How to Cut Sentence-Starting Clutter

Writers slow down their sentences with unnecessary words that delay the point. They may do this because middle school English teachers told them to use transitions; they read great 19th century writers renowned for languid and balanced sentences; or they’re trying to sound sophisticated by relying on industry clichés. Your readers won’t care why you write as you do—they will only care that they must read it. So do them a favor and cut the clutter.

Four types of sentence-starting clutter include:

1. Uninformative artificial subjects – there are, it is, there were,
2. Unhelpful throat-clearing phrases – it is important to consider that…
3. Empty introductory phrases – the purpose of this article is to…
4. Unnecessary transition words – clearly, presently, therefore, subsequently

Because these lead-ins are often used in speech, you won’t notice them in your own writing, even if you notice them in the writing of others. Let’s look at how to recognize these patterns and cut them from your writing.

Uninformative Artificial Subjects

Some words take up space at the start of a sentence without conveying any meaning. The most common offenders are there is, there are, there was, there were, it is, and it was. Writers use them because they believe it broadens the sentence, adds emphasis, or sounds sophisticated. Readers simply skip them.

Some instructors and editors call these phrases dummy subjects, artificial subjects, or existential openings. I think dummy subject is the most helpful term because it reminds me that these words function as a subject but don’t add any value. They can even hide a vivid subject that already exists in the sentence. Look for smart (real) subjects in your sentences.

There are Three principles that help solve this issue.

There is Some evidence from clinical studies suggests that this medication may be effective.

There are Many young women who work at factories.

There is no question that This measure will improve environmental protections in the region.

While this is good advice, don’t arbitrarily delete every there is, there are, there was, there were, it is, and it was from your document, because you may need it. When there and it refer directly to something in the sentence, the words function as pronouns, so you should not cut them. For example:

There is no lack of motions that the Council approved but later tabled.

WordRake removes these dummy subjects so your main ideas can stand out. Try it. You may be surprised how often you don't need these words.