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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..

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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

essay sentence starters

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.

This article is suitable for native English speakers and those who are  learning English at our Oxford Summer School or San Francisco Summer School and are just taking their first steps into essay writing.

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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Useful Sentence Starters For Academic Writing

essay sentence starters

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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Try it for free or upgrade to Paperpal Prime , which unlocks unlimited access to premium features like academic translation, paraphrasing, contextual synonyms, consistency checks, submission readiness and more. It’s like always having a professional academic editor by your side! Go beyond limitations and experience the future of academic writing. Get Paperpal Prime now at just US$12 a month !    

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  • Knowledge Base
  • 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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Academic Phrasebank

Academic Phrasebank

Introducing work.

  • GENERAL LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS
  • Being cautious
  • Being critical
  • Classifying and listing
  • Compare and contrast
  • Defining terms
  • Describing trends
  • Describing quantities
  • Explaining causality
  • Giving examples
  • Signalling transition
  • Writing about the past

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There are many ways to introduce an academic essay or short paper. Most academic writers, however, appear to do one or more of the following in their introductions:

  • establish the context, background and/or importance of the topic
  • present an issue, problem, or controversy in the field of study
  • define the topic and/or key terms used in the paper
  • state the purpose of the essay or short paper
  • provide an overview of the coverage and/or structure of the writing

Slightly less complex introductions may simply inform the reader: what the topic is, why it is important, and how the writing is organised. In very short assignments, it is not uncommon for a writer to commence simply by stating the purpose of their writing.

Introductions to research dissertations and theses tend to be relatively short compared to the other sections of the text but quite complex in terms of their functional elements. Some of the more common elements include:

  • establishing the context, background and/or importance of the topic
  • giving a brief review of the relevant academic literature
  • identifying a problem, controversy or a knowledge gap in the field of study
  • stating the aim(s) of the research and the research questions or hypotheses
  • providing a synopsis of the research design and method(s)
  • explaining the significance or value of the study
  • defining certain key terms
  • providing an overview of the dissertation or report structure

Examples of phrases which are commonly employed to realise these functions can be seen by clicking on the headings listed below. Note that there may be a certain amount of overlap between some of the categories under which the phrases are listed. Also, the order in which the different categories of phrases are shown reflects a typical order but this is far from fixed or rigid, and not all the elements are present in all introductions.

A number of analysts have identified common patterns in the introductions of research articles. One of the best known patterns is the CARS model (create a research space) first described by John Swales (1990). This model, which utilises an ecological metaphor, has, in its simplest form, three elements or moves:

  • Establishing the territory (establishing importance of the topic, reviewing previous work)
  • Identifying a niche (indicating a gap in knowledge)
  • Occupying the niche (listing purpose of new research, listing questions, stating the value of the work, indicating the structure of the writing)

Establishing the importance of the topic for the world or society

X is a major contributor to … X plays a critical role in the maintenance of … Xs have emerged as powerful platforms for … X is essential for a wide range of technologies. X can play an important role in addressing the issue of … There is evidence that X plays a pivotal role in regulating … In the new global economy, X has become a central issue for … Evidence suggests that X is among the most important factors for … Xs are one of the most widely used groups of antibacterial agents and … There is a growing body of literature that recognises the importance of … X is an important component in the climate system, and plays a key role in Y. Xs are one of the most widely used groups of Y and have been extensively used for …

Establishing the importance of the topic for the discipline

X is of interest because … X is a classic problem in … X is an important aspect of … X is a fundamental property of … X is an increasingly important area in … The concepts of X and Y are central to … X is at the heart of our understanding of … Investigating X is a continuing concern within … X is a major area of interest within the field of … X has been an object of research since the 1960s. X has been the subject of many classic studies in … X has been instrumental in our understanding of … The theory of X provides a useful account of how … Central to the entire discipline of X is the concept of … The issue of X has received considerable critical attention. X has long been a question of great interest in a wide range of fields.

Establishing the importance of the topic (time frame given)

Recently, there has been renewed interest in … Traditionally, Xs have subscribed to the belief that … One of the most important events of the 1970s was … In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in … Recent developments in X have heightened the need for … The last two decades have seen a growing trend towards … Recently, researchers have shown an increased interest in … Recent trends in X have led to a proliferation of studies that … Over the past century, there has been a dramatic increase in … The past decade has seen the rapid development of X in many … Since it was reported in 2015, X has been attracting considerable interest. Recent developments in the field of X have led to a renewed interest in … The past thirty years have seen increasingly rapid advances in the field of …

Establishing the importance of the topic as a problem to be addressed

X is a major problem in … Of particular concern is … One of the main obstacles … One of the greatest challenges … A key issue is the safe disposal of … The main disadvantage of X is that … X impacts negatively upon a range of … It is now well established that X can impair … X has led to the decline in the population of … The main challenge faced by many researchers is the … Lack of X has existed as a health problem for many years. Xs are one of the most rapidly declining groups of insects in … Exposure to X has been shown to be related to adverse effects in … There is an urgent need to address the safety problems caused by …

Referring to previous work to establish what is already known

Recent evidence suggests that … Extensive research has shown that … Studies of X show the importance of … It has previously been observed that … Several attempts have been made to … Previous research has established that … Data from several studies suggest that … Recent research comparing X and Y has found … The existing body of research on X suggests that … There is a growing body of literature that recognises … Several theories on the origin of X have been proposed. Existing research recognises the critical role played by … It is now well established from a variety of studies, that … Recently investigators have examined the effects of X on Y. Surveys such as that conducted by Smith (2015) have shown that … Factors found to be influencing X have been explored in several studies. A number of cross-sectional studies suggest an association between X and Y… Studies over the past two decades have provided important information on …

Identifying a controversy within the field of study

A much debated question is whether … One major issue in early X research concerned … To date there has been little agreement on what … The issue has grown in importance in light of recent … One of the most significant current discussions in X is … In the literature on X, the relative importance of Y is debated. One observer has already drawn attention to the paradox in … Questions have been raised about the use of animal subjects in … In many Xs, a debate is taking place between Ys and Zs concerning … Debate continues about the best strategies for the management of … This concept has recently been challenged by X studies demonstrating … The debate about X has gained fresh prominence with many arguing that … Scholars have long debated the impact of X on the creation and diffusion of … More recently, literature has emerged that offers contradictory findings about … One major theoretical issue that has dominated the field for many years concerns … The controversy about scientific evidence for X has raged unabated for over a century. The issue of X has been a controversial and much disputed subject within the field of … The causes of X have been the subject of intense debate within the scientific community. In the literature on X, the relative importance of Y has been subject to considerable discussion.

Explaining the inadequacies of previous studies

Previous studies of X have not dealt with … Researchers have not treated X in much detail. Such expositions are unsatisfactory because they … Most studies in the field of X have only focused on … Such approaches, however, have failed to address … Previous published studies are limited to local surveys. Half of the studies evaluated failed to specify whether … The research to date has tended to focus on X rather than Y. Previously published studies on the effect of X are not consistent. Smith’s analysis does not take account of …, nor does she examine … The existing accounts fail to resolve the contradiction between X and Y. Most studies in X have only been carried out in a small number of areas.

However, much of the research up to now has been descriptive in nature … The generalisability of much published research on this issue is problematic. Research on the subject has been mostly restricted to limited comparisons of … However, few writers have been able to draw on any systematic research into … Short-term studies such as these do not necessarily show subtle changes over time … Although extensive research has been carried out on X, no single study exists which … However, these results were based upon data from over 30 years ago and it is unclear if … The experimental data are rather controversial, and there is no general agreement about …

Identifying the paucity or lack of previous research

There is little published data on … No previous study has investigated X. The use of X has not been investigated. Data about the efficacy and safety of X are limited. Up to now, far too little attention has been paid to … A search of the literature revealed few studies which … The impact of X on Y is understudied, particularly for … Few studies have investigated X in any systematic way … In addition, no research has been found that surveyed … So far, very little attention has been paid to the role of X. Surprisingly, the effects of X have not been closely examined. In contrast to X, there is much less information about effects of … A systematic understanding of how X contributes to Y is still lacking. Despite the importance of X, there remains a paucity of evidence on … To date, the problem has received scant attention in the research literature.

