Beginning sentences with the word because

Can you start a sentence with “because”? 

The short and simple answer is yes, you can. 

Yet it seems that a lot of people don’t know this and think you can’t.

We’ve been asked this question numerous times by readers of our “word nerd” books and listeners of our NPR-affiliated podcast “You’re Saying It Wrong.” 

Maybe it’s because it was drummed into their heads as kids by well-meaning adults who thought “don’t start a sentence with ‘because’” was a rule (like so many other “grammar rules,” it isn’t), or maybe it’s because they’ve seen it used incorrectly (it often is). 

But for whatever reason, people often avoid starting a sentence with “because.” 

Can you start a sentence with because?

Because this happens so often, let’s cut to the chase.

Yes, you can absolutely start a sentence with “because.”

And…you caught that, didn’t you? Right there we started a sentence with “because,” and it’s completely correct.  

Why? Because it’s used at the opening of a subordinate clause that’s connected to a main clause and—

Wait a second! We just did it again, but in a different way! See, as you just read, there are actually two different but completely acceptable ways of starting a sentence with “because.” 

Starting a sentence with because: Two ways that work

The thing with “because” is that it’s a subordinate conjunction, which means it’s usually used to connect two clauses — a subordinate clause and a main clause. A subordinate clause is, yes, subordinate to the main one; it describes it. 

As such, it’s not a stand-alone sentence like the main clause is. When you start a sentence with “because,” you have to be sure that you use both clauses to make the sentence a complete one, like this: 

“Because I’m confused, I’m reading about starting sentences.”  

It’s a perfectly legal sentence. No grammar guru can complain about it. If you split it into two discrete units, however, that guru would get quite perturbed.

“Because I’m confused. I’m reading about starting sentences.”

This doesn’t work because the first clause isn’t a complete sentence on its own. It’s a sentence fragment. To be correct grammatically, it needs to be followed by the second clause, the main one. 

That’s the rule of thumb about starting a sentence with “because” — you need two parts to the sentence, two clauses connected by a comma, to make it work. 

Nice and simple, right? 

But this is English. And English has a way of bending the rules, so here we go… 

Another way to start a sentence with because

There is another time when you can start a sentence with “because” and not follow that two-clause rule: if you’re using it conversationally to answer a spoken or unspoken “why” question. 

The perfect example of this is the time-honored kid-to-parent question: “Why can’t I stay out later?” “Because I said so” is a perfectly acceptable (albeit infuriating) answer.  

Persnickety nitpickers would argue that it’s not correct, that it’s a fragment that needs a rewrite. They’re right …technically. 

But most modern grammarians and writers disagree and feel it’s fine to use in more casual writing, when you’re trying to sound conversational, and, of course, when you’re writing dialogue. 

Pick up virtually any novel and you’ll see a lot of questions being answered with “Because I …” constructs. Clearly, this is one of those times when it’s good to break grammar rules.

And there you have it, two distinct and accepted ways of using “because” to start a sentence: either as the opener to a subordinate clause that presupposes the following clause, or as a conversational way of answering a “why” question. 

So don’t listen if anyone tells you that you can’t start a sentence with “because.” Why not? Because we say so, of course. (And, no, you can’t stay out later. Not until you’ve finished writing.)

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Section 2.4

The Because Myth

Why do so many teachers tell students not to begin sentences with because? After all, this writing “rule” was — and is — bad advice, ignored by good writers everywhere.

Presumably, some teachers believe this prohibition to be legitimate, but others may view it as a practical means to an end, without necessarily believing it to be a requirement for good grammar. Consider, after all, the favorite question of every small child: “Why?” The answer, inevitably, begins with because. Left to their own devices, many children will write things like the following:

I like going to the beach. Because there are waves.

The problem with the second piece — because there are waves — is not that it begins with because, but that it is a fragment, a mere piece of a sentence. But if grade school or junior high school teachers tried to offer their students a grammatical explanation of when they could begin with because and when they couldn’t, it might sound something like this: “You may begin with because if your dependent clause is followed by an independent clause, but if your sentence consists of a single clause, you may not begin with because.”

Phew! After a generation of inadequate grammar instruction in many American schools, blank stares, not illumination, would be the likely result of this explanation. Some teachers may find it easier to issue a blanket edict against beginning with because, hoping that somewhere in their students’ educational futures, another teacher will clarify the issue in more detail.

Unfortunately, for many people that moment never arrives. The result is that this misconception continues to keep writers from expressing their ideas as directly and powerfully as they might.

