb. You can also use rhetorical questions, quotes, or interesting facts to grab the reader’s attention and set the tone for your writing.

How can sentence starters be used in persuasive writing?

Sentence starters can be very useful in persuasive writing because they can help you introduce your argument and provide evidence to support it. Some effective sentence starters for persuasive writing include “it is clear that,” “research shows that,” or “experts agree that.” These types of sentence starters can help you establish credibility and persuade your reader to agree with your point of view.

What are some common transition sentence starters?

Common transition sentence starters include “however,” “in addition,” “meanwhile,” “therefore,” and “consequently.” These words and phrases can help you connect ideas and create a smooth flow between sentences and paragraphs.

What are some sentence starters for creative writing?

Creative writing often requires more varied and imaginative sentence starters to create a unique and engaging story. Some examples of sentence starters for creative writing include “once upon a time,” “suddenly,” “in a far-off land,” or “the world was never the same again.” These types of sentence starters can help you set the scene, create suspense, or introduce a new character or plot twist.

How can sentence starters be used in speaking?

Sentence starters can be very useful in speaking because they can help you organize your thoughts and communicate your ideas more effectively. Some effective sentence starters for speaking include “I believe that,” “in my opinion,” or “from my experience.” These types of sentence starters can help you express your ideas clearly and confidently.

What are some sentence starters for providing evidence?

When providing evidence to support your argument, it’s important to use sentence starters that clearly indicate the source and relevance of your evidence. Some effective sentence starters for providing evidence include “according to,” “as demonstrated by,” or “for example.” These types of sentence starters can help you present your evidence in a clear and convincing way.

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Sentence Starters: Definition, Rules and Remarkable Examples

Sentence starters, also known as transition words or phrases, are vital tools for essay writing. They play a key role in formulating an interesting and well-written introduction, providing smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs, and writing a proper conclusion that summarizes the main points covered. Sentence starters are one of the essential tools of a skilled writer.

Table of Contents

What Are Sentence Starters and Why Are They So Important?

The main function of sentence starters is to tie together words, sentences, and paragraphs in an essay so that the writing flows logically. The sentence starters will help the readers comprehend the content more easily and absorb the meaning. The writing will be well-organized and cohesive.

Reading an essay containing well-placed and thoughtful sentence starters will be much easier, more interesting, and far less tedious. Most readers will be comfortable reading the material and will understand the writer’s intent. Students who use sentence starters expertly can expect to receive higher grades on their essays and exams.

What Are Some Examples of Sentence Starters?

Sentence starters for introductions.

  • This essay discusses…
  • The definition of…
  • In my opinion…
  • A popular subject of debate lately has been…
  • Until now, I believed…, then I found out that…
  • Most people assume that…
  • The most recent data suggests that…
  • A popular topic for discussion recently has been…
  • Recent headlines have shown…

Sentence Starters for Transitioning Between Sentences and Paragraphs

  • In contrast,
  • Furthermore,
  • In addition,
  • On the other hand ,
  • Consequently,
  • As a result,
  • Additionally,
  • Even though,

Examples of Sentence Starters Used in Sentences

In contrast , Representative Smith supported the new bill enthusiastically.

Moreover , data from a follow-up study found an even better outcome for patients who used this treatment.

Furthermore , other researchers had similar promising results.

Similarly , Dr. John Blake, Professor of Political Science at Stanford University, agreed with Dr. Johnson’s findings.

While the news was positive, experts were cautious about becoming overly optimistic at this point.

On the other hand , the lead engineer, Edward Boswell, disagreed with the proposed remodeling plans.

Although Rachel Turner was against the tentative schedule, she compromised with the rest of the committee .

Whereas Fairfield amended its town ordinance, Weston decided to postpone the action indefinitely.

Sentence Starters for Conclusions

  • In summary,
  • In closing,
  • Ultimately,
  • In the final analysis,
  • In essence,
  • All in all,

Examples of Sentence Starters in Conclusions

  • In summary , this analysis shows promising possibilities for new treatments and better outcomes.
  • In closing , there are substantive arguments on both sides of the issue. However, I believe that passing this legislation would be the best course of action.
  • To sum up , there needs to be more extensive research on these proposals in order to make a sound decision.
  • Ultimately , the voters will decide whether the downtown transformation is in the best interests of the city.
  • In the final analysis , I believe that Morgan’s proposal is the most promising.
  • In essence , Dr. Jackson is advocating for increased spending now which will compromise the town’s future goals.
  • All in all , it seems that the proponents of the project have more evidence than does the opposition.

Sentence Starters | Infographic

Sentence Starters: Definition, Rules and Remarkable Examples

Useful Sentence Starters For Academic Writing

starter sentences for essay

In academic writing, sentence starters play a vital role in organizing your ideas, conveying your arguments effectively, and maintaining a flow throughout your research paper. In this blog post, we will explore various sentence starters that can elevate the quality of your academic writing and provide examples tailored to research-based essays.