Identifying a knowledge gap in the field of study

It is still not known whether … … much less is known about X. The nature of X remains unclear. Currently, there are no data on … What is less clear is the nature of … Very little is currently known about X in … Research to date has not yet determined … What is not yet clear is the impact of X on … There is still uncertainty, however, whether … The response of X to Y is not fully understood. Causal factors leading to X remain speculative. The neurobiological basis of X is poorly understood. Little is known about X and it is not clear what factors … To date, only a limited number of Xs have been identified. The mechanisms that underpin X are not fully understood. Much uncertainty still exists about the relationship between … This indicates a need to understand the various perceptions of X that exist among … It is now well established that … However, the influence of X on Y has remained unclear.

Stating the focus, aim, or argument of a short paper

In this paper, I argue that … This paper attempts to show that … The central thesis of this paper is that … In the pages that follow, it will be argued that … In this essay, I attempt to defend the view that … The aim of this essay is to explore the relationship between … The purpose of this paper is to review recent research into the …

Stating the purpose of the current research

The specific objective of this study was to … An objective of this study was to investigate … This thesis will examine the way in which the … This study set out to investigate the usefulness of … This dissertation seeks to explain the development of … This case study seeks to examine the changing nature of … The objectives of this research are to determine whether … This prospective study was designed to investigate the use of … This research examines the emerging role of X in the context of … This study systematically reviews the data for…, aiming to provide … Drawing upon two strands of research into X, this study attempts to … This thesis intends to determine the extent to which … and whether … This dissertation aims to unravel some of the mysteries surrounding … This study therefore set out to assess the effect of X …, and the effect of … The main aim of this study is to investigate the differences between X and Y. Part of the aim of this project is to develop software that is compatible with … There are two primary aims of this study: 1. To investigate … 2. To ascertain … This study seeks to obtain data which will help to address these research gaps. One purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which these factors were … The purpose of this investigation is to explore the relationship between X and Y.

Describing the research design and the methods used

Data for this study were collected using … Five works will be examined, all of which … This investigation takes the form of a case-study of the … This study was exploratory and interpretative in nature. This study uses a qualitative case study approach to investigate … The research data in this thesis is drawn from four main sources: … The approach to empirical research adopted for this study was one of … This dissertation follows a case-study design, with in-depth analysis of … By employing qualitative modes of enquiry, I attempt to illuminate the … Qualitative and quantitative research designs were adopted to provide … Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in this investigation. A holistic approach is utilised, integrating X, Y and Z material to establish … The study was conducted in the form of a survey, with data being gathered via … The methodological approach taken in this study is a mixed methodology based on … A combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches was used in the data analysis.

Explaining the significance of the current study

This is the first study to … This study provides new insights into … This work will generate fresh insight into … The study offers some important insights into … Understanding the link between X and Y will help … This is the first study to undertake a longitudinal analysis of … The present research explores, for the first time, the effects of … The importance and originality of this study are that it explores … The findings should make an important contribution to the field of …. Characterisation of X is important for our increased understanding of … It is hoped that this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of … This study aims to contribute to this growing area of research by exploring … This project provided an important opportunity to advance the understanding of … Therefore, this study makes a major contribution to research on X by demonstrating … There are several important areas where this study makes an original contribution to … The experimental work presented here provides one of the first investigations into how …

Describing the limitations of the current study

The thesis does not engage with … It is not the task of this paper to examine … This study is unable to encompass the entire … Establishing X is beyond the scope of this study. It is beyond the scope of this study to examine the … The analysis of X presented here is based solely on … A full discussion of X lies beyond the scope of this study. The reader should bear in mind that the study is based on … Another potential problem is that the scope of my thesis may be too broad. Due to practical constraints, this paper cannot provide a comprehensive review of…

Giving reasons for personal interest in the research*

I became interested in Xs after reading … My interest in this area developed while I was … I have worked closely with X for many years and … My personal experience of X has prompted this research. My main reason for choosing this topic is personal interest. It is my experience of working with X that has driven this research. This project was conceived during my time working for X. As a medical advisor, I witnessed …

* sometimes found in the humanities, and the applied human sciences

Outlining the structure of the paper or dissertation

The first section of this paper will examine… This paper begins by … It will then go on to … My thesis is composed of four themed chapters. The essay has been organised in the following way. The remaining part of the paper proceeds as follows: … The main issues addressed in this paper are: a), b) and c). This paper first gives a brief overview of the recent history of X. This paper has been divided into four parts. The first part deals with … The third chapter is concerned with the methodology used for this study. The overall structure of the study takes the form of six chapters, including … Chapter Four analyses the results of interviews and focus group discussions undertaken during … Chapter Two begins by laying out the theoretical dimensions of the research, and looks at how … The fourth section presents the findings of the research, focusing on the three key themes that …

Explaining key terms used in the current work

(also refer to  Defining terms )

Throughout this paper, the term ‘X’ will refer to … The term ‘X’ will be used in this thesis to refer to … Historically, the term ‘X’ has been used to describe … It is necessary here to clarify exactly what is meant by … The phrase ‘X’ will be used in this study to describe the … According to Smith (2002), X can be defined as follows: ‘ … ’ In this article, the abbreviation XYZ will be used to refer to … Throughout this dissertation, the term ‘X’ will be used to refer to … The term ‘X’ is a relatively new name for …, commonly referred to as … In this essay, the term ‘X’ will be used in its broadest sense to refer to all … In this dissertation, the terms ‘X’ and ‘Y’ are used interchangeably to mean … While a variety of definitions of the term X have been suggested, this paper will use the definition first suggested by Smith (1968) who saw it as …

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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. 

essay sentence starters

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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,

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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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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.

Last Updated on August 9, 2023

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  • English Grammar
  • Sentence Starters

Sentence Starters - How to Use with Examples

Have you been finding it difficult to find good sentence starters? Do you think you have ideas but have some starting trouble? There is nothing to worry about if you do. All that you need to do is learn how to do it and apply them when penning down or voicing out your thoughts and ideas. This article will introduce you to what sentence starters are, how to use them effectively to form well-structured and coherent sentences in a paragraph along with examples for you to analyse and comprehend how it works.

Table of Contents

What is a sentence starter, where and how to use a sentence starter – points to remember, list of commonly used sentence starters, frequently asked questions on sentence starters.

Words and phrases that start off a sentence or introduce a thought can be referred to as sentence starters. Sentence starters make your writing more connected and meaningful. When you are writing about a topic, it is not necessary that you mention your ideas that support it; there definitely will be points that you think are mention-worthy but contradictory. We use sentence starters to make the transition and flow from one point to another smooth. This is not just the case with sentences; the same technique can also be used to connect paragraphs as well.

When you sit down to write a speech, an essay or a report on a particular topic, you normally start by jotting down the points from the top of your head. To add to what you know, you might also research a little. It is only then that you put everything together. When you do this, it is very important that you compare and contrast your thoughts as well as all the points that you have collected as part of your research and put them together in a way that all of it makes complete sense. This is where sentence starters play a role.

Sentence starters prepare your target audience for what’s coming next. It lets you bridge the gap between a thought, its justification, its contradiction, its examples, affirming evidence and so on. Now, knowing a number of sentence starters alone will not help. You have to learn how and where to use them in order to make your writing or speech meaningful.

To help you make proper and effective use of sentence starters, here is a list of the kind of situations where the usage of a sentence starter will definitely prove beneficial.

