+394.+ +We have a number of words which we use to introduce our
sentences.+ They are such words as, _so_, _well_ and _why_. These are
ordinarily adverbs, but when they are used merely to introduce a
sentence they retain little of their adverbial force. For example:
_So_, that is your only excuse.
_Well_, I cannot understand why you should accept it.
_Why_, that is no reason at all.
In these sentences, _so_, _well_ and _why_ do not modify any of the
words in the sentences, but are used merely to introduce the sentences.
They serve in a measure to connect them with something which has gone
before.
+395.+ +The adverb _there_ is also used as an introductory word.+ When
it is used in this manner, it loses its adverbial force. _There_, as
ordinarily used, is an adverb of place, but it is often used to
introduce a sentence. For example: _There is some mistake about it_. In
this sentence _there_ is not used as an adverb, but it is used simply as
an introductory word. It is used to introduce a sentence in which the
verb comes before the real subject. _Mistake_ is the real subject of the
verb is, and _there_ is used simply as the introductory word.
+396.+ +The indefinite pronoun _it_ is also used as an introductory
word+, to introduce a sentence in much the same manner as _there_. The
real subject of the verb occurs later in the sentence. For example:
It is best to know the truth.
This could be written, _To know the truth is best_, and the entire
meaning of the sentence would be conveyed.
+397.+ +Adverbs of mode.+ You remember in our study of adverbs, we had
certain adverbs which were called adverbs of mode. These are used to
modify the entire sentence. They express the feeling in which the entire
sentence is uttered. Adverbs of mode may be regarded also as independent
words. They are such words as, _indeed_, _surely_, _certainly_,
_perhaps_, etc. For example:
_Indeed_, I cannot tell you now.
_Surely_, I will comply with your request.
_Perhaps_ it may be true.
I _certainly_ hope to do so before long.