6.8 beginning of clause for emphasis

You can emphasize the adjunct by placing it at the beginning of the clause, in front of the subject.

• Gently Fanny leaned forward and wiped the old lady's tears away.
• In his excitement Billy had forgotten the letter.

The adjunct is often separated by a comma from the rest of the clause.

• After much discussion, they had decided to take the coin to the jeweller.

This position is often used in written stories to draw attention to the adjunct. For more information, see paragraph 10.93.

Note that adverbs of degree are rarely used at the beginning of a clause: see paragraph 6.45.