  • The first instance would be when you are introducing a new thought or idea; for example, the very first sentence that is used to begin a paragraph, an essay, a report or a story.
  • Be it fiction or nonfiction, whatever you are writing about has to have an interesting beginning. A catchy thought and the way you use your words creatively is what will hook your readers.
  • When backing a thought with some data or when providing information that support/justify your finding, you will need a sentence starter to make a connection to whatever you have spoken about previously.
  • When you have two contrasting ideas placed next to each other, you will have to use a sentence starter.
  • A sentence starter can also help you emphasise on whichever idea you think is important.
  • A sentence starter is further used to transition from one paragraph to another.
  • Finally, to conclude a writeup, you can use a sentence starter so that your audience knows that it is the end of your piece.
  • As long as the punctuation of a sentence with a sentence starter is concerned, the only thing you will have to keep in mind is that a comma is usually placed after the sentence starter in case the sentence starter is a preposition, an adverb or a phrase.

Examples of Sentence Starters

Going through some examples of sentence starters can give you a deeper understanding of what they are and where all you can use them, so go through the following section and make use of the examples provided in your writing as and when required.

Take a look at the following examples of sentence starters that can be used in the various situations mentioned.

What is a sentence starter?

Words and phrases that start off a sentence or introduce a thought can be referred to as sentence starters.

What are sentence starters used for?

Sentence starters make your writing more connected and meaningful. Sentence starters prepare your target audience for what’s coming next. It lets you bridge the gap between a thought, its justification, its contradiction, its examples, affirming evidence and so on.

Give some sentence starters for an essay.

Here are some examples of essay starters that you can use to begin your essay.

  • The essay discusses
  • In this essay
  • This essay focuses on
  • The essay will introduce you to

Give some examples of sentence starters to start a paragraph.

Given below are a few examples of sentence starters to start a paragraph.

  • Studies show that
  • In the era of
  • There are more than
  • The research emphasises
  • With reference to

Give some examples of sentence starters to conclude your writing.

Here are a few examples of sentence starters to help you conclude your piece of writing.

  • In conclusion
  • To put it in a nutshell
  • To summarise

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Creative and Powerful Sentence Starters for Essays

Table of Contents

It can’t be said enough, first impressions matter. And it goes the same for essays because your starter sentences will be what sets the tone for an entire paragraph or piece. If done right, you can get your essay to have a smooth flow even if you tackle different ideas. Avoid dull sentence starters at all costs. Try out the  powerful sentence starters  we’ve listed for you instead. These are sure to get a hold of your reader’s attention instantly.

In this article, we will discuss sentence starters and why they are so important. We’ll also break down some great examples to help you get started. Let’s get into it!

A fountain pen placed on top of an open notebook.

What are Sentence Starters?

Sentence starters can be words or phrases that you can use at the start of a sentence. These are used to introduce a new idea or line of thought . They are usually brief and straightforward.

Think of them as a thread that knits different paragraphs and ideas together into a single coherent essay. They’re also sometimes called lead-ins. The use of sentence starters is very common in academic and technical writing.

The Importance of Using Sentence Starters

Without sentence starters, your essay will feel like a jumble of incoherent thoughts and sentences that do not entirely make sense. Sentence starters should not be all that different from the prompt itself. They should give the reader some sense of what your essay will be about.

They are an easy way of easing the reader into the piece and making things more interesting.

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. You may have noticed this type of sentence starter in the introduction of this article. It’s a great way to pull in your reader and get them into the essay, where you can take them through your main points.

  • In this article
  • This paper will discuss
  • We’ll be talking about

2. To Compare or Contrast

Sentence starters are also used to compare or contrast two different ideas. It’s a great way to transition into your argument seamlessly. Here are some starters you can utilize:

  • On the other hand
  • In the same manner

3. For Sequencing

When elaborating several concepts in an essay, paragraph, or section of a paper, you need to sequence them. These sentence starters are also helpful for narrating the order of a particular event.

  • Subsequently

4. To Cite Examples

Listing examples in an essay can make your points easier to understand. It adds more weight to your arguments. Using sentence starters to cite examples can help your writing appear more professional and insightful.

  • To help illustrate this
  • For example,
  • We can see this in
  • These examples help support

5. To Make a Conclusion

You want to end your essay and sum up the essence of it. Start with a sentence starter and use it to conclude your sentence or sentence fragment.

  • In conclusion
  • To conclude
  • In rounding up

How to Make Creative and Powerful Sentence Starters for Essay Hooks

The first sentence of your essay needs to be compelling and intriguing. This part is also sometimes referred to as the  hook . Consider the audience you have in mind — are they academicians or online audience?

Think about how you can make your essay more interesting. If you find yourself stuck, here are some tips to help you out.

1. Start by Asking a Question

Spark their interest with an insightful question that’s relevant to your topic.

  • Did you know that human brains don’t fully develop until age 25?
  • How do people go about finding their style and purpose?
  • Have you noticed that today’s media is largely saturated with selfies?

2. Lead with Facts

Trivial facts are always sure to get an audience hooked and keep them attentive.

  • Glaciers and ice sheets hold 69% of the world’s freshwater.
  • Mount Everest is much bigger now than when it was measured.
  • There is only one land mammal on earth that cannot jump.

3. Use an Anecdote

An anecdote is a story about something you remember happening. It reflects sentiment about a topic, giving the reader a new point of view than the one they had before. If done correctly, anecdotes can be very powerful.

  • Last year I didn’t think I would survive.
  • I can still remember the sound of the sirens and the flashing lights.
  • My first day at school was a nightmare.

4. Voice an Opinion

Opinions can be powerful sentence starters for essays because they allow the reader to start thinking about the discussed issue immediately. When written effectively and in the form of an essay, opinions can lead readers to think about the statement and form their own opinions.

  • Everybody should act on climate change now.
  • All bodies are beautiful.
  • If we don’t change for the better, the world will suffer.

With powerful sentence starters, you can engage more effectively with your audience . Not only that, but it makes your essay flow more smoothly, bouncing off from different ideas to create cohesive prose. Try these sentence starters in your next essay and notice the difference.

Creative and Powerful Sentence Starters for 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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The English Classroom

A GUIDE FOR PRESERVICE AND GRADUATE TEACHERS

Formulating Ideas: Sentence Starters

The situation.

Your students find it difficult to begin their writing.

The Solution

Sentence starters are a necessary part of the writing process and getting students to be success with showcasing their ideas.

Some students may find it difficult to generate the ideas that have in their mind into a response on the page. While some students can articulate themselves verbally, this does not always translate well to their work.

To respond to this struggle, students should be provided with a sentence starter to get the proverbial ball rolling.

A sentence starter, or stem, is merely the first half of a sentence that students need to finish themselves. It gives students the appropriate vocabulary to be independent with their writing.

At the start of my teaching career, I thought this was akin to giving students the answer; however, I now understand that it is about providing students with a starting point that they need to finish.

Consider the following question:

Based on your understanding of the first 2 stanzas of The Raven , what is this poem about?

Here are a number of sentence starters that you may choose to use and record on the whiteboard for students.

  • Edgar Allan Poe’s  The Raven  is about…
  • In the first stanza…
  • In the second stanza…

You might like to generate some generic sentence starters for different types of thinking, such as we explored in Bloom’s Taxonomy . Check out this one that I found on Pinterest, which might be great to have on the wall in the classroom:

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Sentence Starters for Essays: A Complete Guide on Its Use and Tips

How to Use Apt Sentence Starters for Essay

Table Of Contents

What is a sentence starter, importance of sentence starters for essay, are transition words and sentence starters the same, tips on how to start a sentence in an essay, how to find a good opening sentence for essay, different types of sentence starters to match different requirements, need help with sentence starters hire our experts.

