Sentence Starters: Useful Words and Phrases With Examples
Some sentences are hard to start. You know what you want to say, but the first few words feel awkward. You write a sentence, delete it, rewrite it, and still…
Some sentences are hard to start.
You know what you want to say, but the first few words feel awkward. You write a sentence, delete it, rewrite it, and still feel like it sounds flat.
That is where sentence starters help.
A sentence starter is a word or phrase that helps you begin a sentence clearly. It can introduce an idea, add more detail, show contrast, give an example, explain a result, or move the reader from one point to the next.
For example:
To begin with, sentence starters make writing easier to follow.
For example, they can help connect one idea to another.
However, they should not be overused.
As a result, your writing becomes smoother and more organized.
Sentence starters are useful for students, bloggers, essay writers, teachers, and anyone who wants their writing to sound more natural.
Below, you will find useful sentence starters grouped by purpose, with examples and tips for using them correctly.
What are sentence starters?
Sentence starters are words or phrases used at the beginning of a sentence to guide the reader into the next idea.
They can show what the sentence is doing.
Purpose | Sentence starter | Example |
|---|---|---|
Introduce an idea | To begin with | To begin with, every writer needs a clear topic. |
Add information | In addition | In addition, sentence starters improve flow. |
Show contrast | However | However, too many starters can sound repetitive. |
Give an example | For example | For example, “however” shows contrast. |
Show result | As a result | As a result, the paragraph feels easier to read. |
Conclude | In conclusion | In conclusion, sentence starters help organize ideas. |
A sentence starter does not replace good thinking. It simply gives your sentence a smoother beginning.
Key takeaways
Sentence starters help you begin sentences clearly.
They improve flow, structure, and readability.
Different starters serve different purposes, such as adding, contrasting, explaining, or concluding.
Good sentence starters make paragraphs easier to follow.
Overusing the same starter can make writing sound robotic.
The best sentence starter depends on what your sentence is trying to do.
Why sentence starters are useful?
Sentence starters help readers follow your thinking.
Without them, writing can feel choppy:
I like reading. It improves vocabulary. It helps with writing. It can reduce stress.
That is understandable, but it feels flat.
Now look at the improved version:
I like reading because it improves vocabulary. In addition, it helps with writing. For many people, it can also reduce stress.
The ideas are almost the same, but the second version flows better.
Sentence starters are especially useful when you need to:
Writing task | How sentence starters help |
|---|---|
Essays | Connect arguments and evidence |
Blog posts | Make sections easier to read |
Stories | Move between actions and scenes |
Emails | Sound clear and professional |
Reports | Organize points logically |
Speeches | Guide listeners through ideas |
Good sentence starters make writing feel less like a list and more like a conversation with direction.
120 sentence starters with examples
The list below is grouped by purpose. Choose the sentence starter based on what you want the sentence to do.
Sentence starters for introductions
Use these when you want to begin an essay, article, paragraph, or main idea.
Sentence starter | Example sentence |
|---|---|
To begin with | To begin with, sentence starters help organize your writing. |
First of all | First of all, every paragraph needs a clear main idea. |
At the start | At the start, the problem may seem difficult. |
In the beginning | In the beginning, writing often feels slow. |
The first point is | The first point is that clear writing saves the reader time. |
One important idea is | One important idea is that sentence flow affects readability. |
A useful way to begin is | A useful way to begin is by asking a simple question. |
The main issue is | The main issue is not grammar, but clarity. |
This topic matters because | This topic matters because strong sentences make writing easier to understand. |
Many people believe that | Many people believe that good writing starts with big words. |
Quick tip
Do not start every paragraph with first, second, and third. Those words are useful, but they can make writing feel like a basic list. Mix them with more natural starters.
Sentence starters for adding more information
Use these when you want to add another point.
Sentence starter | Example sentence |
|---|---|
In addition | In addition, sentence starters help connect ideas. |
Also | Also, they make paragraphs easier to follow. |
Another point is | Another point is that transitions reduce confusion. |
Furthermore | Furthermore, clear writing keeps readers engaged. |
Moreover | Moreover, strong sentence variety improves style. |
Along with that | Along with that, examples make the idea easier to understand. |
Besides that | Besides that, sentence starters are useful in essays. |
Not only that | Not only that, they also help in speeches and reports. |
It is also important to note that | It is also important to note that not every sentence needs a starter. |
A second reason is | A second reason is that sentence starters create rhythm. |
Common mistake
Do not use formal starters like furthermore and moreover in every sentence. They work well in essays, but they can feel heavy in casual writing.
Sentence starters for examples
Use these when you want to give proof, show a case, or make an idea clearer.
