first two sentences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first two sentences" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring specifically to the initial two sentences of a text or passage. Example: "In the first two sentences, the author establishes the main theme of the article."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

And by the time you've laid down the first two sentences, your options are all gone".

The New York Times - Books

"The first thing for this novel was the melody of the first two sentences," he says.

The Guardian - Books

I knew it from the first two sentences: "I hesitated for a long time before writing a book on woman.

Independent

Explain which parts of each of the first two sentences are based on fact, and which are based on opinion.

The New York Times

But they may well need the government's encouragement to create and maintain stable relationships within which children may flourish.Ignore the rather gagging first two sentences.

The Economist

Each scene is set up in the first two sentences, so if you miss those, you are cast adrift for the next 10 minutes.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

The most obvious thing to say here is that the first two sentence are true whereas the latter two are false.

SEP

The Nile inundates three of the first six sentences.

The New Yorker

And this is not selective quotation – this is the first five sentences of its statement then.

The Guardian - Opinion

Look great!" And those are just the first three sentences in the book.

The Guardian

That's got to be bad journalism if your first four sentences have to end with an exclamation mark.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing a text, pay close attention to the "first two sentences" as they often establish the topic, tone, and scope of the entire piece.

Common error

Don't underestimate the importance of the "first two sentences". Ensure they accurately reflect the main idea and engage the reader, avoiding vagueness or misleading information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first two sentences" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object, specifying a particular segment of a text. It is grammatically sound, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

38%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first two sentences" is grammatically correct and very common across diverse writing contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific sources, it serves to pinpoint the introductory portion of a text. Paying attention to the "first two sentences" is crucial in both reading and writing, given their significance in setting the tone and scope. To write effectively, use these sentences to clearly state your purpose and engage your audience, avoiding vagueness or clichés. Ludwig also provides several examples and alternative phrases to enhance understanding and usage. By understanding the importance and function of the "first two sentences", writers can hook their audience into reading on.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opening couple of sentences

Emphasizes the introductory nature of the sentences.

initial pair of sentences

Highlights the pairing aspect and the starting position.

first brace of sentences

A more formal or literary way to say the first two sentences.

opening lines

Focuses on the sentences as lines of text that begin a piece.

first two lines

Similar to opening lines, this emphasizes the linear aspect.

introductory duo of sentences

Stresses the role of introduction that the sentences play.

the sentence pair at the beginning

A more descriptive and less idiomatic alternative.

the top two sentences

Refers to their position at the top of a text.

the two lead sentences

Highlights that these sentences are leading or guiding the text.

earliest couple of sentences

Emphasizes their position in time relative to the rest of the text.

FAQs

How can I effectively analyze the "first two sentences" of a text?

Consider their purpose, the tone they set, and how they relate to the overall argument or theme. Look for keywords or phrases that hint at the text's main idea. Ask yourself: What do the "opening lines" accomplish?

What makes the "first two sentences" of a piece of writing so important?

The "first two sentences" are crucial because they create the reader's initial impression and set expectations for what follows. They can either hook the reader or cause them to lose interest. The "initial pair of sentences" are your first chance to grab attention.

What are some strategies for writing strong "first two sentences"?

Start with a compelling question, a surprising statement, or a clear declaration of your main point. Avoid clichés and generic openings. Ensure the "first two sentences" directly relate to your thesis or central argument.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid when writing the "first two sentences"?

Avoid starting with unnecessary filler words, vague language, or overly broad generalizations. Ensure your "first two sentences" are concise, engaging, and relevant to the topic at hand. Don't be afraid to rewrite the "opening couple of sentences" multiple times to get them just right.