Studying in high school or college is surely one of the best phases of everyone's life. But even this beautiful phase has its own challenges. Writing essays for school and different academic writing tasks is a bit challenging for students.

It has been loudly declared by most high school students that pick suitable sentence starters for essays . This is the toughest moment they face whenever they think about writing something.

The jinx is over now. This blog will introduce many wonderful ideas about how and what sentence starter for essay to pick to start with. We have segregated the whole blog into different subcategories so that you don't miss anything important when it comes to the wise use of good essay sentence starters .

Even if this guide is not enough for you and you are still struggling hard to compose your essays, hiring a professional service can save you time and your grades. Such services are deliberately kept affordable to help out a large number of students. When you are ready to pay for essay , contacting us is best because their work ethics are unparalleled. Now, let's begin and learn what university essay sentence starters are.

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Generally, a essay writing sentence starters can be defined as a set of words or phrases that we put at the beginning of a sentence. A sentence starter gives a strong indication of what your essay/paragraph is going to focus on and what type of essay it is.

Essay sentence openers are not at all necessary to be always sensational. It is best to keep it relevant and interesting to grab the attention of the reader. Now you know what it is, move on to the next section to learn the importance of sentence starters essay .

An essay should always have a vision and clarity as it explains or introduces something to the readers. How you open the door for them to your article plays a critical role in keeping their interest intact till the end.

A set of good essay sentence starters comes under the most crucial components of any write-up. They help the writer to set the stage for readers with a clue about what to expect next. Essay sentence openers hold the power to bring cohesion to lengthy pieces of writing, especially academic essays.

You can also put essay opening sentence/phrases to good use by using them to make a smooth transition from one paragraph to another. If you put the essay introduction sentence starters at a paragraph's beginning, it often the sharp shifts within your article.

The importance of sentence starters in any sort of writing cannot be overlooked. Getting help from essay writing service providers can assist students in making the best of it out of them. But, before that, you must know whether transition words and sentence starters for essays are the same or not.

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If we put it simply, transition words are the group of words or phrases that helps the writer to connect the thoughts or ideas between two sentences or paragraphs. This makes things less abrupt and more fluid.

Transition words can be used as good sentence starters for essays and vice versa. But not all transition words can fit the category of sentence starters.

If you choose professional writing help to make your essay outstanding, the service providers usually assign that task to an efficient UK essays writer. Such writers know exactly how to blend the right amount of transitional words and sentence starters. 

A Few Useful Transition Words as University Essay Sentence Starters

To help you in making writing more creative yet tightly knitted pieces, here is a list of some useful transition words:

  • Alternatively
  • At this time
  • Consequently
  • In effect of
  • In contrast
  • In other words

These transition words are quite simple to try as an opening sentence for essay or paragraph. They don't take much of your effort to improve your writing style.

Till now, you just get familiar with sentence starters for essays . In the upcoming section, you will know some tips to use it properly in essays.

Also Read:  A Guide to Double Spaced Essay (Process, Significance, Tips)

Writing an essay is not just jotting down your ideas and expressing them in words. There is more to it, particularly when you are writing something related to your academics. Be careful with the words to use in an essay . The most difficult part remains the introductory part. So, take a look at the following tips before you start the essay:

  • Make a rough draft of your thoughts, ideas and how you want to execute that in writing.
  • Choose an interesting title for your essay.
  • List down a few good essay introduction sentence starters. Read carefully through your essay requirements to understand what is expected from your essay
  • Organise your points in a logical order
  • Keep sentences together that make sense with each other in a paragraph
  • Think about a way to grab the attention of the reader
  • Your introduction paragraph should say what the article is going to be about
  • Never skip the conclusion part
  • You can use previously written essay examples as reference

The quality of your essay's first paragraph heavily determines the whole writing's success. You must start the first paragraph interestingly so that reader gets hooked. A good opening sentence for essay can do that for you.

Here is how to pick a stimulating essay opening sentence:

  • Your language should be clear and strong
  • You can add some element of surprise
  • Find something that can help you to pop up the main topic
  • Don't use phrases like "I think" or "It may be". Instead, you may write "I believe" or "I am sure that", etc.

You can take the help of a professional essay writer to process essay for you. Such services are quite affordable.

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In this section, we have categorised a hoard of sentence starters for essays to serve different purposes. We hope these categories will help everyone, including students, to write more powerful essays.

Starters for Writing Essay Topic Sentence

A topic sentence sets the stage for the reader by stating the subject of the essay in the upcoming paragraphs. Here is the list of topic sentences to give you a clue about how to start a sentence in an essay introduction.

  • This paper aims to…
  • Today's topic covered in the paper includes…
  • This write-up focuses on…
  • One reason why…
  • The first thing to note is…

Sentence Starter Ideas for Closing Sentences

Just like a captivating introduction, it is equally crucial to close your essay with the right tone. You can choose from the following phrases to draft the final sentence while looking for sentence starters for university essays.

  • In light of what we have discussed…
  • Put simply…
  • Pieces of evidence and facts suggest that…
  • As conclusion…
  • To conclude…
  • To sum it up…
  • Taking everything into account…
  • In the final analysis…
  • On the whole…

Starters for Hooks

To grab the attention of readers, you can use anything you like from the below list of essay sentence starters:

  • Just as… [for an analogy]
  • Do you know that…[for a fact]
  • As per… [for a statistic]

Starters for Denoting Orders/List

Here comes the group of starters for listing ideas:

  • The second…

Also Read:  Report Vs Essay - All the Major Differences You Need to Know!

Starters for Elaborating

Looking for an essay sentence starter to elaborate on an idea? Take a look at the below-mentioned phrases:

  • In other words…
  • For example,
  • To elaborate…
  • Another way to put it would be…
  • In simple words...

Starters for Contrasting/Comparing

If you need sentence starters for writing essays for contrasting and comparing two or more things, here are some good ideas:

  • The flip side is…
  • Rather than…
  • Apart from…
  • In contrast to…
  • Compared to…
  • On the other hand…
  • Even though…

Starters for Cause and Effect Essays

Here are some wonderful ways to start a sentence in an essay to describe the reason or effect of something:

  • That's why…
  • In that case…
  • This being the scenario…
  • So that's why…
  • Subsequently…

Starters for Sharing Background Info

Following are the good sentence starters for essays for giving brief background information in the paper:

  • As everyone knows…
  • In this age of…
  • As mentioned previously…

Writing a good essay is not just about conveying your thoughts. You should make it intriguing to keep the reader glued to the last word. The sentence starters for essays are great tools for making the article more engaging. For any kind of professional help with writing academic essays, Assignment Desk is always ready to assist you.

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Improve Your Essay Writing with These Examples of Sentence Starters For Essays

Feb 21, 2024 | 0 comments

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Feb 21, 2024 | Blog | 0 comments

 Are you looking to improve your essay-writing skills? One way to elevate your writing is by incorporating sentence starters into your essays. These simple phrases can be a hook to grab the reader’s attention and connect your ideas seamlessly. By using sentence starters, you can share your thoughts effectively and make your writing more engaging for your audience. In this article, we will explore sentence starter tips and examples of how to start a sentence in different contexts, such as fiction writing or academic essays. Transition words are also key in guiding the flow of your sentences, and sentence starters make it easier to transition smoothly between ideas. So, look at our curated list of sentence starters for essays to see how they can enhance your writing and grab the reader’s attention from the first sentence.

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Why Sentence Starters Are Important in Essays 

Let’s talk about why sentence starters are crucial in essays.

  • Capturing the Reader’s Attention: Have you ever wondered how to hook your reader? Sentence starters are your secret weapon. They kickstart your essay with intrigue and set the tone for what’s to come. Instead of a dull opening, a sentence starter like “In today’s fast-paced world” or “Picture this scenario” instantly grabs attention.
  • Creating a Cohesive and Flowing Essay: You’ve got all these brilliant ideas, but how do you string them together in a way that makes sense? That’s where sentence starters come in. They are the glue that holds your essay together, guiding the reader smoothly from one point to the next. Whether introducing a new concept, providing evidence, or drawing a conclusion, sentence starters ensure your ideas flow seamlessly.

