Verb+ing as a verb beginning a sentence

Question

Is this good English?

Falling into the ocean, the drop dies as a drop, but not as water.

Or should I say:

When it falls into the ocean, the drop dies...

Richard Rodriguez · Accepted Answer · 2012-02-24 23:59:55Z

up vote 1 down vote accepted

Starting a sentence with a verb in an -ing form is perfectly valid and acceptable. If properly used, it sounds dramatic and professional.

Example:

Running through the crowd I didn't pay enough attention and didn't spot the robber.

As for what you propose - it sounds fine, but I'd omit the first comma, thus writing:

Falling into the ocean the drop dies as a drop, but not as water.

edited Feb 24 '12 at 23:59

answered Feb 24 '12 at 23:23

Richard Rodriguez
14.5k53865

	I want to edit your answer to remove the 'Yes'. – Sam Feb 24 '12 at 23:34
	@Sam: You safely could have, but I've done it myself now. Thanks for pointing out a way to improve my answer :) – Richard Rodriguez Feb 25 '12 at 0:00

Billjk · Answer 2 · 2012-02-24 23:22:37Z

up vote 0 down vote

Definitely correct to use the latter, although both are technically correct according to english rules...

answered Feb 24 '12 at 23:22

Billjk
1011

1

When has English become a common noun? – Kris Feb 25 '12 at 6:02

2 Answers