Why are sentence starters useful

Sentence starters are particularly helpful in introductions to grab the reader’s attention and provide a clear roadmap for the research essay. They can be employed when introducing a new argument or point, creating a smooth transition between paragraphs, or when emphasizing key ideas. Additionally, sentence starters are beneficial in conclusions to summarize key findings, restate the thesis, and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Moreover, sentence starters are valuable in comparisons to highlight similarities or differences, in sequences or lists to provide a structured flow of ideas, and in elaboration to expand on points or introduce new evidence. They can also be used to express uncertainty or doubt when discussing conflicting perspectives or limitations in the research. Overall, sentence starters add coherence, clarity, and sophistication to academic writing, making it more compelling and engaging for the reader .

Introduction sentence starters for essays

These sentence starters introduce what the paragraph or entire text is about so the readers know what to expect. 

  • “This study aims to…”

Example: This study aims to investigate the correlation between social media usage and mental health among teenagers.

  • “In recent years, research has shown…”

Example: In recent years, research has shown a growing interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of mindfulness practices.

  • “The purpose of this research is to…”

Example: The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of climate change on biodiversity in tropical rainforests.

Conclusion sentence starters

These sentence starters are helpful to hint at the reader that you’re about to wrap things up so they don’t expect any new points or evidence. 

  • “In conclusion, it is evident that…”

Example: In conclusion, it is evident that the implementation of renewable energy sources is crucial for mitigating the effects of global warming.

  • “Based on the findings, it can be concluded that…”

Example: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that regular exercise contributes to improved cognitive function in older adults.

  • “Overall, this research sheds light on…”

Example: Overall, this research sheds light on the importance of early intervention programs for children with learning disabilities.

Good sentence starters for comparisons

These sentence starters show that two things are related or alike. 

  • “Similarly,…”

Example: Similarly, both studies observed a significant decrease in cholesterol levels among participants who followed a Mediterranean diet.

  • “In contrast to…”

Example: In contrast to previous research, this study found no significant relationship between caffeine consumption and sleep disturbances.

  • “Like X, Y also…”

Example: Like previous studies, this research also highlights the impact of air pollution on respiratory health.

Good sentence starters for sequences or lists

Sentence starters for sequences are used to begin or relate lists of instructions or explaining a series of events. 

  • “ Firstly, …”

Example: Firstly, the survey gathered demographic information from participants.

  • “ Secondly, …”

Example: Secondly, the data analysis involved statistical techniques to identify patterns and trends.

  • “Finally, …”

Example: Finally, the study proposed recommendations for future research in this field.

Good sentence starters for elaboration or adding new points

These sentence starters ease the transition from explaining the larger picture to showing examples of minute details. 

  • “ Moreover, …”

Example: Moreover, this research emphasizes the importance of incorporating ethical considerations in clinical trials.

  • “Additionally, …”

Example: Additionally, previous studies have identified socioeconomic factors as influential determinants of educational attainment.

  • “Furthermore, …”

Example: Furthermore, the research findings highlight the need for more extensive sample sizes to draw generalizable conclusions.

Good sentence starters to show uncertainty or doubt

These sentence starters help in explaining to the reader that there is an upcoming contrasting idea or thought.

  • “ Although the results suggest…”

Example: Although the results suggest a positive correlation, further investigation is warranted to establish a causal relationship.

  • “It is plausible that…”

Example: It is plausible that the observed variations in results could be attributed to differences in sample demographics.

  • “It remains unclear whether…”

Example: It remains unclear whether the observed changes in behavior are transient or long-lasting.

In conclusion, sentence starters serve as valuable tools in academic writing, enabling you to structure your thoughts, enhance clarity, and guide readers through your research essays. Use them in abundance yet carefully, as they can enhance your quality of writing significantly.

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  • How to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples

How to Write an Essay Introduction | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on February 4, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 23, 2023.

A good introduction paragraph is an essential part of any academic essay . It sets up your argument and tells the reader what to expect.

The main goals of an introduction are to:

  • Catch your reader’s attention.
  • Give background on your topic.
  • Present your thesis statement —the central point of your essay.

This introduction example is taken from our interactive essay example on the history of Braille.

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

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Table of contents

Step 1: hook your reader, step 2: give background information, step 3: present your thesis statement, step 4: map your essay’s structure, step 5: check and revise, more examples of essay introductions, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.

Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an effective hook.

Avoid long, dense sentences—start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

The hook should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of the topic you’re writing about and why it’s interesting. Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.

Examples: Writing a good hook

Take a look at these examples of weak hooks and learn how to improve them.

  • Braille was an extremely important invention.
  • The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.

The first sentence is a dry fact; the second sentence is more interesting, making a bold claim about exactly  why the topic is important.

  • The internet is defined as “a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities.”
  • The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education.

Avoid using a dictionary definition as your hook, especially if it’s an obvious term that everyone knows. The improved example here is still broad, but it gives us a much clearer sense of what the essay will be about.