Picture this scenario: You’re writing an essay on climate change. Instead of jumping straight into the science, you could start with a thought-provoking question like,

“Have you ever stopped to consider the impact of your daily choices on the planet?”

This grabs your reader’s attention and sets the stage for a discussion on the importance of environmental responsibility.

Now, imagine you’re transitioning to your next point about the consequences of climate change. Instead of abruptly shifting gears, you could use a transitional phrase like “Furthermore” or “As a result” to connect your ideas smoothly. This keeps your essay cohesive and prevents your reader from feeling lost or confused.

When, Where, and How to Use a Sentence Starter?

Ever wondered when, where, and how to use a sentence starter? It’s simpler than you think! Let’s dive into it.

  • Start a Sentence: The most common place to use a sentence starter is at the beginning of a sentence. This helps your writing flow smoothly and grabs the reader’s attention. For example, instead of saying, “I went to the store,” you could start your sentence with, “Upon arriving at the store…”
  • In Transitional Phrases: Sentence starters are perfect for transitional phrases, helping to connect ideas smoothly. For instance, if you’re transitioning from one paragraph to another, you could use a starter like “Furthermore,” or “In addition,” to link them together seamlessly.
  • To Spice Up Repetition: Sentence starters can be a lifesaver when repeating the same sentence structure. Instead of starting every sentence with the subject, try mixing it up with starters like “Located in,” “Notably,” or “Despite this.”
  • In Nonfiction Writing: Whether you’re working on an essay, article, or report, sentence starters can elevate your writing. They help your ideas flow logically and make complex topics more understandable. For example, if you’re writing about a historical event, you could start a sentence with “During the event,” or “According to historical records,” to provide context.
  • To Help Your Writing Stand Out: To impress your teacher, professor, or editor, using varied sentence starters can help your writing stand out. Avoiding repetitive structures keeps your reader engaged and shows off your writing skills.
  • In Your Thesis Statement: Your thesis is the backbone of your essay, so starting it off strong is crucial. Sentence starters can help you craft a clear and concise thesis that grabs the reader’s attention. For example, “In today’s society,” or “Through a careful analysis of…”

What are Paragraph Starters?

Paragraph starters are phrases or words used at the beginning of a paragraph to introduce a new idea or transition from the previous one. They serve as a bridge between paragraphs, aiding in the organization and coherence of written work.

Types of Paragraph Starters

  • Introduction Paragraph Starters: These immediately kick off your essay and grab the reader’s attention. Examples include asking a thought-provoking question, sharing an interesting fact, or providing a relevant quote. Introduction sentence starters for essays set the tone for your essay and establish the main idea you’ll be discussing.
  • Transition Paragraph Starters: Transition starters help smoothly move from one idea to the next within your essay. They ensure a cohesive flow by connecting paragraphs and guiding the reader through your argument or narrative. Common transition starters include phrases like “Moreover,” “On the other hand,” and “In contrast.”
  • Supporting Paragraph Starters: These starters introduce the main points or evidence that support your thesis statement . They provide structure to your essay by organizing your arguments logically. Examples of supporting paragraph starters include “Firstly,” “Additionally,” and “Furthermore.”
  • Conclusion Paragraph Starters: Conclusion starters wrap up your essay by summarizing your main points and restating your thesis concisely and impactfully. They leave a lasting impression on the reader and reinforce the significance of your argument. Conclusion starters may include phrases like “In conclusion,” “To sum up,” or “Overall.” Explore our blog article on how to write a captivating essay conclusion paragraph for valuable tips and techniques!
  • Transition to Next Paragraph Starters: These starters bridge the gap between the current paragraph and the next one, ensuring a smooth transition of ideas. They can hint at what’s to come or provide a segue into the next topic. Examples of transition to next paragraph starters include “Moving forward,” “Now let’s consider,” and “Turning to the next point.”

Examples of Sentence Starters for Essays 

We’ll explore a variety of sentence starters for essays tailored for different types of essays, including argumentative, persuasive, descriptive, and more. These examples will serve as valuable tools to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.

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Argumentative sentence starters

Argumentative sentence starters for essays are essential for presenting your stance persuasively and logically. They lay the groundwork for your argument, setting the tone for the rest of your essay.

These sentence starters are the backbone of your argument, guiding the reader through your reasoning and evidence. By using them effectively, you can strengthen your position and compel your audience to consider your perspective.

  • It is evident that,
  • One cannot deny that,
  • To begin with,
  • It is clear that,
  • It is well known that,
  • In light of this,
  • A compelling argument is,
  • In support of this,
  • Another key point is,
  • Equally important is,
  • Furthermore,
  • Additionally,
  • Not only…but also,
  • On the contrary,
  • Conversely,
  • In contrast,
  • Nevertheless,
  • Despite this,
  • Nonetheless,
  • While it may be true that,
  • Even though,
  • In summary,
  • To summarize,
  • In conclusion.

Make sure to explore our Environmental Argumentative Essay Topics selection for some thought-provoking ideas and inspiration.

Persuasive sentence starters

Persuasive sentence starters are indispensable for convincing your audience to adopt your viewpoint or take action. They are crafted to evoke emotion, build credibility, and inspire change. By employing persuasive sentence starters effectively, you can compel your readers to embrace your perspective and act upon your recommendations.

  • Imagine a world where…
  • Picture yourself…
  • Consider the impact of…
  • Have you ever thought about…
  • What if I told you…
  • It’s time to take a stand and…
  • Join us in…
  • Together, we can…
  • Let’s work together to…
  • Take a moment to reflect on…
  • Can you envision a future where…
  • I urge you to…
  • Let me paint a picture for you…
  • Take a step back and think about…
  • Now is the time to act and…
  • Together, we have the power to…
  • It’s our responsibility to…
  • I implore you to consider…
  • Let’s make a difference by…
  • Will you join me in…

Don’t miss out on exploring our selection of Fun Persuasive Speech Topics for some entertaining and engaging ideas!

Descriptive sentence starters

Descriptive sentence starters are essential for painting vivid pictures in the minds of your readers. They help create immersive experiences by engaging the senses and providing rich details. By incorporating descriptive sentence starters, you can bring your writing to life and captivate your audience with compelling imagery.

  • The air was thick with…
  • As I gazed out upon…
  • The scent of… filled the room.
  • In the distance, I could see…
  • The sun cast a warm glow over…
  • Shadows danced across…
  • The sound of… echoed through…
  • Colors burst forth from…
  • I felt a sense of… as I…
  • The texture of… was rough/smooth/soft.
  • From the corner of my eye, I noticed…
  • The taste of… lingered on my tongue.
  • My fingers brushed against…
  • A sense of tranquility enveloped me…
  • The scene was reminiscent of…
  • As I listened closely, I could hear…
  • The sight of… took my breath away.
  • I was enveloped in a sea of…
  • The atmosphere was charged with…
  • Every detail seemed to…

Compare and contrast sentence starters.

 Compare and contrast sentence starters are indispensable for highlighting similarities and differences between two or more subjects. They facilitate clear and structured comparisons, aiding readers in understanding complex relationships. By incorporating these sentence starters, you can effectively analyze and discuss various aspects of your subjects side by side.

  • In contrast…
  • On the one hand… On the other hand…
  • In comparison…
  • On a similar note…
  • Whereas some may argue…, others contend…
  • While it is true that…, it is also true that…
  • Both share similarities in terms of…
  • Although they differ from in…, they both…
  • When examining side by side, it becomes apparent that…
  • Contrary to popular belief,…
  • Despite their apparent differences, they have commonalities in…
  • Just as exhibits…, demonstrates…

Good sentence starters for contrasts and abrupt transitions

Good sentence starters for contrasts and abrupt transitions are essential for smoothly shifting between ideas or perspectives in your writing. They provide a seamless way to introduce opposing viewpoints or highlight sudden changes in direction. By incorporating these sentence starters, you can maintain clarity and coherence in your writing, keeping your readers engaged and informed.

