Quite a few English learners begin their sentences with a simple subject (主語) + predicate pattern, but its overuse results in monotonous writing.When the subject of the adverbial clause (狀語從句) is the same as the subject of the independent clause, the adverbial clause can be reduced to various types of phrases or even a single word.And by doing so, you can achieve sentence variety.
Method one: Begin a sentence with“To do…”pattern.
1) To win, you have to risk loss.
2) To get along well with people, you must learn to share their interests.
3) Not to miss the first train, I got up at five.
Method two: Begin a sentence with“a preposition (介詞) +doing…”pattern.
1) In designing the survey, I avoided questions likely to embarrass respondents.
2) By reviewing mistakes of the past, people can gain a better understanding of the present.
3) After weighing the three fish he caught, Phil decided to throw the lightest one back.
4) Upon arriving in Sydney, I noticed that there would be a concert at the world-famous Opera House.
5) Besides helping you feel well-rested, sleep may also sharpen your memory.
6) Without mastering biology, a student may never be admitted to a medical school.
Method three: Begin a sentence with“Doing…”pattern.
1) Seeing Bill Clinton in the library, Hillary walked up to him and said, “If you're going to keep staring at me, I might as well introduce myself.”
2) Containing an abundance in protein and low fat, seafood is good for people's health.
3) Not knowing what to do, the boy just waited for his mother to return.
Method four: Begin a sentence with“Done…”pattern.
1) Fatigued, the project director slumped into a chair.
2) Persuaded by Dr.Jonas, Alice decides to cooperate with CIA in catching Jerry.
3) Surrounded on all sides by water, Manhattan is a busy seaport.
Method five: Begin a sentence with“Having + done…”pattern.