  • Mary Shelley’s  Frankenstein is a famous book from the nineteenth century.
  • Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement.

Instead of just stating a fact that the reader already knows, the improved hook here tells us about the mainstream interpretation of the book, implying that this essay will offer a different interpretation.

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Next, give your reader the context they need to understand your topic and argument. Depending on the subject of your essay, this might include:

  • Historical, geographical, or social context
  • An outline of the debate you’re addressing
  • A summary of relevant theories or research about the topic
  • Definitions of key terms

The information here should be broad but clearly focused and relevant to your argument. Don’t give too much detail—you can mention points that you will return to later, but save your evidence and interpretation for the main body of the essay.

How much space you need for background depends on your topic and the scope of your essay. In our Braille example, we take a few sentences to introduce the topic and sketch the social context that the essay will address:

Now it’s time to narrow your focus and show exactly what you want to say about the topic. This is your thesis statement —a sentence or two that sums up your overall argument.

This is the most important part of your introduction. A  good thesis isn’t just a statement of fact, but a claim that requires evidence and explanation.

The goal is to clearly convey your own position in a debate or your central point about a topic.

Particularly in longer essays, it’s helpful to end the introduction by signposting what will be covered in each part. Keep it concise and give your reader a clear sense of the direction your argument will take.

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As you research and write, your argument might change focus or direction as you learn more.

For this reason, it’s often a good idea to wait until later in the writing process before you write the introduction paragraph—it can even be the very last thing you write.

When you’ve finished writing the essay body and conclusion , you should return to the introduction and check that it matches the content of the essay.

It’s especially important to make sure your thesis statement accurately represents what you do in the essay. If your argument has gone in a different direction than planned, tweak your thesis statement to match what you actually say.

To polish your writing, you can use something like a paraphrasing tool .

You can use the checklist below to make sure your introduction does everything it’s supposed to.

Checklist: Essay introduction

My first sentence is engaging and relevant.

I have introduced the topic with necessary background information.

I have defined any important terms.

My thesis statement clearly presents my main point or argument.

Everything in the introduction is relevant to the main body of the essay.

You have a strong introduction - now make sure the rest of your essay is just as good.

  • Argumentative
  • Literary analysis

This introduction to an argumentative essay sets up the debate about the internet and education, and then clearly states the position the essay will argue for.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

This introduction to a short expository essay leads into the topic (the invention of the printing press) and states the main point the essay will explain (the effect of this invention on European society).

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

This introduction to a literary analysis essay , about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein , starts by describing a simplistic popular view of the story, and then states how the author will give a more complex analysis of the text’s literary devices.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale. Arguably the first science fiction novel, its plot can be read as a warning about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, and in popular culture representations of the character as a “mad scientist”, Victor Frankenstein represents the callous, arrogant ambition of modern science. However, far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to gradually transform our impression of Frankenstein, portraying him in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

  • An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
  • Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
  • A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

The “hook” is the first sentence of your essay introduction . It should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of why it’s interesting.

To write a good hook, avoid overly broad statements or long, dense sentences. Try to start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

  • It gives your writing direction and focus.
  • It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

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Starter Sentences for Essays: Examples and How to write them

Starter phrases

Starter Sentences for Essays

Starter sentences are very important when aiming to write an essay that will guarantee excellent grades. They help your essay to sound good and flow well since they make your work engage more with the writer while making it interesting to read. You might be wondering what I’m talking about.

Well, in simple terms, sentence starters or starter sentences are phrases that are placed at the beginning of a sentence to introduce the content or information that is contained within the sentence. They can also be placed at the start of a paragraph to introduce the paragraph’s content.

While there are various combinations of starter sentences that can be used, it is important to avoid repeating the same combination of words or phrases while starting every sentence. Your essay will be interesting instead of sounding repetitive. 

starter sentences for essay

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Importance of good essay starters, 1. they bring out richer ideas.

One of the major importance of good essay starters is helping you come up with richer and more nuanced ideas. Without them, you will find that your essays will have a regular habit of containing simple subject-verb sentence structures that are not only uninteresting but also unstimulating to the creative mind. 

Good essay starters can stimulate your mind in such a way that you come up with better ideas to support your claims in your academic essays. They also ensure that your work is more refined.

2. Starter sentences Link Ideas 

importance of linking clauses

When good essay starters are used, they can help in linking ideas from one paragraph to the other.

They can also aid in transitioning from one section of your essay, let’s say the introduction, to the body paragraphs, and finally to the conclusion. 

Good essay starters can act as transitions and sentence-starting phrases that transition from one idea to the next smoothly.

They are capable of linking ideas in such a way that the reader will effortlessly flow with the essay from the start to the end.

3. They increase Credibility and Professionalism

As aforementioned, sentence or essay starters are made up of words that introduce the ideas that will be presented within a sentence, a paragraph, or an entire essay.

As such, those words should be carefully selected so that they can effectively serve their intended purpose of introducing, transitioning, and making the essay more interesting and flowing.

