initial position

initial position (plassen til det første leddet i en setning): the position of the first element in a clause (which is not a conjunction); either the position of the subject, or the position before the subject. The term 'initial position' tends to be used about the placement of adverbials. Initial position is particularly common for conjuncts and some disjuncts, but it is also used for some adjuncts (particularly time and space adjuncts, and adjuncts realized as subordinate clauses). E.g. Furthermore, she didn't mind working hard. Unfortunately, they couldn't afford it. Once upon a time in a faraway land there was a beautiful princess. If you exercise twice a week, you'll improve your health.