Introduction
When it comes to writing, starting sentences with the word “I” is a common habit. However, repeating this structure over and over again can become monotonous and lacking in originality. In order to create more varied and interesting writing, it’s important to learn how to avoid starting sentences with “I”.
Definition of Starting Sentences with “I”
Starting sentences with “I” is a grammatically correct way to begin a sentence. It is used to introduce the speaker or writer, and can be found in both formal and informal writing.
Overview of the Problem
According to research conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, “I” is the most common word used to start a sentence in student essays. While using “I” to start sentences is not wrong, relying on it too heavily can lead to dull, uninspired writing. According to Robert Harris, author of the article How to Avoid Starting Sentences with “I”, “Writing that relies too heavily on the pronoun ‘I’ can sound self-centered, as if the writer were the only one in the universe.”
Alternatives to Starting Sentences with “I”
Fortunately, there are several alternatives to starting sentences with “I” that can help make writing more varied and interesting.
Begin sentences with “This”
Using the word “this” at the beginning of a sentence can help shift the focus away from the speaker and onto the topic. For example, instead of saying “I think the sky is beautiful”, you could say “This morning, the sky was a stunning shade of blue.”
Replace “I” with an active verb
Rather than using “I” to start a sentence, try replacing it with an active verb. For instance, instead of saying “I ran to the store”, you could say “I sprinted to the store.” Not only does this method help avoid the use of “I”, but it also helps make writing more vivid and engaging.
Start sentences with a descriptive phrase
Descriptive phrases can be used to provide background information or set the scene for a story. For example, instead of saying “I was walking down the street”, you could say “On a quiet Wednesday evening, I strolled down the street.”
Reword sentences to avoid using “I”
If you find yourself using “I” too often in your writing, consider rewording your sentences to avoid using it. For example, instead of saying “I think the movie was great”, you could say “The movie was great.”
Utilize pronouns like “you” and “they”
Pronouns like “you” and “they” can be used to refer to people in general, which can help keep the focus off of the speaker. For instance, rather than saying “I like ice cream”, you could say “People tend to like ice cream.”
Conclusion
By utilizing the alternatives to starting sentences with “I” outlined above, writers can create more varied and interesting pieces of work. These methods can help keep the focus off the speaker and onto the topic, while also making writing more vivid and engaging. So, next time you sit down to write, don’t be afraid to experiment with different approaches and see what works best for you.
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