Therefore, if you carefully select the appropriate words to act as essay starters, then your academic paper will sound more professional and credible. If such phrases achieve their intended use, the reader will automatically notice and appreciate your essay.

4. Arouse the Reader’s Attention and Anticipation

Good essay starters will ensure that the reader is attentive throughout the essay. Since you will be using different essay starters in different sections or paragraphs of your essay, it means that their attention will be renewed every time they start reading the next paragraph or section. They will anticipate the information that has been introduced by the essay/sentence starter. 

Your readers will be curious and engaged concerning your next claim or argument. Your essay will not be plain and predictable as in the case of essays that lack essay starters.

5. They make Essays Stand Out

When good essay starters are appropriately used, they make your essay stand out from the rest. This is because they make your essay interesting, flowing, professional, and well-researched.

When you are about to make an important point, it is good to use linking and transitional words to start your essay. Your concepts and ideas will be better understood when essay starters are used. 

6. Understanding the Content

For those who are reading an essay, good essay starters will help you understand the type of content you are about to read and think about. You can be told to write an essay based on some specific reading.

Essay starters will help you understand the content better so that you can be able to come up with your essay. 

7. Helps Simplify Linguistically Complex Ideas

Some essays will require you to tackle complex linguistic ideas. Good essay starters can help simplify such ideas in such a way that you, as a writer, can produce a coherent essay, and the readers can comprehend your claims and arguments.

As such, good essay starters are very instrumental when writing persuasive essays, argumentative essays, analytical essays, and contrast essays. They can be used to analyze/predict, explain, and demonstrate cause and effect. 

Tips when Starting Essays

When starting essays, it is important to consider the topic or the subject of your essay and your audience. In writing good essays , one step is starting with an interesting piece that grabs the reader’s read.

ideas to begin an essay

As such, you should first pose a specific question concerning the topic and suggest a correct answer in anticipation of what your audience or readers might respond to.

A strong thesis statement should follow so that you can base your claims and arguments on them.

Your entire essay will be based on the question/answer and the strong thesis statement.

To effectively start an essay, take note of the tips below to deliver a perfect essay introduction.

1. Start with Something Interesting

If you wish to start an essay well, ensure that you share some interesting or shocking facts concerning your topic. Here, you will have to consider your audience’s perspective towards the interesting or shocking fact.

Ensure that the fact is appropriate and relevant to your topic or subject. In our guide on how to write a good paragraph , we explained the importance of such interesting starts because they grab the reader’s attention.

2. Asking a Relevant Question

You can also start your essay by posing a relevant question and immediately answering it. Such a question should be posed in such a way that the readers would want to answer it while still anticipating your answer.

When you immediately answer the question, you invite your audience to consider your response.

3. The Thesis Statement

It is very important to have a strong thesis statement while starting your essay. In most cases, academic papers should have a strong thesis statement in the introduction paragraph.

Some instructors can downgrade you if your essay does not contain a thesis statement in the introduction paragraph.

Once you have identified the thesis statement, place it in the last sentence of the introduction paragraph because the rest of the essay will be based on it. Credible arguments within the body paragraphs will support the claims stated by the thesis statement. 

4. Be Descriptive

When starting your essay, dedicate a few sentences to describe things. You can use anecdotes, quotes, and other relevant rhetorical features to make your readers understand what your essay will be discussing. 

While doing all this, make sure that you have selected the most intriguing topic. Evaluate all the options given to you by your instructor so that you can define the key purpose of your essay.

Once this is done, study the most appropriate literature and conduct thorough research. Come up with a proper outline. Outlines will help you organize your ideas and thoughts into categories to make your writing process easier. 

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36 Examples of Starter Sentences for Different Essays

The section below will give a number of examples that we think will help you get a direction of what to do. To do that, we have divided these examples into 4 categories; persuasive essays, argumentative, analytical, and contrast essays.

9 Good Examples of Starter Sentences for Persuasive Essays

  • In my opinion…
  • I’m sure of…
  • We all know…
  • I feel that…
  • We all agree…
  • While I agree…
  • You must agree that…

Nine Good Starter Sentences for Argumentative Essays

starter phrases

  • In addition to…
  • For example…
  • As well as…
  • Furthermore…
  • Coupled with…
  • Correspondingly…
  • One other thing is that…

9 Good Starter Sentences for Analytical Essays

  • As a result…
  • Accordingly…
  • Consequently…
  • For this reason….
  • This is why…
  • As you can see/notice…
  • For all of this…
  • For all of those reasons…
  • Because of/due to the reason that…

9 Good Starter Sentences for Contrast Essays

  • In contrast to…
  • Nevertheless…
  • On the one hand…
  • On the contrary…
  • Even though this is the case…
  • Conversely,
  • On the other end,

Josh Jasen working

Josh Jasen or JJ as we fondly call him, is a senior academic editor at Grade Bees in charge of the writing department. When not managing complex essays and academic writing tasks, Josh is busy advising students on how to pass assignments. In his spare time, he loves playing football or walking with his dog around the park.

