Understanding Sentence Starters in English
By Author Giljonnys Dias da Silva
Sentence starters are words or phrases used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce an idea, give an opinion, add emphasis, show contrast, or organize thoughts. They are especially useful in writing and formal speaking, helping to make your sentences more varied, coherent, and natural.
Below are common categories of sentence starters with examples and their translations into Brazilian Portuguese.
1. Giving Opinions:
Used when expressing personal views.
in my opinion: na minha opinião
In my opinion, students should study more languages.
Na minha opinião, os estudantes deveriam estudar mais idiomas.
I believe that: Eu acredito que
I believe that honesty is the best policy.
Eu acredito que a honestidade é a melhor política.
from my point of view: do meu ponto de vista
From my point of view, this solution is more practical.
Do meu ponto de vista, essa solução é mais prática.
2. Adding Information:
Used to add details or reinforce an idea.
furthermore: além disso
Furthermore, we need to consider the budget.
Além disso, precisamos considerar o orçamento.
In addition: além disso, adicionalmente
In addition, the team worked overtime.
Adicionalmente, a equipe trabalhou horas extras.
also: também
She speaks English. Also, she understands French.
Ela fala inglês. Também entende francês.
3. Giving Examples:
Useful when supporting ideas with illustrations.
for example: por exemplo
There are many ways to learn. For example, through games.
Há muitas maneiras de aprender. Por exemplo, através de jogos.
such as: como por exemplo
I enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling.
Gosto de atividades ao ar livre, como por exemplo caminhar e andar de bicicleta.
to illustrate: para ilustrar
To illustrate this point, let’s look at a case study.
Para ilustrar esse ponto, vamos analisar um estudo de caso.
4. Showing Contrast:
Used when comparing or showing an opposing idea.
however: no entanto, porém
He is very talented. However, he lacks discipline.
Ele é muito talentoso. No entanto, falta disciplina.
on the other hand: por outro lado
I like the city. On the other hand, it’s very noisy.
Gosto da cidade. Por outro lado, é muito barulhenta.
although: embora, apesar de
Although it rained, we went hiking.
Embora tenha chovido, fomos fazer trilha.
5. Expressing Cause and Effect:
Used to explain reasons or results.
because: porque
She stayed home because she was sick.
Ela ficou em casa porque estava doente.
therefore: portanto
He didn’t study. Therefore, he failed the exam.
Ele não estudou. Portanto, reprovou no exame.
as a result: como resultado
Sales increased. As a result, profits rose.
As vendas aumentaram. Como resultado, os lucros subiram.
6. Emphasizing an Idea:
Used to stress a point or make it more noticeable.
indeed: de fato
Indeed, it was the best performance of the night.
De fato, foi a melhor apresentação da noite.
in fact: na verdade, de fato
In fact, he is the youngest CEO in the company.
Na verdade, ele é o CEO mais jovem da empresa.
especially: especialmente
I love desserts, especially chocolate cake.
Eu amo sobremesas, especialmente bolo de chocolate.
7. Summarizing or Concluding:
Used to wrap up a discussion or presentation.
in conclusion: em conclusão, para concluir
In conclusion, hard work always pays off.
Em conclusão, o esforço sempre compensa.
to sum up: resumindo
To sum up, we need better planning and more resources.
Resumindo, precisamos de um planejamento melhor e mais recursos.
overall: no geral
Overall, the project was a success.
No geral, o projeto foi um sucesso.
Why Sentence Starters Matter
Using a variety of sentence starters makes your communication more effective, organized, and fluent.
Bibliographic References
Hinkel, E. (2004). Teaching Academic ESL Writing: Practical Techniques in Vocabulary and Grammar. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Oshima, A., & Hogue, A. (2006). Writing Academic English. Pearson Longman.
Hughes, A., & McCarthy, M. (1998). Grammar in Use: Sentence Structure and Syntax. Cambridge University Press.
Langan, J. (2008). College Writing Skills with Readings. McGraw-Hill.
Swales, J. M., & Feak, C. B. (2004). Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills. University of Michigan Press.
Williams, J. M. (2007). Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace. Pearson Education.
Oshima, A., & Hogue, A. (2007). Introduction to Academic Writing. Pearson Education.
Edge, J. (2004). Teaching Second Language Writing. Oxford University Press.
Zemach, D. E., & Rumisek, L. A. (2005). Academic Writing from Paragraph to Essay. Macmillan.
Seow, A. (2002). The Writing Process and Second Language Writing. Oxford University Press.
