opening sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

"opening sentence" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to the first sentence of a paragraph, essay, or speech that sets the tone and introduces the topic. Example: The opening sentence is crucial in capturing the reader's attention and providing a clear direction for the rest of the essay.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Did that opening sentence say "elephants"?

The New York Times - Arts

Opening sentence.

Forbes

Opening sentence: The rain had stopped.

Vice

I'm often struck by the opening sentence of a novel or short story.

Huffington Post

Opening sentence: The cats, the women, and the lizards have elongated heads.

Vice

Sign up nOpeninget the besentenceCE Canada delivered straight to your inbox.

Vice

He'd give them the opening sentence of a story, and get them to continue.

The New Yorker

The opening sentence.

Independent

What a terrific opening sentence.

The New York Times

Wheatley inverts the opening sentence.

The Guardian - Books

They read the opening sentence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the "opening sentence" to clearly state the main topic or argument of your piece to immediately engage the reader.

Common error

Don't start with an overly broad or generic "opening sentence" that fails to capture the reader's interest or provide a clear sense of direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opening sentence" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific element within a piece of writing: the first sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to discuss the structure and effectiveness of written communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "opening sentence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves to identify and discuss the initial sentence of a written work, often in the context of analyzing its effectiveness in engaging readers and setting the tone. While "opening sentence" appears most often in news and media, formal business, and scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for a variety of discussions. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "introductory line" or "first line".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

introductory line

Focuses on the function of introducing the topic.

initial statement

Emphasizes the act of making a statement at the beginning.

first line

A more literal and direct way to refer to the beginning.

beginning phrase

Similar to "opening sentence" but uses 'phrase' instead of 'sentence'.

lead sentence

Highlights the sentence's role in leading the reader into the text.

starting sentence

Focuses on the act of beginning.

opening remark

Suitable for spoken contexts.

preliminary sentence

Emphasizes the preparatory nature of the sentence.

inaugural sentence

More formal and less common.

commencing sentence

Highlights the commencement or start.

FAQs

How to use "opening sentence" in a sentence?

You can use "opening sentence" to discuss the effectiveness or purpose of the first sentence in a text. For example, "The "opening sentence" should grab the reader's attention".

What can I say instead of "opening sentence"?

You can use alternatives like "introductory line", "first line", or "initial statement" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "opening sentence" or "opening statement"?

"Opening sentence" refers specifically to the first sentence of a written text. "Opening statement" typically refers to the initial remarks in a speech or legal proceeding.

Why is the "opening sentence" important?

The "opening sentence" is crucial because it sets the tone, introduces the topic, and aims to capture the reader's attention, encouraging them to continue reading.