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

Posted on Last updated: October 24, 2023

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

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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…

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

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: Useful Words and Phrases You Can Use As Sentence Starters

Sentence Starters | Infographic

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

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

wt2

Shockingly Appealing Starter Sentences For Essays 

The way of using words is fundamental for conveying the primary message of the essay effectively and accurately. The key to successful essays is the flow of the essay, and the key to the flow of the essay is the effectiveness of sentence starters in every paragraph of the essay.

Sentence starters are the phrases that help introduce the rest of a paragraph in an essay. Check out this exclusive blog by a professional essay service that details starter sentences for essays and how to effectively use them within the context.

Table of Contents

What Are The Sentence Starters For Essays?

Sentence starters are phrases that help in connecting the paragraphs in an essay and organizing all the information. They are a set of words that are used at the start of the sentence in order to introduce what the rest of the sentence and paragraph are going to be about.

With sentence starters, the essay will look more organized and complex to understand. Starter sentences for essays can be pretty challenging, so if you get stuck somewhere in your essay, feel free to contact our professional essay writers to help you with your essay and elevate it to perfection.

Essay Sentence Starters

There are different types of sentence starters that help organize an essay; in the below section, we have shared some of the best examples of sentence starters according to the kind of sentence that accompanies them.

Starter Sentences For Essays Introduction

The introduction of an essay is very important in order to grab the reader’s attention and hook them to read the essay till the end. The starter sentences in the introduction describe what the essay is about and what it aims for. Let’s take a look at some of the good first sentences for essays.

“This essay discusses…”

“This study aims to…”

“The previous research in the area interpreted…”

“The primary purpose of this essay is…”

“The main subject of our research is….”

Essay Topic Sentence Starters

It would help if you introduced the topic to the audience at the start of your essay. It would help to reveal what your essay is about and what the readers can take away from it. Suppose your essay topic is  what is a descriptive paragraph , you need to introduce it by describing what the essay aims to deliver. It will declare the essay’s purpose and what the readers can expect from it. Following are some sentence starters for topics.

“In this paper…”

“Below, you will find…”

“This essay details…”

“This paper aims to…”

“This discussion is about…”

“The primary purpose of this essay…”

Body Paragraph Starter Sentences For Essays

Body paragraphs are present in the essay’s body, which explains the evidence and the factual information. It’s essential for all the body paragraphs to be interconnected and relevant to each other because they need to resonate with the central thesis statement of the essay.

The transition from one paragraph to another gives a flow to the essay. Let’s take a look at some sentence starters for body paragraphs.

“Moreover…”

“Therefore…”

“Additionally…”

“In this case…”

“Secondly…”

“Furthermore…”

“Moving on…”

“Eventually…”

Good Starter Sentences For Comparison

In an essay, the writer analyzes, interprets, and evaluates the evidence they collect in order to make their main claim. That’s why it’s essential to cater to the evidence, transition towards the counterclaims, and then make a judgment based on it. Without proper organization, the essay will be just a cluster of data that hasn’t been transformed into information properly.

That’s why it’s essential to use starter sentences for every argument you are going to discuss in order to show its relation with the rest of the content. Following are some sentence starters for showing comparison and contrast between two paragraphs or two concepts.

“In contrast…”

“In comparison…”

“Unlike the previous point…”

“To compare…”

“This statement contrasts…”

“Likewise…”

“In the same way…”

Starter Sentences For Essays For Sequences and Lists

An essay also has several series and sequences that help show the classification of different elements. These sequences might organize other points of the same concept or multiple discussion points. It helps write instructions and gives a flow to the series of events and how they impacted the main thesis statement or argument.

“First of all…”

“Firstly…” 

“Thirdly…” 

“In the end…” 

“Afterwards…”

“Eventually…”

 “Once again…”

Sentence Starters For Adding New Points

In the midst of writing an essay and interpreting evidence, if you feel the need to introduce a new point of discussion, you need to do it with the proper sentence starters. You can’t just throw new discussion points in the essay because it will make your context look disorganized and confusing. The following sentence starters are going to help you transition to new points.

“On the other hand…”

“Even more important…

“In addition…”

“Otherwise…”

“Unlike this…”

“Further on this issue…” 

Starter Sentence For References

There are plenty of instances where you will have to quote information from other sources in your essay. To reference an outside source to support your claim, you must properly take the reader to that point. Refrain from mentioning the references without writing them differently from the rest of the text. Use the following starter sentences to quote the references.

“According to….”

“Based on the findings of…”

“As previous research described…”

“As explained by…”

“With Regards to…”

“As explored by…”

As seen in…”

“With regards to…”

Sentence Starters To Present Uncertainties

At some point in your essay, there might be some points that will bring doubt to your statement. You will have to make sure that it won’t weaken your thesis and affect your research. Sentence starters also help in making the thesis and  essay longer with words  that are necessary only, and help you stay away from redundancy. You need to cater to those points of discussion in a positive light and provide a better context in which those points of conversation can be correct.

