Elsevier Author Services – Articles
  • Language Editing Services
  • Translation Services
  • Illustration Services
  • Author’s Webshop
Facebook
Pinterest
LinkedIn
YouTube
WeChat
x
Elsevier Author Services – Articles
Language Editing Services by Elsevier Author Services
Elsevier Author Services – Articles
  • Research Process
  • Manuscript Preparation
  • Manuscript Review
  • Publication Process
  • Publication Recognition
  • English
  • Manuscript Preparation

The sentence not to start your paper with

  • 2 minute read
  • 15.4K views
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0
0
0

Table of Contents

  • What do these sentences have in common?
  • Conversely, what makes a bad start? Here’s what not to do in your first sentence.

The first sentence is vital in any piece of writing, including academic writing. It’s one of the first things a reader will see and it gives them a lasting first impression of your paper. It needs to draw the reader in and show them how important, interesting and relevant your research is.

Think about some of the recent articles you’ve read. How helpful or influential was the first sentence?

What do these sentences have in common?

  • They’re short
  • They tell you clearly what the paper is about
  • They’re definite, straightforward statements
  • They answer the question “so what?”
  • They make you want to read on

These are some of the qualities of a great first sentence. Of course, not all great starts look like this. Some begin with a question to get the reader’s mind whirring, others put forward a problem that the paper aims to address, others might look at the background of the topic, starting with a fascinating statistic. What all of them do is make you want to read on.

Conversely, what makes a bad start? Here’s what not to do in your first sentence.

1. Make it long
You’ll also lose readers if your first sentence is long-winded and complex. Your research might be complex, but you don’t need to cover all the nuances and exceptions in the first sentence. Try to keep it simple (avoid sub-clauses) and short.

2. Make it irrelevant
If you begin your article with an irrelevant sentence, you’re likely to lose readers. Sure, there may be a lot of background and contextual information to cover in your paper, but save that: the first sentence is where you need to nail the topic, not talk around it.

3. Be vague
Leaving your first impression open to interpretation is risky. Vagueness is never good in an academic paper – you should always be specific and clear in what you’re saying. This is especially true for the first sentence.

4. Avoid “so what?”
Your first sentence doesn’t have to answer this question directly, but it can help your readers immensely if it gives them an idea of why they should read further.

5. Be boring
A dull opening could be the exit point for your readers. What would you want to read? Think about why you’re interested in the topic and enthuse other people with an interesting first sentence – they’ll keep reading.

Total
0
Shares
Post 0
Tweet 0
Share 0
Send 0
Message 0
Previous Article
  • Manuscript Preparation

The magic behind scientific illustration

View Post
Next Article
  • Manuscript Preparation

Why is English the main language of science?

View Post
You May Also Like
Converting your PhD Thesis into a Book in Five Steps
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

Converting your PhD Thesis into a Book in Five Steps

What is and How to Write a Good Hypothesis in Research?
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

What is and How to Write a Good Hypothesis in Research?

Research Paper Conclusion
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

Research Paper Conclusion: Know How To Write It

Know How to Structure Your PhD Thesis
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

Know How to Structure Your PhD Thesis

How to Write a Research Paper Outline
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

How to Write a Research Paper Outline

Medical Research Abstract
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

Medical Research Abstract: How to Write

How to Write a Scientific Article for Publication
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

How to Write a Scientific Article for Publication

Tips for a Manuscript in Preparation
View Post
  • Manuscript Preparation

Tips for a Manuscript in Preparation

  • Integrity and quality in research

    Integrity and Quality in Research

    • 4 minute read
    View Post
  • Research Paper Conclusion

    Research Paper Conclusion: Know How To Write It

    • 4 minute read
    View Post
  • How to Present an Abstract for a Paper Presentation

    How to Present an Abstract for a Paper Presentation

    • 5 minute read
    View Post
  • How to Appeal a Journal Decision

    How to Appeal a Journal Decision

    • 4 minute read
    View Post
  • Paper-Rejected-by-Journal-What-now

    Paper Rejected by Journal. Now what?

    • 3 minute read
    View Post
More Posts
  • Converting your PhD Thesis into a Book in Five Steps
    Converting your PhD Thesis into a Book in Five Steps
    • 5 minute read
  • What is a Problem Statement
    What is a Problem Statement? [with examples]
    • 4 minute read
  • How to Write a Research Question
    How to Write a Research Question
    • 5 minute read
  • Write and Improve your Researcher Profile
    How to Write and Improve your Researcher Profile
    • 4 minute read
  • What is and How to Write a Good Hypothesis in Research?
    What is and How to Write a Good Hypothesis in Research?
    • 4 minute read
  • Systematic Literature Review or Literature Review
    Systematic Literature Review or Literature Review?
    • 3 minute read
Price Calculator
Type in wordcount for Standard
Total:
Follow this link if your manuscript is longer than 12,000 words.
Upload
Learn more about
  • Research Process
  • Manuscript Preparation
  • Manuscript Review
  • Publication Process
  • Publication Recognition
  • News
Elsevier Author Services – Articles
  • Language Editing Services
  • Translation Services
  • Illustration Services
  • Author’s Webshop
Elsevier wordmark
Terms & Conditions

Cookies are used by this site. To decline or learn more, visit our Cookies page.

RELX Wordmark

Input your search keywords and press Enter.