What’s the Best Sentence Ever Written? Top 10 Best Examples

The quest for the best sentence ever written is as subjective as it is compelling. A great sentence can be poetic, profound, witty, or evoke strong emotions. Here are ten examples of sentences that have been celebrated for their brilliance in literature, philosophy, and rhetoric.

1. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…” — Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

This opening sentence masterfully sets the tone for Dickens’ novel, capturing the contradictions and turmoil of the era.

2. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” — The Bible, Genesis 1:1

This sentence is one of the most well-known in religious texts, marking the start of the creation narrative in the Judeo-Christian tradition.

3. “Call me Ishmael.” — Herman Melville, Moby-Dick

With just three words, Melville introduces one of literature’s most iconic narrators, establishing an immediate connection with the reader.

4. “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” — George Orwell, 1984

Orwell’s sentence opens a dystopian world with a sense of eerie, foreboding, and unreality, setting the stage for his novel’s themes.

5. “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” — Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina

Tolstoy’s famous opening line encapsulates the complexity of human relationships and sets the tone for his exploration of family and society.

6. “To be, or not to be: that is the question…” — William Shakespeare, Hamlet

This existential query from Hamlet’s soliloquy is one of the most quoted lines in English literature, delving into themes of life and death.

**7. “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt

In his first inaugural address, Roosevelt’s sentence offered reassurance and courage to a nation grappling with the Great Depression.

8. “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” — Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

Alcott’s sentence is both a metaphor for personal growth and a declaration of resilience, inspiring readers to face challenges head-on.

9. “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” — Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

Austen’s opening sentence is a brilliant satire of social norms and expectations, setting the tone for her novel’s exploration of love and marriage.

**10. “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” — Attributed to Ernest Hemingway

This six-word story, attributed to Hemingway, is a masterclass in brevity and emotional impact, conveying a whole narrative in just a few words.

Conclusion

The best sentence ever written is a matter of personal interpretation, often influenced by one’s experiences and emotions. These ten sentences, celebrated for their impact, craft, and resonance, represent a diverse array of styles and themes. Each one encapsulates the power of language to move, inspire, and provoke thought, demonstrating that sometimes, a single sentence can indeed change the world.