状语前置就是把一个修饰动词的状语结构，如介词短语，分词形式或动词不定式引导的短语放到句首。请看下面的句子：

　　(1)Like self-awareness, this is also very difficult to achieve, but I think these are the two factors that may be the most important for achieving happiness.

　　(2)Throughout the century, the largest quantity of water was used for agricultural purposes.

　　(3)With a population of 176 million, the figures for Brazil indicate how high agricultural water consumption can be in some countries.

　　使用状语前置的最大优点是让单调的句子有了跳跃的节奏感。考官一天看上百张考卷，看到这样的句子也会心情愉悦。

　　注意：插入语

　　此种语法结构是可以理解为是状语前置的另一种变体，它将状语结构提到了主句的主语和谓语之间。插入语也是相对地道的英语表达方法。请看以下几例：

　　(1)Universities, when it is functioning well, should offer both theoretical knowledge as well as professional training.

　　(2)So overall, I believe that, attending school from a young age is good for most children.

　　插入语的功能和状语前置基本相似，都能使句子更有跳跃感和地道。