In elementary school, many students are taught that it is incorrect to start a sentence with the word «because.» The reason why teachers perpetuate this «white lie» is because young students will often write something such as, «Today I went to the park. Because it was sunny. I had a swell time,» and think that it is correct.

When students later go on to middle or high school, they will often adamantly correct someone who correctly begins a sentence with «because,» and they have a hard time accepting the fact that they were misinformed for so long.

This article shows you the steps to properly begin a sentence with «because,» and discusses the linguistic reason why it can be correct to do so.

In grammar we have what are called independent clauses and dependent clauses. An independent clause, in simplest terms, is a group of words that forms a valid sentence on its own. An example would be, «Giada threw the mascarpone cheese at Rachael.» The sentence has a subject, a verb, and in this case, an object as well.

A dependent clause is a group of words which does not qualify on its own as a sentence. This is often the case when the phrase begins with a conjunction (connecting word) such as «because,» or «although,» or «when.» For example, the phrase, «Because I am hungry» is not a sentence on its own. It does have a subject and verb, which is all a sentence needs, but the fact that it starts with a conjunction means that something else, namely an independent clause, must follow.

As another example, the phrase, «Although it was a nice day» is a dependent clause and not a sentence on its own, but it becomes a sentence when combined with the independent clause, «the park was quite empty.» We combine the dependent and independent clauses with a comma.

To address the topic of the article, the following sentence is completely valid: «Because it was raining, I decided to take my umbrella.» It follows the rule explained above. It is absolutely wrong to say that it is not a sentence just because it begins with the word «because.»

Students and of course business writers should feel fully comfortable with this concept. Writing becomes more interesting when we utilize a combination of dependent and independent clauses in accordance with the rules of grammar. Because of that fact, we should try to do it!

Can you start a sentence with because? Yes, of course, you can.

You probably won’t use it very often. But when you do, you need to be careful and make sure you use it correctly.

There is a simple way to check that your grammar is correct when you use the word because.

Just ask yourself if what you wrote is a complete sentence or a sentence fragment.

What is because?

In grammar, because is categorized as a conjunction.

It means a word that connects clauses or sentences or coordinate words in the same clause.

Common conjunctions you use all the time are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so.

You often see these types of words called linking words.

I think that is easier to understand.

They are the glue that links two ideas together in one sentence.

A conjunction or linking word expresses a connection.

It can mean addition, contrast, comparison, emphasis, time sequence, or reason.

When you use the word because you are expressing a reason.

Let’s look at how you can use it.

Indicating reason with because

We use the word all the time to connect actions with reasons.

You could write each part in a separate sentence. But it usually reads quite badly.

It rained. I forgot my umbrella. I got wet.

We can quickly improve it by using linking words.

For a reason, because, so, and therefore are the three most common words we use.

It rained, and because I forgot my umbrella, I got wet.

I forgot my umbrella, and it rained, so I got wet.

I forgot my umbrella, and it rained; therefore, I got wet.

When you use a linking word in a sentence, it’s easy to join your ideas together.

But what about at the beginning of a sentence?

How to start a sentence with because

The number one problem you will encounter when you start a sentence with because is that you will often create a sentence fragment.

It means that a sentence is incomplete because it is missing one of the two main elements: a subject and a verb.

Here’s a simple example.

“Why didn’t you go?”

“Because of the rain.”

The answer to the question is a sentence fragment. There is no subject or verb.

It’s so easy to fix this type of error. All you need to do is add a subject and verb.

“Why didn’t you go?”

“Because it rained.”

Once you know that you need a subject and verb, you can structure your sentences correctly.

This makes it possible to start a sentence with because any time you like.

Because it was raining, I didn’t go.

It is worth noting that in some cases, answering a why question with because, as in the first example, is not always incorrect.

However, it is more acceptable in speaking than in writing.

More ways to use because to start a sentence

The most common use in writing is using because as a subordinate conjunction.

It means that you connect a subordinate clause and the main clause.

Now you can avoid a sentence fragment by using because in a subordinate clause.

All you have to remember is to include a comma between the subordinate and main clause.

Because of the rain, I didn’t go to the picnic.

There are many ways you can use this structure, with or without a verb and subject.

Because of the salary, I decided to leave the job after only a few months.

Because I was on such a poor salary, I decided to leave the job after only a few months.

Because of the traffic, I prefer to take the train to work each day.

Because he is only five-foot-six, Jimmy didn’t qualify for the police force.

You can see how easy it is to start a sentence with because and be correct every time.