Sentence starter | Example sentence |
|---|---|
For example | For example, “however” is used to show contrast. |
For instance | For instance, a student might use sentence starters in an essay. |
One example is | One example is the phrase “as a result.” |
A clear example is | A clear example is a paragraph that moves from problem to solution. |
To illustrate | To illustrate, compare a choppy paragraph with a smoother one. |
This can be seen when | This can be seen when a writer connects two related ideas. |
As an example | As an example, “in addition” adds another point. |
In practice | In practice, sentence starters make drafting faster. |
Consider this example | Consider this example: a short sentence can still need a strong opening. |
One case where this works is | One case where this works is in persuasive writing. |
Better writing example
Weak:
Sentence starters are useful. They help writing.
Better:
Sentence starters are useful. For example, they help connect one idea to the next.
The second version gives the reader a clearer path.
Sentence starters for contrast
Use these when you want to show a different side, disagreement, or change in direction.
Sentence starter | Example sentence |
|---|---|
However | However, sentence starters should not be overused. |
On the other hand | On the other hand, some sentences sound better without them. |
In contrast | In contrast, short sentences can create emphasis. |
Still | Still, a good starter can make a hard idea easier to read. |
Yet | Yet, many writers ignore sentence flow. |
Even so | Even so, the paragraph needs a clear structure. |
Although | Although the idea is simple, it can improve writing quickly. |
While this is true | While this is true, sentence variety still matters. |
Despite this | Despite this, the sentence remains clear. |
At the same time | At the same time, too many transitions can feel forced. |
Common mistake
Do not use however when you are not showing contrast.
Correct:
The idea is useful. However, it needs more evidence.
Incorrect:
The idea is useful. However, it also helps students.
The second sentence is adding information, not contrasting it. Use in addition instead.
Sentence starters for cause and effect
Use these when you want to show why something happened or what happened because of it.
Sentence starter | Example sentence |
|---|---|
Because of this | Because of this, the paragraph becomes easier to follow. |
As a result | As a result, readers understand the point faster. |
Therefore | Therefore, sentence structure matters. |
For this reason | For this reason, writers should learn transition phrases. |
This means that | This means that a sentence starter can guide the reader. |
That is why | That is why examples are helpful. |
Due to this | Due to this, the final paragraph feels more connected. |
Consequently | Consequently, the writing sounds more organized. |
Since | Since the idea is complex, a clear beginning helps. |
As a consequence | As a consequence, weak transitions can confuse readers. |
Quick tip
Use because for the reason and as a result for the outcome.
Reason:
Because the paragraph lacked transitions, it was hard to follow.
Result:
The paragraph lacked transitions. As a result, it was hard to follow.
Sentence starters for explaining ideas
Use these when you want to define, clarify, or explain something in more detail.
Sentence starter | Example sentence |
|---|---|
In other words | In other words, sentence starters help guide the reader. |
This means | This means the sentence has a clearer direction. |
Put simply | Put simply, a sentence starter is a beginning phrase. |
To explain | To explain, some starters introduce examples while others show contrast. |
More specifically | More specifically, “however” signals a change in direction. |
The idea is that | The idea is that each starter has a purpose. |
What this means is | What this means is that word choice affects flow. |
Another way to say this is | Another way to say this is that sentence starters create structure. |
In simple terms | In simple terms, they help the reader know what comes next. |
To put it another way | To put it another way, they work like road signs in writing. |
Better writing example
Weak:
Sentence starters help. They are useful.
Better:
Sentence starters help guide the reader. In other words, they show how one idea connects to the next.
Sentence starters for evidence
Use these in essays, reports, research writing, and articles when you want to support a point.
Sentence starter | Example sentence |
|---|---|
The evidence shows that | The evidence shows that clear transitions improve readability. |
According to the text | According to the text, the character changes by the end. |
The data suggests that | The data suggests that shorter sentences are easier to scan. |
Research shows that | Research shows that readers prefer clear structure. |
This is supported by | This is supported by the examples in the previous paragraph. |
The passage states that | The passage states that the problem began earlier. |
One reason is | One reason is that the writer uses stronger transitions. |
The author explains that | The author explains that word choice affects tone. |
We can see this when | We can see this when the sentence shifts from cause to effect. |
This example proves that | This example proves that sentence starters can strengthen an argument. |
Essay tip
Do not drop evidence into a paragraph without introducing it. A sentence starter prepares the reader for the proof.
Weak:
The data suggests that students read faster.
Better:
The data suggests that students read faster when paragraphs are shorter and better organized.
Sentence starters for opinions
Use these when you want to share a view, argument, or personal response.
