How Not to Start an Essay: Why “The Dictionary Defines…” is a Cliché You Should Avoid
Imagine this: you’re about to write an essay, maybe for school or a job application, and you’re staring at a blank page. The pressure is on to craft an introduction that’s authoritative, engaging, and smart. But don’t fall for that tempting first thought: “The dictionary defines [your essay topic] as…”
While this may feel like a safe and structured way to begin, it’s one of the most overused and uninspiring essay openers in the book. If you're looking to impress your reader and stand out, it’s time to retire this tired formula. In this article, we’ll explore why students so often fall back on this cliché and, more importantly, how not to and how to start an essay.
The Appeal of “The Dictionary Defines…”
Before we get into why this approach doesn’t work, let’s understand why it’s so common:
1. It Feels Authoritative
When you’re trying to sound credible, referencing a dictionary feels like a natural way to bring some authority to your writing. After all, dictionaries are widely accepted as reliable sources. For many students, this offers a sense of security—a way to ground their essay in an objective fact right from the start.
2. It’s an Easy Starting Point
Crafting an engaging introduction can be intimidating. The first sentence often feels like the hardest to write, and when in doubt, students fall back on structure. Using a dictionary definition allows for a concrete beginning, offering a straightforward way to frame the topic without much creative thinking.
3. It’s a Learned Formula
In early writing classes, students are often taught to define key terms before diving into analysis. For beginners, it’s a comfortable strategy that’s been drilled into them as part of a basic essay framework.
4. It Feels Neutral
Many students shy away from taking bold positions early in their essay. Starting with a dictionary definition feels neutral and safe—there’s no need to take a stance or risk sounding unsure of your own ideas.
Why You Should Avoid It
While the “dictionary defines” opening might be a go-to for many, it’s far from effective if you want to make a lasting impression. Here’s why:
1. It’s Cliché
When a reader opens your essay and the first thing they see is a dictionary definition, they’re immediately reminded of the hundreds of essays that started the same way. This approach is overdone and often signals to your reader that you haven’t put much thought into crafting a unique introduction.
2. It’s Boring
Dictionary definitions are rarely captivating. They’re dry, factual, and usually familiar to your reader. If your goal is to engage and hook your audience from the start, opening with a generic definition isn’t the way to do it. You’re missing a valuable opportunity to draw your reader in with something more thought-provoking or interesting.
3. It Adds Little Value
Most readers already know what a dictionary offers: a standard, often narrow explanation of a word or concept. Instead of adding depth or insight to your topic, this kind of opening tends to be filler—wasting space in your introduction without contributing anything meaningful to your argument.
4. It Distracts from Your Voice
Your essay is an opportunity to showcase your voice, ideas, and perspectives. Starting with a dictionary definition removes your unique voice from the beginning and gives priority to a bland, outside source. Worse, it can make you seem hesitant to dive into your own thoughts and interpretations.
How Not to Start an Essay: More Clichés to Avoid
Beyond the dictionary-definition opener, there are a few other essay clichés to steer clear of:
1. “Since the dawn of time…”
Starting with a grandiose, vague statement about human history or civilization is another tired technique. It’s often used to artificially inflate the importance of a topic but typically falls flat.
2. Asking Obvious Rhetorical Questions
Questions like, “Have you ever wondered why [obvious topic] is important?” don’t engage the reader in any meaningful way. They can feel patronizing or overly simplistic.
3. Quoting Famous People Without Context
Throwing in a random quote from Albert Einstein or Shakespeare might seem sophisticated, but if it doesn’t tie directly into your argument or add something fresh to your introduction, it can feel like a hollow attempt to sound smart.
How to Start Your Essay Instead
Now that you know how not to start an essay, let’s talk about strategies that can make your opening shine:
1. Start with a Bold Claim
Grabbing your reader’s attention can be as simple as making a surprising or bold statement that challenges their expectations. For example, if your essay is about technology’s role in education, you could start with something like, “The future of education isn’t in the classroom—it’s in the hands of algorithms.”
2. Pose a Thought-Provoking Question
While obvious rhetorical questions are a no-go, a well-crafted question can engage your reader’s curiosity. Try something that invites them to think more deeply about the topic. For instance, “What if the biggest threat to our privacy isn’t technology—but the people using it?”
3. Use an Anecdote or Personal Story
Personalizing your introduction with a relevant anecdote is a great way to establish an emotional connection with your reader. It also gives your essay a more conversational tone, drawing them into the narrative.
4. Present a Striking Fact or Statistic
Shock or intrigue your reader by presenting an unexpected fact that ties into your argument. For example, in an essay about environmental conservation, you might open with, “Every minute, the equivalent of one garbage truck of plastic is dumped into the ocean.”
Simply Put
Learning how not to start an essay is just as important as knowing how to write a great one. While relying on “The dictionary defines…” may feel like a safe and structured way to begin, it ultimately dilutes your essay’s impact and originality. By starting with an engaging opener—whether it’s a bold claim, a personal story, or a thought-provoking question—you can hook your reader right from the first sentence and set the stage for a more compelling and memorable essay.
So next time you’re staring at that blank page, ditch the dictionary and try something more creative. After all, your reader will thank you for it.