  • Alternatively,
  • While it may seem,
  • Notwithstanding.

Good sentence starters for introducing examples

Good sentence starters for introducing examples are essential for providing evidence and supporting your arguments clearly and concisely. They help to illustrate your points and make your writing more persuasive. By incorporating these sentence starters, you can effectively showcase your ideas and strengthen your overall argument.

  • For instance,
  • For example,
  • To illustrate,
  • Specifically,
  • In particular,
  • As an example,
  • One example is,
  • As evidence,
  • A case in point,
  • Take, for instance,
  • In this case,
  • As shown by,
  • Take, for example.

Conclusion sentence starters for essays

Conclusion sentence starters for essays are crucial for wrapping up your argument and leaving a lasting impression on your reader. They summarize your main points and reinforce the significance of your thesis statement. Using these sentence starters, you can effectively conclude your essay and leave your reader with closure.

  • In conclusion,
  • Ultimately,
  • To conclude,
  • In closing,
  • All in all,
  • In the final analysis,
  • Consequently,
  • As a result,
  • In essence,
  • As discussed,
  • Considering all of these factors,
  • Given these points.

Topic sentence starters for essays

Topic sentence starters for essays are essential for introducing the main idea of each paragraph and providing a roadmap for the reader. They set the tone for the paragraph and help maintain coherence throughout your essay. Using these sentence starters, you can effectively guide your reader through your argument and ensure clarity in your writing.

  • The main idea of this paragraph is…
  • This paragraph will discuss…
  • One key point to consider is…
  • To begin with…
  • A significant aspect of this topic is…
  • Let’s delve into…
  • This section focuses on…
  • The purpose of this paragraph is to…
  • An important factor to remember is…
  • Now, let’s explore…
  • Another aspect worth noting is…
  • It’s important to understand that…
  • This paragraph aims to…
  • Let’s examine…
  • In this section, we will…
  • To address this point…
  • This paragraph highlights…
  • The focus of this paragraph is…
  • Let’s take a closer look at…
  • This paragraph centers on…

Good sentence starters for emphasis

Good sentence starters for emphasis are crucial for drawing attention to key points or ideas in your writing. They help to highlight important information and make your arguments more persuasive and impactful. By incorporating these sentence starters, you can effectively emphasize your main arguments and ensure they resonate with your reader.

  • Undoubtedly,
  • Absolutely,
  • Without a doubt,
  • Remarkably,
  • Unquestionably,
  • Without question,
  • Definitely,
  • Positively,
  • It is important to note that,
  • Without reservation,
  • Needless to say,
  • It goes without saying.

Good sentence starters for elaboration or adding new points

Good sentence starters for elaboration or adding new points are essential for expanding upon your ideas and providing additional details or examples. They help to enrich your writing and make your arguments more thorough and convincing. By incorporating these sentence starters, you can effectively develop your thoughts and ensure your reader fully understands your perspective.

  • In addition,
  • Not only that,
  • What’s more,
  • Additionally.

What Is a Good Sentence Starter for an Essay Introduction?

A good sentence starter for an essay introduction is crucial for capturing the reader’s attention and setting the tone for your entire piece. It should be engaging, thought-provoking, and relevant to your topic. Using an effective sentence starter, you can hook your readers from the beginning and make them eager to continue reading.

  • Have you ever wondered…
  • Picture this scenario…
  • In today’s society…
  • It is undeniable that…
  • Consider the following…
  • From the dawn of time…
  • In recent years…
  • Throughout history…
  • As technology advances…
  • Amidst the chaos of…
  • Against the backdrop of…
  • With the rise of…
  • In the age of information…
  • Now more than ever…
  • As we navigate through…
  • In light of recent events…
  • As society grapples with…
  • As we strive for…
  • With the ever-growing concern over…

Good sentence starters for sequences or lists

Good sentence starters for sequences or lists are essential for organizing information clearly and structure. They help to signal the beginning of a series of items or ideas, making it easier for the reader to follow along. By incorporating these sentence starters, you can effectively present your information logically and coherently.

  • After that,
  • Furthermore.

Good sentence starters to establish cause and effect

Good sentence starters to establish cause and effect are essential for explaining the relationship between events or phenomena in your writing. They help to clarify the reasons behind certain outcomes and demonstrate the connections between different elements. By incorporating these sentence starters, you can effectively convey causation and enhance the coherence of your argument.

  • As a result of,
  • Accordingly,
  • For this reason,
  • On account of this,
  • Resulting in,
  • Leading to,
  • Triggered by,
  • Stemming from,
  • Provoked by,
  • Bringing about.

Don’t forget to look at our Cause and Effect Essay Topics for some thought-provoking ideas to explore!

Good sentence starters for references

Good sentence starters for references are essential for acknowledging the sources of information or ideas used in your writing. They help you give credit to the original authors and provide credibility to your arguments. By incorporating these sentence starters, you can effectively cite your sources and demonstrate academic integrity in your writing.

  • According to recent studies…
  • Research conducted by experts in the field…
  • Studies have shown that…
  • Statistics from reputable sources indicate…
  • Scholars in the field argue that…
  • The findings of various researchers suggest…
  • Experts in the field emphasize…
  • In a study published in [Journal Name]…
  • According to data collected by…
  • The results of previous research indicate…
  • The consensus among experts is that…
  • According to recent surveys…
  • In academic literature, it is widely accepted that…
  • Studies conducted by [Research Institution] suggest…
  • According to the [Organization/Institution]…
  • Researchers have found that…
  • Recent reports from [Organization/Institution] show…
  • Experts agree that…
  • Findings from [Research Institution] demonstrate…
  • The literature on the subject suggests that…

Good sentence starters for historical or generally accepted concepts

Good sentence starters for historical or generally accepted concepts are essential for introducing well-established ideas or events in your writing. They help to provide context and background information, allowing readers to understand the significance of these concepts within your argument. By incorporating these sentence starters, you can effectively convey certain ideas’ historical or widely accepted nature.

  • Throughout history,
  • Historically,
  • Traditionally,
  • For centuries,
  • Since ancient times,
  • Throughout the ages,
  • Historians agree that,
  • It is widely accepted that,
  • It is a common belief that,
  • It has long been understood that,
  • Scholars have recognized that,
  • It is universally acknowledged that,
  • Society has long held the view that,
  • It is a fundamental principle that,
  • It is a fact that,
  • From ancient civilizations to modern times,
  • Since the dawn of civilization,
  • From time immemorial.

Good sentence starters to show uncertainty or doubt

Good sentence starters to show uncertainty or doubt are crucial for acknowledging ambiguity or skepticism in your writing. They help to convey a sense of caution or reservation when discussing uncertain ideas or conclusions. By incorporating these sentence starters, you can effectively acknowledge uncertainty and encourage critical thinking in your readers.

  • It is possible that…
  • It remains uncertain whether…
  • There is some doubt as to whether…
  • It is unclear whether…
  • There is a degree of uncertainty regarding…
  • It is not entirely clear whether…
  • There is some ambiguity surrounding…
  • It is difficult to determine whether…
  • It is open to debate whether…
  • It is unclear to what extent…
  • It is uncertain whether…
  • There is reason to doubt that…
  • It is questionable whether…
  • There is some skepticism about…
  • It is not entirely certain whether…
  • It is hard to say whether…
  • It is debatable whether…
  • There is some hesitation to conclude that…
  • There is a lack of consensus on whether…

Good sentence starters To show relationships or outcome 

Good sentence starters to show relationships or outcomes are crucial for indicating connections between different ideas or events in your writing. They help to demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships, illustrate correlations, or highlight the consequences of certain actions. By incorporating these sentence starters, you can effectively convey the relationships between various elements and enhance the coherence of your argument.