Sentence starter | Example sentence |
|---|---|
I think that | I think that sentence starters are useful for beginner writers. |
In my opinion | In my opinion, every student should learn basic transition phrases. |
I believe that | I believe that clear writing starts with clear thinking. |
From my perspective | From my perspective, examples are more useful than definitions alone. |
I would argue that | I would argue that sentence variety matters more than long words. |
It seems to me that | It seems to me that the paragraph needs a stronger opening. |
My view is that | My view is that sentence starters should sound natural. |
I agree that | I agree that transitions can improve essay flow. |
I disagree with the idea that | I disagree with the idea that every sentence needs a starter. |
The way I see it | The way I see it, sentence starters are tools, not rules. |
Common mistake
In formal essays, avoid using I think too often. It can make the writing sound weak.
Instead of:
I think school uniforms are useful.
Write:
School uniforms can be useful because they reduce daily clothing pressure.
Sentence starters for comparisons
Use these when you want to compare two things.
Sentence starter | Example sentence |
|---|---|
Similarly | Similarly, both paragraphs use examples to explain the idea. |
In the same way | In the same way, sentence starters help organize speeches. |
Like | Like headings, sentence starters guide the reader. |
Just as | Just as signs guide drivers, transitions guide readers. |
Compared with | Compared with the first draft, the second draft is clearer. |
In comparison | In comparison, the shorter paragraph is easier to read. |
Both | Both sentences explain the same idea. |
Each of these | Each of these starters serves a different purpose. |
The same idea appears in | The same idea appears in the next paragraph. |
This is similar to | This is similar to using labels in a table. |
Sentence starters for conclusions
Use these when you want to end a paragraph, essay, report, or article.
Sentence starter | Example sentence |
|---|---|
In conclusion | In conclusion, sentence starters make writing easier to follow. |
To sum up | To sum up, the best starter depends on your purpose. |
Overall | Overall, strong transitions improve readability. |
In the end | In the end, clear writing helps the reader most. |
Ultimately | Ultimately, sentence starters are useful when they sound natural. |
The main point is | The main point is that every sentence should move the idea forward. |
For these reasons | For these reasons, sentence starters are worth learning. |
As a final thought | As a final thought, do not overuse the same phrase. |
The lesson is | The lesson is that structure matters. |
To finish | To finish, choose starters that match your message. |
Better conclusion example
Weak:
Sentence starters are good. Use them.
Better:
Overall, sentence starters are useful because they help readers follow your ideas from beginning to end.
Sentence starters for stories
Use these when writing narratives, personal stories, fiction, or creative paragraphs.
Sentence starter | Example sentence |
|---|---|
At first | At first, nobody noticed the strange sound. |
Suddenly | Suddenly, the lights went out. |
A few minutes later | A few minutes later, the door opened slowly. |
Before long | Before long, everyone knew something was wrong. |
Meanwhile | Meanwhile, Sarah searched the hallway. |
For a moment | For a moment, the room was completely silent. |
Without warning | Without warning, the phone began to ring. |
By the time | By the time we arrived, the storm had already started. |
After that | After that, nothing felt normal. |
In the distance | In the distance, we saw a small light. |
Storytelling tip
Story starters work best when they create movement. Words like suddenly, meanwhile, and before long help the reader feel time passing.
Sentence starters for persuasive writing
Use these when you want to convince the reader.
Sentence starter | Example sentence |
|---|---|
One reason is | One reason is that sentence starters make writing clearer. |
Another reason is | Another reason is that they help organize arguments. |
This matters because | This matters because readers need direction. |
The strongest reason is | The strongest reason is that clear writing saves time. |
It is important to remember that | It is important to remember that transitions should support meaning. |
A better solution is | A better solution is to choose starters based on purpose. |
This shows that | This shows that structure affects readability. |
The problem with this idea is | The problem with this idea is that it ignores sentence flow. |
A more effective approach is | A more effective approach is to revise one paragraph at a time. |
For this reason | For this reason, every writer should learn basic sentence starters. |
Sentence starters for paragraphs
Use these to begin body paragraphs in essays, reports, and articles.
Paragraph purpose | Sentence starter | Example |
|---|---|---|
First body paragraph | The first reason is | The first reason is that sentence starters improve flow. |
Second body paragraph | Another important point is | Another important point is that they help connect ideas. |
Third body paragraph | A final reason is | A final reason is that they make writing easier to revise. |
Example paragraph | One example of this is | One example of this is the phrase “for instance.” |
Contrast paragraph | On the other hand | On the other hand, too many starters can sound unnatural. |
Conclusion paragraph | Overall | Overall, sentence starters are useful when used with care. |
Paragraph tip
A good paragraph should not start randomly. The first sentence should show the reader what the paragraph is about.
