introductory sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

"introductory sentence" is an acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to introduce a topic or idea; for example: "This essay will discuss the profound impact of climate change on the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

This introductory sentence is also a remarkable first-person introduction to Rohmer's art.

The New Yorker

Justice Harlan made just two changes to the draft, adding an introductory sentence and a three-word phrase, Mr. Krattenmaker wrote.

The New York Times

In his Telegraph Style Guide, for example, Heffer allowed the following introductory sentence: "A newspaper develops a 'house style' that is recognisable and, hopefully, in tune with its readership".

The Guardian - Books

Featuring, amongst others, The Family Rain, and this little introductory sentence: "Bath brothers William, Ollie and Timothy Walter were previously in the Rock Pirates, a Darkness copy group who sang, with no little irony, of having 'balls of steel'".

The Guardian

(4) In its introductory sentence, §106 provides the Act's basic exclusive rights to an "owner of a copyright under this title". The last three words cannot support a geographic interpretation.

Harvard University

The patients were asked whether the wording of the introductory sentence and each individual question of the M.I.N.I. module was clear, understandable, relevant and specific.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

However, these introductory sentences also suggest the book's limitations.

The New York Times - Books

Friends of friends and blind dates have yielded some success, but if you filter out those who begin their introductory sentences with the word "we", then the pickings, if not the men, are slim.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Using data on all 1,901 U.S. Supreme Court oral arguments between 1999 and 2013, we document that voice-based snap judgments based solely on the introductory sentences of lawyers predict Justices votes.

University of Chicago

We present these without the usual introductory sentences, since we feel that the language stands on its own and needs no further comment.

Huffington Post

The introductory sentences (F1 and G1) were identical between conditions.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When crafting an "introductory sentence", ensure it clearly states the main topic and sets the tone for the rest of the text. A strong opening can significantly improve reader engagement.

Common error

Don't make the "introductory sentence" too broad or generic. Instead, focus on providing a specific and engaging hook that captures the reader's attention and sets the stage for the main argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "introductory sentence" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to identify the first sentence of a paragraph, essay, or other written work. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it's commonly used in academic and journalistic contexts to discuss writing techniques.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "introductory sentence" is a commonly used and grammatically sound term that refers to the first sentence of a piece of writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used across various contexts, including news media, science, and academia. Its primary function is to describe and analyze the opening of a text, often in discussions about writing techniques. While "introductory sentence" is the standard, alternatives such as "opening sentence" or "initial sentence" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using "introductory sentence", ensure it is clear, concise, and engaging to effectively capture the reader's attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opening sentence

Focuses specifically on the sentence that begins a text or paragraph.

initial sentence

Emphasizes the position of the sentence as the very first.

lead sentence

Highlights the sentence's role in guiding the reader into the topic.

beginning sentence

A more straightforward way of referring to the sentence at the start.

preliminary statement

Shifts focus from a specific sentence to a broader introductory remark.

opening remark

Similar to 'preliminary statement' but less formal.

motivating sentence

Highlights the purpose to create interest in the material.

establishing sentence

Refers to the role of setting up the topic.

hook sentence

Indicates that a sentence is there to engage the reader from the start.

introductory clause

Describes a phrase, rather than a complete sentence, used to set the stage.

FAQs

How to use "introductory sentence" in a sentence?

You can use "introductory sentence" to describe the first sentence of a paragraph or essay, for example: "The "introductory sentence" should grab the reader's attention".

What's the purpose of an "introductory sentence"?

The purpose of an "introductory sentence" is to introduce the main topic or argument of a paragraph or essay, setting the context and tone for what follows. It should engage the reader and provide a clear direction for the text.

What can I say instead of "introductory sentence"?

You can use alternatives like "opening sentence", "initial sentence", or "lead sentence" depending on the specific context.

How long should an "introductory sentence" be?

An "introductory sentence" should be concise and to the point, typically no more than one or two lines. The goal is to introduce the topic clearly and effectively without overwhelming the reader.