  • Due to this,
  • As a consequence,
  • As a result of this,
  • Henceforth,
  • Consequently.

Good sentence starters To present uncommon or rare ideas 

Good sentence starters to present uncommon or rare ideas are essential for introducing unique or unconventional concepts in your writing. They help to pique the reader’s curiosity and encourage them to explore novel perspectives or insights. By incorporating these sentence starters, you can effectively intrigue your audience and spark their interest in your ideas.

  • It may seem unusual, but…
  • Contrary to common belief…
  • Against conventional wisdom…
  • In a departure from tradition…
  • Uncommonly,
  • Surprisingly,
  • Unexpectedly,
  • Strangely enough,
  • Interestingly,
  • Oddly enough,
  • Peculiarly,
  • Astonishingly,
  • Atypically,
  • Unorthodoxly.

Good sentence starters To present widespread ideas

Good sentence starters to present widespread ideas are essential for introducing commonly accepted beliefs or widely held notions in your writing. They help to establish common ground with your audience and provide a foundation for further discussion. By incorporating these sentence starters, you can effectively frame your arguments within the context of widely shared perspectives.

  • It is widely believed that…
  • It is commonly accepted that…
  • It is universally acknowledged that…
  • It is widely recognized that…
  • It is generally agreed that…
  • It is widely understood that…
  • It is widely accepted that…
  • It is commonly understood that…
  • It is a well-known fact that…
  • It is widely known that…
  • It is widely regarded as…
  • It is generally believed that…
  • It is widely assumed that…
  • It is widely agreed that…
  • It is commonly acknowledged that…
  • It is generally recognized that…
  • It is widely perceived that…
  • It is universally accepted that…
  • It is widely held that…
  • It is commonly believed that…

For more ideas on critical thinking essay topics , don’t forget to check out our blog article for additional inspiration!

Good sentence starters To present inconclusive ideas 

Good sentence starters to present inconclusive ideas are essential for acknowledging uncertainty or ambiguity in your writing. They help to convey a sense of open-mindedness or lack of definitive conclusions, allowing for nuanced exploration of complex topics. By incorporating these sentence starters, you can effectively navigate uncertain terrain and encourage critical thinking in your readers.

  • It is difficult to say whether…
  • It remains unclear whether…
  • It is inconclusive whether…
  • It is open to question whether…
  • It is up for debate whether…
  • It is ambiguous whether…
  • It is undecided whether…
  • It is still unresolved whether…
  • It is a matter of contention whether…
  • It is indeterminate whether…
  • It is undetermined whether…
  • It is unsettled whether…
  • It is left open whether…
  • It is up in the air whether…
  • It is up for discussion whether…
  • It is open to interpretation whether…

Don’t miss out on exploring our Controversial Debate Topics for thought-provoking discussions on a wide range of contentious issues.

Good sentence starters To present prior or background ideas

Good sentence starters to present prior or background ideas are crucial for providing context and setting the stage for your main argument. They help establish the historical or conceptual groundwork upon which your argument is built, ensuring that readers understand the background information relevant to your topic. By incorporating these sentence starters, you can effectively lay the foundation for your argument and enhance the coherence of your writing.

  • Before delving into the main topic,
  • Before discussing the current issue,
  • To understand the present situation,
  • To provide context,
  • Before proceeding further,
  • It is important first to consider,
  • In light of previous research,
  • Given the historical context,
  • Against the backdrop of,
  • Concerning earlier studies,
  • In the context of past events,
  • Considering the historical background,
  • In light of prior developments,
  • In the context of earlier findings,
  • Concerning previous research,
  • Against the historical backdrop,
  • In light of past experiences,
  • Taking into account earlier discussions,
  • About earlier debates.

Good sentence starters To present others’ ideas

Good sentence starters to present others’ ideas are essential for incorporating external sources and attributing credit to the original authors or sources. They help distinguish between your ideas and those of others, ensuring academic integrity and proper citation in your writing. By incorporating these sentence starters, you can effectively introduce and discuss the ideas of other scholars or experts in your field.

  • According to recent studies,
  • Research suggests that…
  • It has been proposed that…
  • The prevailing view is that…
  • Academic consensus holds that…
  • The prevailing theory suggests that…
  • Many experts assert that…
  • The scholarly community agrees that…
  • Current research indicates that…
  • The consensus among scholars is that…
  • Experts in the field contend that…
  • The prevailing opinion is that…
  • Scholars widely acknowledge that…
  • Many researchers assert that…
  • Studies have consistently demonstrated that…

Good sentence starters To keep the ‘I’ out of academic writing 

In academic writing, it’s often preferred to minimize the use of first-person pronouns like “I” to maintain objectivity and focus on the content rather than the author. Good sentence starters to keep the ‘I’ out of academic writing help achieve this goal by offering alternative ways to express ideas without relying on personal pronouns. By using these sentence starters, you can ensure a more formal and objective tone in your writing.

  • This essay will examine…
  • This paper aims to…
  • The focus of this study is…
  • The research conducted suggests…
  • According to the evidence presented…
  • The findings of this investigation indicate…
  • It is important to consider…
  • This analysis reveals…
  • The results suggest…
  • The literature on this topic indicates…
  • The evidence suggests that…
  • The data collected demonstrates…
  • This study explores…
  • The argument presented here is…
  • The theory posited here suggests…
  • This paper argues that…
  • The hypothesis put forward suggests…
  • The observations made indicate…
  • The conclusion drawn from this is…

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

When using sentence starters, it’s easy to fall into some common traps that can detract from the effectiveness of your writing. Let’s explore some of these pitfalls and how to steer clear of them:

1. Overusing the Same Sentence Starters: 

One common mistake is relying too heavily on a limited set of sentence starters. While certain starters may be effective in specific contexts, using them repeatedly can make your writing monotonous and predictable. For instance, beginning every paragraph with “Furthermore” or “Moreover” can become tiresome for readers.

Instead, vary your sentence starters to keep your writing engaging and dynamic. Experiment with different options to find the most suitable starter for each situation. By diversifying your sentence starters, you can maintain reader interest and enhance the flow of your writing.

2. Using Sentence Starters Inappropriately: 

Another pitfall is using sentence starters that are not suitable for the context or purpose of your writing. For example, beginning an essay introduction with “However” or “On the other hand” may confuse readers, as these starters typically introduce contrasting ideas rather than setting the stage for the main argument.

To avoid this mistake, carefully consider the function of each sentence starter and how it contributes to the overall structure and coherence of your writing. Choose starters that align with the intended message and help guide readers through your ideas logically.

3. Failing to Transition Smoothly: 

Transitioning between sentence starters and ideas is essential for maintaining coherence and clarity in your writing. A common error is abruptly shifting from one idea to another without providing adequate context or transition. This can leave readers feeling disjointed and confused, detracting from the effectiveness of your argument.

Use sentence starters to facilitate logical progression between ideas to ensure smooth transitions. Incorporate transitional phrases such as “In addition,” “Similarly,” or “Consequently” to connect sentences and guide readers through your argument seamlessly. By establishing clear relationships between ideas, you can enhance the flow and readability of your writing.

4. Neglecting to Tailor Sentence Starters to Audience: 

Finally, overlooking the preferences and expectations of your audience when choosing sentence starters can hinder communication and engagement. What resonates with one audience may not necessarily appeal to another, so it’s essential to consider the needs and preferences of your readers when crafting your writing.

To address this, take time to understand your audience’s background, interests, and level of expertise. Tailor your sentence starters to align with their expectations and communication style, ensuring your writing effectively resonates with them. You can enhance comprehension and foster deeper engagement with your ideas by adapting your sentence starters to suit your audience.