Common mistakes when using sentence starters
The first mistake is using the same starter too many times.
For example:
Also, reading helps vocabulary. Also, it improves writing. Also, it teaches grammar.
That sounds repetitive.
Better:
Reading helps vocabulary. In addition, it improves writing. Over time, it also teaches grammar naturally.
The second mistake is using a starter that does not match the sentence.
For example:
However, sentence starters help writing.
This sounds incomplete because however suggests contrast. The reader expects disagreement or a change in direction.
Better:
Sentence starters help writing. However, they can sound repetitive when overused.
The third mistake is making every sentence too long. Starters should improve flow, not create heavy sentences.
A good rule is simple:
Use a sentence starter when it helps the reader understand the connection between ideas.
How to choose the right sentence starter?
Before choosing a sentence starter, ask yourself what the sentence is doing.
What your sentence does | Use this type of starter |
|---|---|
Begins a topic | To begin with, First of all |
Adds a point | In addition, Also |
Shows contrast | However, On the other hand |
Gives an example | For example, For instance |
Explains | In other words, Put simply |
Shows result | As a result, Therefore |
Gives evidence | The evidence shows that, According to |
Ends an idea | In conclusion, Overall |
Do not choose a starter because it sounds fancy. Choose it because it fits the job.
How to improve sentence variety?
Sentence starters are only one part of sentence variety. You also need a mix of short, medium, and longer sentences.
For example:
Writing improves with practice.
Over time, sentence starters help your ideas flow more naturally.
However, the best writers also vary sentence length so the paragraph does not sound flat.
That paragraph works because the sentences do not all begin the same way.
When editing your writing, check whether too many sentences start with the same word. You can also use a sentence counter to see how many sentences your paragraph has and decide whether it needs more variety.
Best sentence starters for beginners
Start with these 20 sentence starters. They are simple, useful, and easy to remember.
Sentence starter | Use |
|---|---|
To begin with | Start an idea |
First of all | Start a point |
Also | Add information |
In addition | Add information |
For example | Give an example |
For instance | Give an example |
However | Show contrast |
On the other hand | Show another side |
Because of this | Show cause and effect |
As a result | Show result |
In other words | Explain |
This means | Explain |
I think that | Share opinion |
In my opinion | Share opinion |
Similarly | Compare |
In contrast | Show difference |
Overall | Conclude |
In conclusion | Conclude |
At first | Start a story |
Suddenly | Show action in a story |
Sentence starters make writing easier to begin and easier to follow.
They help you introduce ideas, add details, show contrast, explain examples, connect evidence, and end paragraphs clearly. But they work best when they are used with purpose.
Do not use a sentence starter just because it sounds formal. Use it because it helps the reader understand where the sentence is going.
Start with simple ones: for example, however, in addition, as a result, and overall.
Then add stronger starters for essays, stories, reports, and persuasive writing.
Good writing does not come from fancy openings. It comes from clear ideas, smooth connections, and sentences that guide the reader from one thought to the next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are sentence starters?
Sentence starters are words or phrases used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce, connect, explain, contrast, or conclude an idea. Examples include for example, however, in addition, as a result, and in conclusion.
What are good sentence starters?
Good sentence starters include to begin with, for example, in addition, however, on the other hand, as a result, in other words, according to the text, and overall.
What are sentence starters for essays?
Useful essay sentence starters include the first reason is, another important point is, for example, the evidence shows that, however, this suggests that, therefore, and in conclusion.
What are sentence starters for paragraphs?
Paragraph starters include to begin with, one important point is, another reason is, on the other hand, for example, as a result, and overall. The best one depends on the purpose of the paragraph.
What are sentence starters for evidence?
Sentence starters for evidence include according to the text, the evidence shows that, the author states that, research shows that, this is supported by, and we can see this when.
What are sentence starters for explaining?
Good explaining starters include in other words, this means, put simply, to explain, more specifically, and another way to say this is.
Can I start a sentence with because?
Yes, you can start a sentence with because when the sentence is complete. For example: Because the paragraph lacked transitions, it was hard to follow. Do not leave it as an incomplete fragment.
Can I start a sentence with however?
Yes, you can start a sentence with however when you are showing contrast. For example: However, the second draft was much clearer. Use a comma after however at the beginning of a sentence.
Should every sentence start with a sentence starter?
No. Not every sentence needs a sentence starter. Too many starters can make writing sound repetitive. Use them when they help connect ideas or guide the reader.
