STYLE GUIDE: OPENERS
Definition:
'Openers' are rhetorical edits intended to improve sentence variety. Any conscious effort to change the opening word, phrase, or clause of a sentence would qualify as editing your 'openers' (i.e. your opening words, phrases, and clauses). This page teaches you how to implement seven common sentence openers.
1. SENTENTIAL ADVERB (OR -LY ADVERB)
Sentential adverbs and -ly adverbs can serve as effective sentence openers. A Sentential Adverb is a single word, or short phrase, usually interrupting normal syntax, used to lend emphasis to the words immediately proximate to the adverb (< sententia meaning “thought” in Latin.) We emphasize the words on each side of the sentential adverb in order to maintain the continuity of the thought.
Compare
NONE: The Trojan horse was a trick.
With a SENTENTIAL ADVERB UPGRADE: The Trojan horse was, in reality, a trick.
With a SENTENTIAL ADVERB OPENER: In reality, the Trojan horse was a trick.
With an -LY ADVERB OPENER: Unfortunately for Troy, the Trojan horse was a trick.
HELPFUL SENTENTIAL ADVERBS
that is
in other words
namely
viz.
in fact
in reality
nevertheless
therefore
of course
indeed
without doubt
to be sure
naturally
after all
in brief
in short
clearly
at least
assuredly
certainly
remarkably
importantly
definitely
surely,
obviously,
indubitably,
How To
1. Start a sentence with “It was, [sentential adverb], …” (don’t do this very often!)
It was, indeed, a very terrible day.
2. Move the sentential adverb to the front.
Indeed, it was a terrible day.
Literary Examples
Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence. Farewell Address by George Washington
Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by that fervent love towards it, which is so natural to a man who views in it the native soil of himself and his progenitors for several generations, I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat in which I promise myself to realize, without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free government, the ever-favorite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors, and dangers. Farewell Address by George Washington
Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. Constitution
Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction. Inaugural Address by JFK
In other words, the Constitution ought to be preferred to the statute, the intention of the people to the intention of their agents. Federalist 78 by Alexander Hamilton
Here then is the origin and rise of government; namely, a mode rendered necessary by the inability of moral virtue to govern the world; here too is the design and end of government, viz. freedom and security. Common Sense by Thomas Paine
Nevertheless the People refused to obey the voice of Samuel, and they said, Nay, but we will have a king over us, that we may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. Common Sense by Thomas Paine
In short, monarchy and succession have laid (not this or that kingdom only) but the world in blood and ashes. Common Sense by Thomas Paine
2. INFINITIVE
Definition
An infinitive is a verbal noun beginning with "to" and followed by a verb: To read, to write, to be, to run.
Models
To improve one's mind is a worthwhile goal.
To sing in the shower every morning is a habit of mine.
To finish her shift without spilling another pizza into a customer's lap is Michelle's only goal tonight.
To cope with the new tax law, taxpayers must attempt to comprehend subtle variations in meaning.
To reduce expenses, the newspaper has had to trim its editorial staff from twenty one to twelve.
To avoid burning another bag of popcorn, Brendan pressed his nose against the microwave door, sniffing suspiciously.
To understand the interplay of muscle and bone in the human body, Calvin studied his human anatomy book well past midnight.
To survive Dr. Peterson's boring history lectures, students began stabbing themselves in the thigh with sharp pencils.
How To
1. Write the infinitive form of a verb (to + base verb)
2. Use one of these two models for your sentence:
A. infinitive + linking verb (is, looks, feels, tastes, smells, sounds, seems, grows, becomes, appears, remains) + predicate
To run is our only option.
B. infinitive + object (answering “why?”) + comma + main clause
To read in a quiet place, students often visit the library after school.