One small word of warning

I’m sure you know that when you use a subordinate and main clause, you can reverse the order of the sentence.

It’s an easy way to rewrite a sentence to add variety.

So I’ll change the order of the earlier example sentences.

I decided to leave the job after only a few months because of the salary.

I decided to leave the job after only a few months because I was on such a poor salary.

I prefer to take the train to work each day because of the traffic.

Jimmy didn’t qualify for the police force because he is only five-foot-six.

Can you see a minor difference?

Yes, the comma has disappeared.

When you start a sentence with the main clause, there is no comma before because in the subordinate clause.

Summary

There is no reason at all to avoid using a conjunction to start a sentence.

You can use any of them.

But you do need to be aware of the small traps that they can create.

As long as you check and make sure your sentences are complete and that they make sense, you’ll be fine.

But with because, make sure you follow it with a subject and verb.

If not, use a comma to join it to the following main clause.

Because you want to write well, I’m sure you will check carefully now.

Related reading: A Comma Before Because After A Negative Clause

Grammar rules exist so that people can understand what you say and what you write. That being said, the way we speak in casual conversation isn’t always grammatically correct.

We often speak in incomplete sentences, sentence fragments and have no issue starting a sentence with words that aren’t typically technically correct to begin a sentence with. Unless you are a grammar guru, it is highly probable that you break a rule now and then. So this begs the question: Can you start a sentence with “because”?

The very simple answer to that is: Yes, you can.

This article will not only explain the answer to that question but will also explain some of the rules that come with writing. If you are a writer and have trouble remembering some of the rules, there are many manuals and guides available. They are so widely used, and some are so well-loved and respected that they have made the New York Times Bestseller List.

What is a Complete Sentence?

You can’t just string a bunch of words together and call it a complete sentence. We speak in incomplete sentences all of the time, but that’s not the way you’re supposed to write (unless you are writing dialogue).

A complete sentence consists of three things: a subject, a verb, and a complete thought.

A subject is a noun that the sentence is about. A verb is an action. You can have both of those things but still not have a complete sentence. The sentence still has to convey a complete thought.

Examples:

I went to the library. 

My dog, Kojak, walks well on his leash. 

Kaley is with David, scuba diving. 

What is a Sentence Fragment?

A sentence fragment is any grouping of words that is not a complete sentence. It is also known as an incomplete sentence because it is missing at least one of the elements needed: subject, verb, and complete thought.

Writing complete sentences is important in grammar because fragmented sentences are often difficult to understand. A fragmented sentence leaves information out that a reader needs to relate to and understand the text fully. You usually only see fragmented sentences in the English language when it is a part of dialogue or the piece is informal writing.

Example of a sentence without a subject:

Went to the library. 

In the above sentence, we don’t know who went to the library. Therefore, it is a fragmented sentence.

Example of a sentence without a verb:

My dog Kojak.

In the above sentence, there is no verb. Therefore, it is not a proper sentence.

Example of a sentence without a verb:

With David scuba diving. 

In the above sentence, there is no complete thought. Therefore, it is not correct grammar.

What is a Clause?

We aren’t talking about the bearded man with reindeer who visits on Christmas Eve. A clause is a group of words that has a subject and a predicate (verb). You may hear different terms for different types of clauses. This article will define what each means, as well as the two clause rule for a dependent clause.

Independent Clause

Also known as a main clause, it can stand on its own. It’s also known as a “simple sentence.”

Example:

He is excited. 

In the above sentence, there are only three words, and it makes up a simple sentence. It can stand on its own, or it can become a clause. In this case, it would be the main clause of the sentence because it can stand on its own, and it would be joined by another clause. When there are two clauses together in a sentence, it goes from a simple sentence to a complex sentence.

We will continue to use the example above to build off of to create a complex sentence with two clauses. Remember that “He is excited” will serve as the main clause in that endeavor.

Dependent Clause

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand on its own. Instead, it depends on the main clause to be able to exist without breaking any grammar rules. It is the second clause in a complex sentence and is also known as a subordinate clause.

When you put the dependent clause and the main clause together using a conjunction, the two clauses become a complex sentence.

What is a Conjunction?

A conjunction is a word that links two clauses together. They are commonly called “linking words.” There are several types of conjunctions, but what they all have in common is that they work to link two parts of a complex sentence.

Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunction

When one of these linking words is coordinating, it is linking two main clauses in which each could be a stand-alone sentence and perfectly acceptable and doesn’t break any grammar rules. They are two complete sentences. They simply sound better and flow more nicely when joined or “linked” by a conjunction.

