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Q: Can you start a sentence with the word From?
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Grammar rules around prepositions like with are confusing. Can you start a sentence with with? The answer is yes, you can.
Whenever you aren’t sure about the structure of your sentences, you can run it through ProWritingAid’s free grammar checker. We’ll find all your grammar and syntax errors to keep your writing error-free.
Let’s take a closer look at how and when to start a sentence with with.
When Can You Start a Sentence With With?
You can begin a sentence with prepositions such as “with.” This rule applies to both formal writing and informal writing.
When a sentence starts with the word with, it’s usually a complex or compound-complex sentence.
A complex sentence combines an independent clause with at least one dependent clause. A compound-complex sentence combines one or more dependent clauses with two independent clauses.
A dependent clause, also known as a subordinate clause, does not express a complete thought and can’t stand on its own as a sentence. Certain words, such as with, are clues that you have a subordinate clause.
Take a look at this example sentence:
- With a heavy heart, the owner announced the restaurant was closing.
“With a heavy heart” is a subordinate clause. “The owner announced the restaurant was closing” is an independent clause. Together, these form a grammatically correct sentence that begins with with.
How to Punctuate a Sentence Starting With With
Because with at the beginning of a sentence is part of a dependent clause, there’s only one way to punctuate this type of sentence.
Whenever you start a sentence with a subordinate clause, you should place a comma after the subordinate clause and before the independent clause.
Use this formula for this type of sentence structure:
Subordinate clause + comma + independent clause
Then you’ll end the sentence with the appropriate ending mark, or in the case of compound-complex sentences, with another independent clause.
In short, always use a comma after a subordinate clause beginning with with at the start of a sentence.
Notice that this differs from ending a sentence with a subordinate clause. When independent clauses precede dependent clauses, no comma is necessary.
Examples of Starting a Sentence With With
Let’s check out some examples of sentences that begin with the word with.
- With only a backpack and a map, Jane set out on the greatest adventure of her life.
- With help from her child, the mother put away all the toys.
- With his wife’s approval, John booked a family vacation to Disney World.
- With a little elbow grease and some bleach, you can get the stain off the tile floor, and it will look brand new.
- With any luck, the rain will stay away until after our barbecue.
- With the new, larger wrench, I can change the oil in the car much quicker.
- With a library card, you can check out unlimited books and movies for free.
- With a smile on her face, she handed her rude boss her letter of resignation.
- With carrots, celery, and onion, you can make a mirepoix, which is a base for many French dishes.
- With only basic knowledge about computers, I often have to ask an expert for help when something happens to my laptop.
Alternatives to Starting Sentences With With
Many prepositions, such as with, can act as a subordinating conjunction and begin a subordinate clause. Let’s explore some other prepositions that you can start a sentence with.
The rule about putting a comma after the dependent clause still applies. If you open a sentence with one of these prepositions, be sure to put a comma before your independent clause.
Can You Start a Sentence With By?
By is a preposition that refers to how something is achieved. You can use by at the beginning of a sentence.
Here’s an example:
- By using ProWritingAid, you can improve your written communication skills.
Can You Start a Sentence With To?
To is one of the most commonly used prepositions in English. It has many definitions and uses. You can also use to to begin a sentence. Take a look at the sentence below.
- To get to the library, take a left on Main St. and a right on Second Ave.
Can You Start a Sentence With From?
From is a preposition that refers to a point of origin, whether in time or space. You can start a sentence with from, as in the example below.
- From the first time I saw you, I knew we could be great friends.
Can You Start a Sentence With Which?
Which can be both a preposition or, more commonly, a pronoun.
The preposition which doesn’t commonly begin sentences. As a preposition, which shows an effect of the preceding clause. This makes it difficult to place the dependent clause with which before an independent clause.
However, when which acts as a pronoun, it can begin a sentence.
Here’s an example:
- Which dress do you prefer: the red one or the green one?
Conclusion on Can You Start a Sentence With With?
Prepositions like with often function as subordinating conjunctions. When we place these at the beginning of a sentence and combine them with an independent clause, we can make a complex sentence.
There’s nothing wrong with starting a sentence with with. Just be sure to place a comma after the clause so that you are punctuating the sentence correctly.
But don’t start too many sentences in a row with with. Sentence variety is important for good writing. ProWritingAid’s Style Report will point out whenever you’ve started three or more sentences in a row with with.