Literary Examples
To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world. The Declaration of Independence
To deny this, would be to affirm, that the deputy is greater than his principal; that the servant is above his master; that the representatives of the people are superior to the people themselves; that men acting by virtue of powers, may do not only what their powers do not authorize, but what they forbid. Federalist No. 78 by Alexander Hamilton
To say that the constitution of England is a union of three powers reciprocally checking each other, is farcical, either the words have no meaning, or they are flat contradictions. Common Sense by Thomas Paine
To avoid an arbitrary discretion in the courts, it is indispensable that they should be bound down by strict rules and precedents, which serve to define and point out their duty in every particular case that comes before them. Federalist No. 78 by Alexander Hamilton
To be able to do this, a man should be possessed of a degree of law knowledge far beyond what I pretend to. Anti-Federalist No. 11
To listen to mere speculation in such a case were criminal. Farewell Address by George Washington
To preserve them must be as necessary as to institute them. Farewell Address by George Washington
To facilitate to them the performance of their duty, it is essential that you should practically bear in mind that towards the payment of debts there must be revenue. Farewell Address by George Washington
3. WWW.ASIA
Definition
A “when, where, while, as, since, if, although” clause is actually a subordinate adverbial clause telling you a little more about the verb. As an opener, a ‘www.asia’ clause should be followed by a comma.
As openers, these clauses must begin a sentence. As upgrades, these clauses must be placed in the middle or at the end of a sentence.
Compare
“While standing on his head, Johnny ate his peas” (opener); “Johnny ate his peas while standing on his head” (upgrade); or “Johnny ate his peas and, while standing on his head, began to choke” (upgrade).
Example without www.asia:
Johnny ate his peas.
Models with www.asia:
When he sits down for dinner, Johnny eats his peas.
Whereas (= while [in the past]) Johnny ate his peas yesterday, he won’t eat them today.
While standing on his head, Johnny ate his peas.
As he restrained his gag reflex, Johnny ate his peas
Since noon, Johnny has been trying to eat his peas.
If Johnny would eat his peas, he would get dessert.
Although Johnny ate his peas, he got no dessert.
How To
1. Write a sentence with this structure: Subject + verb + www.asia
Johnny always eats his peas when it’s a full moon.
2. Move the [www.asia] clause to the front of the sentence.
When it’s a full moon, Johnny always eats his peas.
Literary Examples
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. The Declaration of Independence
When a long train of abuses and usurpations evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government.” The Declaration of Independence
Wherefore, security being the true design and end of government, it unanswerably follows that whatever form thereof appears most likely to ensure it to us, with the least expence and greatest benefit, is preferable to all others.” Common Sense by Thomas Paine.
While every part of our country thus feels an immediate and particular interest in union, all the parts combined cannot fail to find greater strength, greater resource, and proportionably greater security from external danger.” Farewell Address by George Washington
As we are now within forty two miles of Philadelphia, I hope there to find some private hand by which I can convey this.” John Adams to Abigail Adams (August 28, 1774)
As few or no records were extant in those days, and traditional history stuffed with fables, it was very easy, after the lapse of a few generations, to trump up some superstitious tale, conveniently timed, Mahomet like, to cram hereditary right down the throats of the vulgar. Common Sense by Thomas Paine
Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty.” Innaugural Address by John F. Kennedy
If the courts of justice are to be considered as the bulwarks of a limited Constitution against legislative encroachments, this consideration will afford a strong argument for the permanent tenure of judicial offices, since nothing will contribute so much as this to that independent spirit in the judges which must be essential to the faithful performance of so arduous a duty. Federalist No. 78 by Alexander Hamilton
If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. Farewell Address by George Washington
If I did not in my conscience believe that this scheme was defective in the fundamental principles — in the foundation upon which a free and equal government must rest — I would hold my peace.” - Anti Federalist No. 1 by Alexander Hamilton
Though, in reviewing the incidents of my administration, I am unconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. Farewell Address by George Washington
4. -ING (GERUND OR PRESENT PARTICIPLE)
Definition
You can change most active, transitive verbs into –ing openers by adding –ing (big surprise!) to them. As openers, these words will be gerunds (i.e. verbal nouns) or participles (i.e. verbal adjectives.) When these words function as participles (i.e. they modify nouns), the opening phrase they are in must be followed by the noun it modifies.
Models
Distinguishing… Distinguishing between prepositions challenges many… GERUND
Inquiring… Inquiring minds want to know… PARTICIPLE
Resembling… Resembling the yellow-throated warbler, the spotted thrush… PART.
Reflecting… Reflecting the diversity of America, the New York City choir… PART.
Appearing… Appearing briefly in the film, actor Johnny Depp refused… PART.
