16.3 do not delay the subject 1. Put the subject first before mentioning when, how, where and why it functions. If you begin with a subordinate clause, this will force the reader to wait in order to find out what you are really referring to. 2. If you are using a lot of link words ( 13 ), such as in particular, generally speaking, consequently, in addition , don’t always put them at the beginning. If possible, find a short word ( thus, so, also ) and insert it before the verb. 3. Avoid using an impersonal it at the beginning of the sentence. Instead use modal verbs ( might, need, should etc) or an adverb. 4. Avoid beginning a phrase with a time period containing the verb to be. YES NOT RECOMMENDED (1–3) WRONG (4) 1 The samples were dried after they had spent five minutes in an aqueous solution, and 20 minutes in the cold room. After five minutes in an aqueous solution, and a further 20 minutes in the cold room, the samples were dried. 1 Despite Iceland’s favorable geological situation in terms of harnessing all kinds of geothermal resources, until a few years ago only geothermal-electric generation received much attention. Despite its favorable geological situation in terms of harnessing all kinds of geothermal resources, until a few years ago only geothermal-electric generation received much attention in Iceland . 2 The old system should thus not be used. For this reason , it is not a good idea to use the old system . 3 Users should be distributed evenly. It is recommended to distribute users evenly. 3 This can be done with the new system. It is possible do this with the new system. 4 We have been studying this problem for three years. They are three years that we study this problem. = For three years we have been studying this problem and we still have no results.