“Although the results suggest…”

“It Is plausible that…”

“This statement might be true, but…”

“It remains unclear whether…”

“It’s hard to say that…”

“Although not proven…”

“It’s possible that…”

“Then again…”

“It may be that…”

“While debatable…”

“Conversely…”

“Notwithstanding…”

“Despite that…”

Starter Sentences For Essays Conclusion

The conclusion is a mandatory part of an essay because it summarizes all the information, points, and aspects discussed in the essay context. The conclusion plays a vital role in gathering all the potential points to show the key results the essay has found and how it achieved the set goal.

“In summary…”

“To summarize…”

“In conclusion…”

“To conclude…”

“In review…”

“To sum up…”

“To review…”

“Over All…”

“On the whole…”

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Sentence Starters For Examples

It would help if you used sentence starters before adding an example in your essay as well. You have to make sure that the readers understand if you are speaking hypothetically or giving some examples to make your point across. Following are some starter words that you can use before stating an example.

“For example…”

“We can see this in…”

“Consider the following case of…”

“This is evidenced by…”

“To illustrate…”

“For instance…”

“Specifically…”

“Let’s understand with an example…”

“Considering this…”

“Take the example of…”

Sentence Starters To Present Cause And Effect

You need to present the causes and effects of some problems and social issues in society and to get your point across to the reader; you need to use the right words and transitions. Following are the starter sentences that will help you transition from explaining causes or effects.

“As a result…”

“Accordingly…”

“Consequently…”

“Because of…”

“For this reason…”

“This means that…”

“That is why…”

“It clarifies that…”

Sentence Starters for Showing Emphasis

There are some sets of words that help represent the emphasis on specific concepts or phrases. Sometimes, these sentence starters are used in the conclusion of an essay to show the importance of the critical results. Following are some sentence starters that you can use in the context to display emphasis on specific points.

“Above all…”

“Above mentioned…”

“Undoubtedly…”

“Unarguably…”

“Generally speaking…”

“Most importantly…”

“Obviously…”

Sentence starters for Traditional Accepted Concepts

You might have to use some traditionally accepted terms and concepts in your essay in order to show relevance to the social norms. These sentence starters help readers understand the position of that particular concept and where it stands from the viewpoints of the research. Let’s take a look at sentence starters in this category.

“Initially…”

“Conventionally…”

“In the past…”

“Historically…”

“Commercially…”

“Until now…”

“Customarily…”

“Culturally…”

“Ethically…”

“Recently…”

“Previously…”

Why Sentence Starters for Essays are Important?

Sentence starters are a highly recommended set of words that uplifts an essay to perfection. Instructors and professors across the globe always suggest and recommend sentence starters and  writing conventions  in order to write an impactful essay.

Sentence starters help in grabbing the reader’s attention and make them focus on what the position of the following sentence is in the essay. These sentences also help readers understand the level and purpose of writing. It will make it easy for the reader to follow the essay flow comprehendingly.

Starter sentences are going to provide a roadmap to your essay and estimate which direction your research and finding are going. If you use the starter sentences that tell the reader what the topic previously has done, what are the present implications, and what future opportunities it has, it will resonate with the importance of your research topic and thesis statement.

Starter sentences provide a smooth transition from one point to another. It might be confusing to just jump onto a new point of discussion, that’s why starter sentences help in creating context and actually making sense of most of the content. Starter sentences are also very helpful for students who skim through an essay.

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Starter sentences really help in making your essay perfect, but they might need help to use in the proper place. Don’t struggle anymore with your essay, and rely on our  assignment writing service  to get your work done with absolute accuracy.

Wrapping Up

You’ve made it to the end of this ultimate guide to use starter sentences for essays. Sentence starters in essays are very important because they help in conveying the actual message of the writer. They are very essential in showing relevancy, reference, and transition from one thought, concept, idea, or topic to another. 

There are sentence starters for every possible scenario, whether the introduction, body paragraphs, or conclusion. You can also use starter sentences to show sequences, timing, expression, uncertainties, new points, cause and effect, emphasis, and comparison.

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Sentence Starters Made Easy for Better Essays

Table of Contents

The first sentence of an essay is a sentence starter. They must intrigue the reader enough to read further into the paper without being too wordy.

Generally, they should introduce the topic and give the reader the main idea of the paper at a glance. It also helps establish the tone and direction of the essay.

Without them, writing can become fragmented and disjointed, making reading difficult. However, it is not always clear which ones to include and when.

In this article, we provide sentence starters that you can use in your writing, separated into categories for simple references. Let’s get started!

person writing on brown wooden table near white ceramic mug

What Is a Sentence Starter?

Sentence starters are the words or phrases that introduce the remainder of the sentence and are generally separated by commas. Sentence-beginning words are crucial in writing. They introduce the subject of the sentence so that the reader knows what to anticipate.