Changing… Changing the students’ seats solved the problem. GERUND
Etc.
How To
1. Start with a sentence with this structure: Subject + was verb-ing + prepositional phrase + verb-ed
Kylie was singing in the shower and got soap in her mouth.
2. Take the [verb-ing + prepositional phrase] and move it to the front of the sentence.
Singing in the shower, Kylie got soap in her mouth.
Literary Examples
According to the plan of the convention, all judges who may be appointed by the United States are to hold their offices DURING GOOD BEHAVIOR. Federalist No. 78 by Alexander Hamilton
Taking care always to keep ourselves by suitable establishments on a respectable defensive posture, we may safely trust to temporary alliances for extraordinary emergencies. Farewell Address by George Washington
Relying on its kindness in this as in other things,I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat in which I promise myself to realize the sweet enjoyment of partaking in the benign influence of a free government. Farewell Address by George Washington
Discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it can in any event be abandoned,
you should properly estimate the immense value of your national union to your collective and individual happiness. Farewell Address by George Washington (paraphrase)
Looking forward to the moment which is intended to terminate the career of my public life, my feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep acknowledgment of that debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved country for the many honors it has conferred upon me. Farewell Address by George Washington
Seeing them fully bent on their folly, [Samuel] cried out, I will call unto the Lord, and he shall send thunder and rain. Common Sense by Thomas Paine
5. -ED (PAST PARTICIPLE)
Definition
You can change most active, transitive verbs into –ed openers by adding –ed (big surprise!) to them. As openers, these words will be participles (i.e. verbal adjectives, so they will be attached to nouns.) The noun that these participles modify immediately must follow the opening –ed clause. Past participles do not all end in -ed, but they must act as adjectives and be formed from a passive verb.
Models
Distinguished… Distinguished by its warbling call, the yellow-bellied sapsucker…
Reflected… Reflected in the shimmering pool, the tree had a ghostly appearance.
Changed… Changed from his original appearance, Odysseus deceived the suitors.
Woven... Woven with threads of pure gold, the tapestry was incredibly valuable.
How To
1. Start with a sentence with this structure: Subject + was verb-ed + prepositional phrase + verb-ed
The drone was destroyed by the missile and crashed to the ground.
2. Take the [was verb-ed + prepositional phrase] and move it to the front of the sentence.
Destroyed by the missile, the drone crashed to the ground.
Literary Examples
United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little we can do—for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.” Inaugural Address by John F. Kennedy
RESOLVED by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, that the following Articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States. The Constitution of the United States of America
Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attachment. Farewell Address by George Washington
Sensible of this momentous truth, you have improved upon your first essay, by the adoption of a constitution of government better calculated than your former for an intimate union, and for the efficacious management of your common concerns. Farewell Address by George Washington
Encouraged by this consideration, I have been induced to offer my thoughts upon the present important crisis of our public affairs. Anti-Federalist No. 1 by Alexander Hamilton
6. PREPOSITION
Definition
Prepositions are abstract words without concrete meaning. They show the relationships between groups of words. A good way to test if a word is a preposition is to position it in front of phrases like "the box" or “the movie” (This rule works for about nine out of ten prepositions). Here are some
examples:
across the box around the box on top of the box
under the box near the box along the sides of the box
Such a phrase that begins with a preposition is called a prepositional phrase. The noun that comes after a preposition or concludes the prepositional phrase is called the object of a preposition. Here is a list of the most common prepositions:
List of Prepositions*
about
above
across
after
against
along
among
around
at
before
behind
below
beneath
beside
between
beyond
by
despite
down
during
except
for
from
in
in front of
inside
instead of
into
like
near
of
off
on
on top of
onto
out
out of
outside
over
past
since
through
to
toward
under
underneath
unlike
until
up
upon
with
within
without
* Most of these prepositions are in the preposition song on this site.
How To
1. Write a sentence with this structure: Subject + verb-ed + prepositional phrase [and] verb-ed.
The drone hovered above the earth and photographed everything.
2. Take the prepositional phrase and move it to the front.
Above the earth, the drone hovered and photographed everything.