FAQs on Sentence Starters For Essays

How can essay sentence starters enhance my writing.

Using essay sentence starters can help you to begin your sentences in a more engaging and structured manner. They provide a strong foundation for your ideas and contribute to the overall flow of your essay.

What is the importance of transition sentences for essays?

Transition sentences for essays are crucial for maintaining coherence and logical progression in your writing. They help to connect ideas, shift between topics, and ensure a smooth transition between paragraphs.

How many sentences are in an essay?

An essay can vary in length and structure, but typically, a standard essay consists of an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The number of sentences in an essay depends on the essay’s overall length and the complexity of your ideas.

How can sentence starters help me organize my thoughts and ideas?

Sentence starters can provide a structured framework for organizing your thoughts and ideas. They offer a starting point for each sentence, guiding you in cohesively presenting your arguments and analysis.

Why are introduction sentences important in essays?

Introduction sentences serve as the opening statements of your essay, capturing the reader’s attention and setting the tone for the rest of the piece. They introduce the topic and provide a roadmap for the reader’s expectations.

How can I effectively bridge the gap between ideas in my essay?

Using words or phrases as bridges can help you seamlessly connect diverse ideas and arguments in your essay. These transitional elements ensure a logical progression and maintain the coherence of your writing.

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  • 500 Word Essay - Writing Guide and Examples

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  1. Essay Writing Starters

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  2. Sentence starters to aid essay structure

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  3. Sentence starters to aid essay structure

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  4. Sentence Starters: Useful Words And Phrases To Use As Sentence Starters

    essay sentence starters

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

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  6. Sentence Starters for Essays by Kristen Ingram

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COMMENTS

  1. What Are Good Sentence Starters for Essays?

    Learn what sentence starters are, when and how to use them, and how to choose the best ones for different purposes. Find examples of sentence starters for topic sentences, sequences, lists, comparisons, elaboration, examples, contrasts, abrupt transitions, cause-and-effect, and emphasis.

  2. Sentence Starters ⇒ Words and Phrases to Start Sentences

    Learn how to use sentence starters to connect your ideas, transition from one paragraph to another, and grab your reader's attention. Find out the different types of sentence starters for hooks, thesis statements, topic sentences, concluding sentences, lists, comparing and contrasting, elaborating, giving background information, giving an example, giving a quotation, and more.

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

    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.

  4. PDF Sentence starters, transitional and other useful words

    Below is a list of possible sentence starters, transitional and other words that may be useful. To introduce examples ... To conclude It has been shown that, ... In short, ... To compare and contrast To give examples To add ideas Then again, ... Firstly, ... secondly, ... thirdly, ... To elaborate, ... finally, ... To show relationships or outcome

  5. Paragraph Starters for Essays

    A good sentence starter is one that easily indicates what the tone and layout of the paragraph is going to be. If the paragraph is going to be a compare and contrast style of content, then...

  6. 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

    Learn how to write brilliant essays with the right language and structure. This article provides 40 words and phrases to help you develop your argument, add extra information, present contrasting opinions, and more. See examples of how to use them in sentences and improve your essay-writing skills.

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

    In the most simple terms, a sentence starter is a phrase that is used at the beginning of a sentence and can introduce information contained within it. There are thousands of different sentence starters that you can choose and one of the most important rules is to avoid using the same words at the beginning of each sentence.

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

    Easy Words to Use as Sentence Starters to Write Better Essays Virginia Kearney Updated: Feb 12, 2024 5:02 PM EST You've heard of sentence starters, but how do you use them? Read on to learn how! Aaron Burden from Unsplash; Canva How to Start a Sentence With Transition Words Can you quickly and easily improve your writing? Absolutely!

  9. How to Start an Essay: 7 Tips for a Knockout Essay Introduction

    Learn how to hook your reader's attention with different ways to start an essay, such as sharing a shocking fact, asking a question, dramatizing a scene, or using a quote. Find out the benefits and drawbacks of each method and how to write an effective essay introduction.

  10. Useful Sentence Starters For Academic Writing

    Learn how to use sentence starters to organize your ideas, convey your arguments, and maintain a flow in your research paper. Find examples of sentence starters for introductions, conclusions, comparisons, sequences, elaboration, and uncertainty.

  11. How to Write an Essay Introduction

    Learn how to write an effective essay introduction with four steps and examples. Hook your reader, give background information, present your thesis statement, and map your essay's structure. Find out how to check and revise your introduction for clarity and coherence.

  12. Sentence Starters for Reader Response Essays and Journals

    To write your reading response, look at the sentence starters below. Use the sentence starters to get you going and to help you think about how you could respond. Finish the sentence and give as many reasons as you can using evidence from the text to explain your answer. Some of the sentence starters may give you enough of an idea so that you ...

  13. Starter Sentences for Essays: Examples and How to Write Them

    Learn what a sentence starter is, how to start an essay with a good one, and how to write different types of sentences for your essay. Find examples of introduction, closing, comparison, contrast, and cause-effect sentence starters. Get tips on how to write an effective essay with engaging first sentences.

  14. Academic Phrasebank

    Learn how to introduce an academic essay or short paper with different ways of setting the context, background, issue, problem, or controversy of the topic. Find phrases for each element of the introduction, such as establishing the importance of the topic, identifying a gap in knowledge, or stating the aim of the research.

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

    Learn what starter sentences are, why they are important, and how to use them in your essays. Find out the tips and tricks to start your essay with a bang and grab the reader's attention. See 36 examples of different types of starter sentences for various essay genres.

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

    Learn how to use sentence starters to improve your writing skills and achieve different effects. Find out the benefits of variety, types, and examples of sentence starters for storytelling, essays, and business writing. Avoid common mistakes and improve your communication skills with this guide.

  17. Sentence Starters

    To help you make proper and effective use of sentence starters, here is a list of the kind of situations where the usage of a sentence starter will definitely prove beneficial. The first instance would be when you are introducing a new thought or idea; for example, the very first sentence that is used to begin a paragraph, an essay, a report or ...

  18. Creative and Powerful Sentence Starters for Essays

    1. As an Introduction 2. To Compare or Contrast 3. For Sequencing 4. To Cite Examples 5. To Make a Conclusion How to Make Creative and Powerful Sentence Starters for Essay Hooks 1. Start by Asking a Question 2. Lead with Facts 3. Use an Anecdote 4. Voice an Opinion To Wrap Up It can't be said enough, first impressions matter.

  19. Formulating Ideas: Sentence Starters

    May 5, 2020 ~ The English Classroom The Situation Your students find it difficult to begin their writing. The Solution Sentence starters are a necessary part of the writing process and getting students to be success with showcasing their ideas.

  20. Sentence Starters for Essays: Complete Guide on Its Uses & Tips

    Importance of Sentence Starters for Essay. An essay should always have a vision and clarity as it explains or introduces something to the readers. How you open the door for them to your article plays a critical role in keeping their interest intact till the end. A set of good essay sentence starters comes under the most crucial components of ...

  21. PDF Argumentative Essay Examples Sentence Starters

    Argumentative Essay Examples Sentence Starters Author: Tabitha Pang Created Date: 2/5/2015 3:17:47 PM ...

  22. Good Conclusion Starters for Final Paragraphs

    Learn how to end your essay or speech with words that sum up the key points, set expectations, or call to action. Find examples of good conclusion sentence starters for different types of writing, such as essays, research papers, and informal writing.

  23. Elevate Your Essay Writing With Sentence Starters For Essays

    Topic sentence starters for essays. Topic sentence starters for essays are essential for introducing the main idea of each paragraph and providing a roadmap for the reader. They set the tone for the paragraph and help maintain coherence throughout your essay. Using these sentence starters, you can effectively guide your reader through your ...