The first sentence of an essay are vital to the cohesion of lengthy academic writing works. Because each sentence effectively has its own theme, these compositions frequently and sometimes abruptly move from point to point.

Sentence starters facilitate the reader’s comprehension by softening abrupt transitions and introducing the next topic.

This rule also applies to paragraphs that bounce from subject to subject. Paragraph starters provide an organizational signpost via introductory sentence starters to bridge the gap between themes.

Although prevalent in fiction, sentence starters are most effective when writing nonfiction, especially essays.

In contrast to fiction, nonfiction employs a range of facts that serve as sentence starters for the reader. In other words, if you believe nonfiction to be dull, imagine if it were simply a list of facts!

When Should You Employ Sentence Starters?

Sentence starters aren’t required for all sentences. In fact, their overuse can be distracting. These are some instances where a sentence starter is most effective:

  • When it’s hard to see how one sentence fits with the others.
  • You’re bringing up a new idea, like at the start of an essay or a paragraph.
  • Giving a summary or conclusion, like at the end of an essay.
  • Want to put more attention on a certain sentence or point.
  • You need to write a hook to get people interested.
  • The sentence needs some background information or context to make sense.

There is no hard and fast rule for when to utilize and when to avoid sentence starters. If you are having difficulty deciding, consider revisiting your past few paragraphs and evaluating their flow.

There is no need for sentence starters if your sentence flows well. If something feels odd, out of place, or absent, try adding one to see if it helps.

Below you will discover samples of context-appropriate phrase beginnings.

First Sentence of an Essay (Topic Sentences)

Topic sentences introduce the topic of the paragraph or the entire content to enable readers know what to expect.

  • This paper discusses …
  • In this paper . . .
  • Here, we discuss . . .
  • Below, you will find . . .

Sequences or Lists: Sentence Starters

Sentence starters come particularly handy when writing sets of instructions or explaining a succession of events. These components aren’t always related in obvious ways. Sentence openers connect them and put them in the proper order, so your reader can organize them in their thoughts.

  • First . . ., Second . . ., Third . . ., etc. 
  • Subsequently . . .
  • After that . . .

Comparisons: Sentence Starters

To show that two items are similar or linked, use sentence starters.

  • Similarly . . .
  • I n the same way . . .
  • Likewise . . .
  • Again . . .

Elaboration or Adding New Points

When a single sentence is insufficient to properly express your idea, including sentence starters to subsequent sentences can connect them.

  • Additionally . . .
  • Moreover . . .
  • Furthermore . . .
  • Also .  . .

Introducing Examples

For essays, you should support your claims with proof. Sentence openers facilitate the shift from describing the large picture to illustrating the application of these principles in the real world.

  • For example . . .
  • For instance . . .
  • This is evidenced by . . .
  • Consider the [case/example] of . . .

Contrasts and Abrupt Transitions

Sentence starters are most effective when switching topics abruptly. The writing seems abrupt and disjointed without them, so utilize them to keep your reader on track, especially when comparing topics.

  • Although . . .
  • On the other hand . . .
  • In contrast . . .
  • Despite that . . ..

To Establish Cause and Effect

Commonly, two sentences are used to describe a cause-and-effect relationship, such as something causing something else to occur. This link can be clarified by using sentence starters to show the distinction between the cause and effect.

  • As a result . . .
  • Accordingly . . .
  • Therefore . . . .
  • That is why . . .

Emphasis: Sentence Starters

In other instances, sentence beginnings are not required, but they serve to emphasize a point. Reserve these for the sentences that you want your audience to remember most.

  • Above all . . .
  • As usual . . .
  • Certainly . . .
  • Generally speaking . . .

Starters for References

If you are crediting someone else’s concept, such as in a research paper, include the attribution in the first words of the phrase. Use these phrase openers before quoting or discussing an idea from another source.

  • According to . . .
  • Based on the findings of . . .
  • As explained by . . .
  • With regards to . . .

Generally Accepted Concepts (Historicals)

Some sentences lack meaning when removed from their context. This could be a popular, mainstream notion that is unknown to the reader, or some historical context that is not well known. Sentence starters can provide background in these cases without veering off topic. 

  • Traditionally . . .
  • Historically . . .
  • Initially . . .
  • Until now . . .

To Show Uncertainty or Doubt

If you are writing about facts, your audience will assume that everything you write is true. In circumstances where something is unproven or unknown, tell your readers that doubt exists so as not to mislead them.

  • Perhaps . . .
  • Although not proven . . .
  • Arguably . . .
  • While debatable . . .

Conclusion and Summaries

Because they do not convey fresh information, conclusions and summaries always behave differently than other phrases and paragraphs.

Sentence starters can signal to the reader that you’re about to “close things up,” so they don’t expect any fresh points or proof.

  • In summary . . .
  • To summarize . . . 
  • In conclusion . . .
  • To wrap things up . . .

A sentence starter is a brief word or phrase to help the reader transition . Sentence starters are commonly used in written texts, blog posts, reports, and essays.