A subordinate conjunction is a word that links the first complete sentence with a second sentence that is dependent upon the first. The second sentence is an incomplete sentence or subordinate clause, and it requires the main clause to be linked to it in the same sentence for it to be “correct” English. The main clause is often separated by the second clause with a comma.

Can You Start a Sentence with Because?

We’ve gone over all of the parts of speech needed to define and make sense of what correct and acceptable sentence looks like in grammar. We have provided examples along the way. Now for the answer.

“Because” is actually a conjunction, and it is used most of the time by writers to link two simple sentences. However, you can have sentences starting with “because.” So the simple answer is: yes.

Beginning a sentence with the word isn’t wrong, but many writers avoid starting a sentence with this word anyway. It isn’t incorrect, but it’s typically sandwiched in the middle of a sentence and separated with a comma rather than at the beginning of a sentence, so it has the tendency to look or seem improper or wrong.

The truth is that it doesn’t matter where the word goes. The clauses just have to make sense and express a whole thought. That’s the big rule regarding the word “because.” I will now include a couple of examples to show you two ways that the word “because” can be used in a sentence, and neither is incorrect.

Delilah didn’t finish her homework last night, because of Zac’s snoring. 

Because Zac was snoring, Delilah didn’t finish her homework last night. 

Both of the above examples make the same exact point. Neither are incorrect, and both can be included in anything you’re writing, as long as it fits into the context. 

In the first example, you see the word “because” between two clauses, separated by a comma. In the second example, you see it at the beginning of the sentence, but it still makes the same point as the first sentence. Either of these sentences could be published as they are.

We have come a long way and had quite the English lesson to get the answers we were looking for, but sometimes answering questions, for writers, anyway, means that we have to start at the beginning and work our way to the answers we’re seeking.

Starting a sentence with “because” is fine. Please note that doing it too often can make the text seem clunky. However, beginning a sentence every now and then with the word is correct grammar and can be done in your writing.

In fact, starting sentences with any conjunction is fine. A sentence starting with a conjunction still has to act as the glue that holds two clauses together to form a whole thought. As long as that rule is not being broken, the sentence is usually technically correct, especially when part of the sentence is a subordinate clause.

Can You Start a Sentence with For?

Sentences containing “for” may start with “for.” Consider this example: I have been into poem writing, for it gives me a form of solitude that I crave. This example can be reframed this way: For it gives me a form of solitude that I crave, I have been into poem writing. Another example is I have been like this for quite a long time, shifting to For quite a long time, I have been like this.

In the first example, “for” is a coordinating conjunction, whereas “for” acts as a preposition in the second example. In either function, “for” can be used at the beginning of the sentence.

Can You Start a Sentence with Just?

You can start a sentence with “just” if the purpose is to emphasize something. For instance, Just be happy for Emma. Another example is Just a few items are on sale.

In the first example, “just” implies that being happy for Emma is the best choice. In the second example, “just” helps highlight the limited number of items on sale.

Can You Start a Sentence with Also?

Starting a sentence with “also” is fine. It connects a sentence with the sentence that follows it. For example, She specializes in literature. Also, she studies statistics during weekends. In addition, you can use “also” when you are inverting sentences. Take a look at this example: Extra clothes are also necessary when commuting being inverted to Also necessary when commuting are extra clothes.

Beginning a sentence with “also” is correct. However, overusing it may appear informal for some readers since there are many more formal alternatives, such as “furthermore” and “in addition.” It is important to note that if a written text is loaded with “also” at the beginning of each sentence, it might begin to sound like a collection of random statements.

Can You Start a Sentence with Then?

You can start a sentence with “then.” “Then” at the sentence beginning is used to introduce a next step, another item in a series, or a resulting condition. For example, Prepare your things now. Then, you can come to grandma’s house afterward. Another one is: Shane studied for two weeks for an upcoming qualifying exam. Then, she completely aced it.

Dialogue

It should be stated that when writing dialogue, the rules of writing can basically be thrown right out the window. People don’t often speak “properly.” We use slang, and we use fragments rather than entire thoughts. We start a sentence with any word we want to. We end a sentence incorrectly. It’s simply the way that people speak.

When you write dialogue, anyone can speak any way that seems normal and believable for the character and setting. It can be incorrect grammar. It would be very odd if a slang-speaking teenager in your story suddenly decided to obey every rule of grammar simply because the writer decided that they didn’t want to use incorrect speech.