Literary Examples
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. The Declaration of Independence
In such a case, it is the province of the courts to liquidate and fix their meaning and operation. Federalist No. 78 by Alexander Hamilton
Upon the whole, there can be no room to doubt that the convention acted wisely in copying from the models of those constitutions which have established GOOD BEHAVIOR as the tenure of their judicial offices, in point of duration; and that so far from being blamable on this account, their plan would have been inexcusably defective, if it had wanted this important feature of good government. Federalist No. 78 by Alexander Hamilton
With me a predominant motive has been to endeavor to gain time to our country to settle and mature its yet recent institutions, and to progress without interruption to that degree of strength and consistency which is necessary to give it, humanly speaking, the command of its own fortunes. Farewell Address by George Washington
In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they will make the strong and lasting impression I could wish; that they will control the usual current of the passions, or prevent our nation from running the course which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations. Farewell Address by George Washington
Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:—"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Farewell Address by George Washington
AFTER an unequivocal experience of the inefficacy of the subsisting federal government, you are called upon to deliberate on a new Constitution for the United States of America. Federalist #1 by Alexander Hamilton
After deliberate examination, with the aid of the best lights I could obtain, I was well satisfied that our country, under all the circumstances of the case, had a right to take, and was bound in duty and interest to take, a neutral position. Farewell Address by George Washington
For the fate of Charles the first, hath only made kings more subtle—not more just. Common Sense by Thomas Paine
For were the impulses of conscience clear, uniform, and irresistibly obeyed, man would need no other lawgiver….” Common Sense by Thomas Paine
In this first parliament every man, by natural right, will have a seat. Common Sense by Thomas Paine
By such a law, the government of a particular state might be overturned at one stroke, and thereby be deprived of every means of its support. Anti-Federalist #1
Without this, all the reservations of particular rights or privileges would amount to nothing. Federalist No. 78 by Alexander Hamilton
With my last idea; I shall cherish the sweet hope of meeting you in a better world. Alexander Hamilton to Eliza (July 4, 1804)
Until the people have, by some solemn and authoritative act, annulled or changed the established form, it is binding upon themselves collectively. Federalist No. 78 by Alexander Hamilton
Towards the preservation of your government, and the permanency of your present happy state, it is requisite, not only that you steadily discountenance irregular oppositions to its acknowledged authority, but also that you resist with care the spirit of innovation upon its principles, however specious the pretexts. Farewell Address by George Washington
Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. Farewell Address by George Washington
To the efficacy and permanency of your Union, a government for the whole is indispensable. Farewell Address by George Washington
7. VERY SHORT SENTENCE (VSS)
Definition
The VSS is the simplest of openers. Just insert a 3-5 word sentence which gets right to the point you are trying to make.
When writing a formal essay, it’s easy to drown in an ocean of long, flowery, never-ending sentences, which can cause a mind-numbing response in an audience hypnotized by the unbroken rhythm and flow of compound and complex sentences flowing in unbroken succession. Sometimes shorter is better.
Literary Examples
Act wisely. The Hurricane Letter by Alexander Hamilton,
But let us begin. Inaugural Address by JFK
Let experience solve it. Farewell Address by George Washington
He hears our prayer. The Lightning ceases. The winds are appeased. The Hurricane Letter by Alexander Hamilton
In the name of God, Amen. Mayflower Compact
Let Facts be submitted to a candid world. Declaration of Independence
I cannot think of it without horror. Abigail Adams to John Adams (August 19, 1774)
I want much to hear from you. Abigail Adams to John Adams (August 19, 1774)
Tomorrow We reach the Theatre of Action. John Adams to Abigail Adams (August 28, 1774)
Your account of the Rain refreshed me. John Adams to Abigail Adams (August 28, 1774)
Others have committed abominable Ravages. Abigail Adams to John Adams (March 31, 1776)
But this is a Common Case. John Adams to Abigail Adams (April 14, 1776)
The first a patron, the last a punisher. Common Sense by Thomas Paine
The history of that transaction is worth attending to. Common Sense by Thomas Paine
It certainly hath no divinity in it. Common Sense by Thomas Paine
The whole history of England disowns the fact. Common Sense by Thomas Paine
Heresies in either can rarely be cured by persecution. Anti-Federalist No. 1
It certainly is not. Anti-Federalist No. 1
Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. Farewell Address by George Washington
Cultivate peace and harmony with all. Farewell Address by George Washington
Here let us stop. Farewell Address by George Washington
EXTRA OPENERS
A. QUALITY ADJECTIVE
An adjective is a part of speech which modifies a noun. It answers the question “Which one” or “What kind?” To determine if a word is an adjective, check to see if it makes sense in the following phrase:
The ____________ apple (e.g. “the ancient apple” works because “ancient” is an adjective, but “the fights apple” or “the fiercely apple” do not because “fights” is a verb and “fiercely” is an adverb.
