Avoiding dead beginnings in writing

When we speak, we often start a sentence with ‘there is’ or ‘there are’. This gives the listener time to absorb our message. However, when we write, we consider these to be ‘dead beginnings’, as they contain no useful information. We can often rephrase to eliminate them or at least reduce them.

Here are some examples. Can you eliminate them and move the useful information to the front?

1. There are seven new heads of section who have just been appointed and need inducting.
2. There is a gap between the number of estimated targets and the real number of vaccinations carried out.
3. There is a high correlation between mother weight and undernutrition.
4. There are twenty critical care beds in each unit.

Suggested answer key:

1. Seven new heads of section have been appointed and need inducting.
2. A gap exists between the number of estimated targets and the real number of vaccinations carried out.
3. Mother weight and undernutrition are highly correlated.
4. Each unit has twenty critical care beds.

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Carol Waites (PhD)
Email: carolswritingtips@gmail.com
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Presentation/editing by Christina O’Shaughnessy (editor)
https://worldwidewriting.org/