If you want your sentence starters to stand out from the crowd, avoid common words. Common words such as “I,” “am,” and “this” should be avoided. Always use sentences that are familiar to most readers.

Sentence Starters Made Easy for Better Essays

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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  1. Sentence Starters ⇒ Words and Phrases to Start Sentences

    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 ...

  2. Sentence Starters: Ultimate List to Improve Your Essays and Writing

    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.

  3. 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

    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".

  4. PDF Sentence starters, transitional and other useful words

    Sentence starters, transitional and other useful words We can help you to succeed in your studies on or off campus. Just contact us. Learning Support @ Student Success [email protected] 0800 762 786 It can sometimes be difficult to start a sentence to express ideas, or find words to show the relationship between ideas.

  5. Easy Words to Use as Sentence Starters to Write Better Essays

    Tips for Using Transition Words and Phrases. 1. Use a variety of transition words, not the same one. 2. Put a comma after the transition word. 3. Put the subject of the sentence after the comma. Choosing the right word to start, end, and transition topics can make or break an essay.

  6. Paragraph Starters for Essays

    View examples of essay starters, including body paragraph starters and sentence starters for essays. Learn ways to start a paragraph. Updated: 11/21/2023

  7. Crafting Compelling Sentence Starters for Essays

    Why Are Good Sentence Starters Important? Engagement: A compelling starter draws the reader in, piquing their curiosity. Direction: It sets the tone and direction of your essay. Context: A well-crafted opening provides a glimpse into the essay's context.

  8. Get Talking with These Sentence Starters: The Ultimate Guide

    Good sentence starters can be used in different types of writing, including essays, articles, research papers, and even fiction. They help to introduce new ideas, provide evidence, summarize key points, and make transitions between paragraphs and sections.

  9. Sentence Starters: Definition, Rules and Remarkable Examples

    The main function of sentence starters is to tie together words, sentences, and paragraphs in an essay so that the writing flows logically. The sentence starters will help the readers comprehend the content more easily and absorb the meaning. The writing will be well-organized and cohesive. Reading an essay containing well-placed and thoughtful ...

  10. Useful Sentence Starters For Academic Writing

    In conclusion, sentence starters serve as valuable tools in academic writing, enabling you to structure your thoughts, enhance clarity, and guide readers through your research essays. Use them in abundance yet carefully, as they can enhance your quality of writing significantly. Paperpal is a comprehensive AI writing toolkit that helps students ...

  11. Sentence Starters: Useful Words and Phrases to Use As Sentence ...

    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 ...

  12. How to Write an Essay Introduction

    Table of contents. Step 1: Hook your reader. Step 2: Give background information. Step 3: Present your thesis statement. Step 4: Map your essay's structure. Step 5: Check and revise. More examples of essay introductions. Other interesting articles. Frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.

  13. How to Start a Sentence: 10 Tips for Starting Sentences

    Think about what you want your reader to know about first, and use that to inform the beginning of the sentence. 2. Examine the previous sentence. Even an expertly crafted sentence won't make sense if it's completely out of context. Always keep the previous sentence in mind when you're crafting a new sentence.

  14. Starter Sentences for Essays: Examples and How to write them

    Good essay starters can act as transitions and sentence-starting phrases that transition from one idea to the next smoothly. They are capable of linking ideas in such a way that the reader will effortlessly flow with the essay from the start to the end. 3. They increase Credibility and Professionalism.

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

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

  16. Sentence Starters for Reader Response Essays and Journals

    A reader response can be a personal reaction to the text, or it can be a more impersonal analysis of the ideas and writing in the text. In a reader response essay, you can talk about one or more of the following: Your feelings about the topic. Your thoughts about what the author said. What this reminds you about in your own life.

  17. Creative and Powerful Sentence Starters for Essays

    Uses of Sentence Starters. Sentence starters can be used as an intro to your essay. They can also be transitional phrases that lead the reader into the next paragraph. Here are some of the different uses of sentence starters and examples. 1. As an Introduction. This is a more common use for sentence starters.

  18. Ultimate Guide To Starter Sentences For Essays

    Starter Sentences For Essays For Sequences and Lists. An essay also has several series and sequences that help show the classification of different elements. These sequences might organize other points of the same concept or multiple discussion points. It helps write instructions and gives a flow to the series of events and how they impacted ...

  19. Sentence Starters Made Easy for Better Essays

    To Wrap Up. A sentence starter is a brief word or phrase to help the reader transition. Sentence starters are commonly used in written texts, blog posts, reports, and essays. If you want your sentence starters to stand out from the crowd, avoid common words. Common words such as "I," "am," and "this" should be avoided.

  20. 40 Incredible Introduction Sentence Starters for Students

    There are many different ways to start a story or essay. Introduction sentence starters can help students learn about different techniques and experiment with different styles. To help students engage the reader. A strong introduction is essential for engaging the reader and keeping them interested in the text. Introduction sentence starters ...