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AEO Canon · the reference for answer-engine optimization
AEOCanon

Lesson 2 of 6

The Answer-First Sentence

The highest-leverage move in AEO is leading with the answer. This lesson teaches the pattern and the one-line test.

Learning objectives

  • ▸Write a complete answer in sentence one.
  • ▸Delete throat-clearing openers.
  • ▸Apply the delete-all-but-first test.

The lesson

Read the full lesson →How to Write an Answer-First SentenceAn answer-first sentence states the complete answer before any context, so an engine can lift it and a reader gets the point immediately. Learn the pattern, the openers to delete, and the test that tells you if your answer is buried — with before→after examples.3 min read

Key takeaways

  • ▸State the complete answer before any context.
  • ▸Cut openers like 'there are many factors'.
  • ▸If only the first sentence survives, does it still answer?

Knowledge check

Knowledge check

0 / 2

  1. 1. What is an answer-first sentence?

  2. 2. How do you test for a buried answer?