When the quality adjective starts a sentence, it is a quality adjective opener, as in the sentence:
Ancient apples are not a good dessert.
List of Adjectives
agreeable
amused
ancient
angry
annoyed
anxious
arrogant
ashamed
average
awful
bad
beautiful
better
big
bitter
black
blue
boiling
brave
breezy
brief
bright
broad
broken
bumpy
calm
charming
cheerful
chilly
clumsy
cold
colossal
combative
comfortable
confused
cooing
cool
cooperative
courageous
crazy
creepy
cruel
cuddly
curly
curved
damp
dangerous
deafening
deep
defiant
delicious
delightful
depressed
determined
dirty
disgusted
disturbed
dizzy
dry
dull
dusty
eager
early
elated
embarrassed
empty
encouraging
energetic
enthusiastic
envious
evil
excited
exuberant
faint
fair
faithful
fantastic
fast
fat
few
fierce
filthy
fine
flaky
flat
fluffy
foolish
frail
frantic
fresh
friendly
frightened
funny
fuzzy
gentle
giant
gigantic
good
gorgeous
greasy
green
grieving
grubby
grumpy
handsome
happy
hard
harsh
healthy
heavy
helpful
helpless
high
hilarious
hissing
hollow
homeless
horrible
hot
huge
hungry
hurt
hushed
husky
icy
ill
immense
itchy
jealous
jittery
jolly
juicy
kind
large
late
lazy
light
little
lively
lonely
long
loose
loud
lovely
low
lucky
magnificent
mammoth
massive
melodic
melted
mighty
miniature
moaning
modern
mute
mysterious
narrow
nasty
naughty
nervous
new
nice
nosy
numerous
nutty
obedient
obnoxious
odd
old
orange
ordinary
outrageous
panicky
perfect
petite
plastic
pleasant
precious
pretty
prickly
proud
puny
purple
purring
quaint
quick
quickest
quiet
rainy
rapid
rare
raspy
ratty
red
relieved
repulsive
resonant
ripe
roasted
robust
rotten
rough
sad
salty
scary
scattered
scrawny
screeching
selfish
shaggy
shaky
shallow
sharp
shivering
short
shrill
silent
silky
silly
skinny
slimy
slippery
slow
small
smiling
smooth
soft
solid
sore
sour
spicy
splendid
spotty
square
squealing
stale
steady
steep
sticky
stingy
straight
strange
striped
strong
successful
sweet
swift
tall
tame
tan
tart
tasteless
tasty
tender
tense
terrible
testy
thirsty
thoughtful
thoughtless
thundering
tight
tiny
tired
tough
tricky
troubled
ugliest
ugly
uneven
upset
uptight
vast
victorious
vivacious
voiceless
wasteful
watery
weak
weary
wet
whispering
wicked
wide
wide-eyed
witty
wonderful
wooden
worried
yellow
young
yummy
zany
B. CONCESSION OPENER
A concession is a form of opener used in persuasive writing to present an opposing claim. It may begin with words like “Granted…, Admittedly…, Of course…, Naturally…, It is true that…, One cannot deny that…”. The concession is paired with a rebuttal which negates the opposing claim. It may begin with words like “However…, Nevertheless… , And yet…, On the other hand…”
How To
Imagine that you are writing an essay defending Russell Wilson as one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history.
1. Write a sentence beginning with a concession word followed by an opposing claim.
Granted, Russell Wilson did throw an interception in the last Superbowl, thus losing the game for the Seahawks.
2. Write another sentence beginning with a rebuttal word or phrase that negates the opposing claim.
However, the Seahawks would not have made it to the Superbowl at all if it were not for Russell Wilson.
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