1. Sentence openers Based on Excellence in Writing by James B. Webster
Mrs. Nabakowski
Fall 2015

2. Sentence openers- add variety and style to your writing!
7 basic kinds of openers:
1. subject 2. prepositional phrase
3. “ly” word “ing” word
5. (adverbial clause)
6. vss (2-5, with strong verb)
7. “ed”

3. [1] Subject opener
How it starts: With the subject as the first word of the sentence, or close to the beginning.
Examples:
1. [1] Jim dreams of winning the Leadville 100.
2. [1] Aliens will probably take over the world.
3. [1] Shopping is my favorite hobby.

4. [2] Prepositional phrase opener
How does it start: With a prepositional phrase separated by a comma.
Remember: It’s a phrase, so it DOES NOT contain a verb. EVER.
Remember: Separate the opener with a comma!
Examples:
1. Without faith, life is a constant disappointment.
2. As a beginner cyclist, I am terrified of races.
3. Because of his poison ivy allergy, Andrew hates hiking.
4. During the movie, my phone would not stop ringing.

5. [3] –Ly adverb opener
How does it start: With an –Ly adverb (same as an –Ly dress-up) and a comma
Remember: Not all –ly words are adverbs! Separate it with a comma!
Examples:
1. Embarrassingly, I tripped down the stairs.
2. Intentionally, the angry teenager tripped his little brother.
3. Frequently, I run at Shelby Farms Park.
4. Occasionally, I enjoy camping with my family.

6. [4] –ing opener How does it start: With an –ing word and a comma
Remember: The word IMMEDIATELY after the comma MUST BE DOING the –ing thing.
Examples:
1. Running quickly, the thief jumped over the fence. (The thief is doing the runn-ING)
2. Flying through the sky, Rudolph led Santa’s sleigh. (Rudolph is doing the fly-ING)
3. Yelling like a manic, the baker chased the boys away from the pies. (The baker is doing the yell-ING)
4. Fearing trouble, the principal required the feuding students to leave the campus. (The principal is doing the fear-ING)

7. [5] OPener
How does it start: With a WUB clause separated by a comma (when, while, where, as, since, if, although, whereas, unless, because)
Remember: It MUST have a verb.
Examples:
1. Because plants need water, I created a miniature sprinkler system for my flower pots. (“Because of their need(n.) for water” is a prep. phrase. Be careful of this!)
2. Although cake sounds delicious, I am craving healthy vegetables.
3. If cows sleep standing up, I bet their legs are always tired.

8. [6] Very short Sentence How does it start: Any way you want!
Remember: It can only contain TWO to FIVE words!
Examples:
1. “Liar!” screamed the lawyer.
2. Thunder roared through the sky.
3. Rain poured viciously.
4. Clowns frightened the children.

9. [7] –ed Opener
How does it start: With an –ed word separated by a comma.
Remember: The word immediately after the comma MUST be doing the –ed thing.
Examples:
1. Tricked by the salesman, the naïve woman bought a broken vacuum. (the naïve woman was trickED)
2. Angered by the rain, the coach threw his clipboard on the ground. (The coach is angerED)
3. Haunted by the wreck, Danielle has nightmares every night. (Danielle is hauntED)
4. Pleased with their new house, the buyers cannot wait to move. (The buyers are pleasED)

10. Sentence Starter Minimum Rule:
Use each kind in every paragraph as possible; no more than two of the same kind in a row should be used.
In the margin, number each sentence according to the kind of opener used.