You can also use the Structure Report to see how many of your sentences begin with a subordinating conjunction.
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Can you start a sentence with but? English teachers love to tell us it’s against the rules. But there is nothing wrong with starting a sentence with but.
As you grow as a writer, you learn that many of the rules you were taught in school aren’t really rules at all. Can you start a sentence with but? Your third-grade teacher probably told you this was absolutely verboten. However, this is an example of a common rule that is misleading. There is nothing wrong with starting a sentence with but or any other coordinating conjunction. In fact, authorities as lofty as The Elements of Style, The Chicago Style Manual, and William Shakespeare all begin sentences with the word “but.” In the case of the former two examples for analyzing a sentence, they also overtly say that it is permissible.
Contents
- Why It Is OK to Start a Sentence with But?
- What Are Coordinating Conjunctions?
- What Are Independent Clauses?
- How Do You Avoid Sentence Fragments?
- Can But Go at the Beginning of a Sentence in Good Writing?
- Is It OK in Business Writing?
- Where Did the Rule Against Starting a Sentence with But Come From?
- The Final Word on Can You Start a Sentence with But
- FAQ About Starting a Sentence with But
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Why It Is OK to Start a Sentence with But?
“But” is conjunction. According to sources including Merriam-Webster, conjunction is used to join words, phrases, clauses, and sentences. Because of this, it is perfectly proper to use “but” to begin a sentence that continues an idea expressed in the previous one.
What Are Coordinating Conjunctions?
We use coordinating conjunctions to connect words and phrases together. The seven coordinating conjunctions in the English language are:
- And
- But
- For
- Nor
- Or
- So
- Yet
It is perfectly allowable to start a sentence with any of these, as long as you are connecting two independent clauses.
What Are Independent Clauses?
An independent clause is one that forms a complete sentence on its own. Examples of independent clauses that are joined by coordinating conjunctions include:
- I got to the station early. But I still missed my train.
- She won’t eat at Italian restaurants. Nor will she try sushi.
- We could go to Paris. Or we could take a flight to Madrid.
How Do You Avoid Sentence Fragments?
As long as the sentence you started with “but” includes both a noun and a verb, the chances that you’ve created a fragment are very low. A sentence fragment lacks one or the other (usually the verb). As long as the first phrase ends in a full stop and the second phrase uses “but” in a logical way, you can’t go wrong.
Examples include:
- I got the promotion. But I still won’t make as much as I need.
- He arrived with seven bags of groceries. But he still forgot the bread.
There are few logical statements in sentences of those forms that would take the form of fragments. If you were to write “He arrived with seven bags of groceries. But the bread.” the reader would be excused for wondering “but the bread what?”
Can But Go at the Beginning of a Sentence in Good Writing?
Yes, absolutely. Good writing, in fact, is made up of sentences that vary in length and word use. Bad writing often suffers from an excess of uniformity rather than a sprinkling of grammar that, although correct, would not be accepted in a beginning language class.
Is It OK in Business Writing?
It’s accepted that business writing is more formal than some other forms. Because of this, there is a reluctance to use grammar that might be seen as overly casual.
However, in actual practice, the choice comes down to the setting and the tone. If other people in your company seem to hew to more stiff and formal language, it might be good to do so, as well. But if they tend to write with less formality, you are free to do so, too.
Where Did the Rule Against Starting a Sentence with But Come From?
According to linguist David Crystal, the rule started with schoolteachers in the 19th century. Many noticed young students habitually starting sentences with conjunctions and attempted to stop this in the interest of creating themes and essays with standalone, independent thoughts and clauses.
But instead of encouraging students to limit the use of these sentence starters, over time, they fell into a habit of banning the words altogether. Because of this, generations of children were taught never to start a sentence with conjunction when no such English grammar rule exists.
The Final Word on Can You Start a Sentence with But
Yes, you absolutely can start a sentence with but. But you need to make sure that the following sentence is not a fragment.
When it comes to using it in a business setting, that is a question of style rather than grammar. Follow the lead of the people in your office and your industry. And if there’s a style guide, that’s even better.
FAQ About Starting a Sentence with But
When can you start a sentence with but?
Any time you are joining a sentence with the one that proceeds it.
Are there times it’s wrong to start a sentence with but?
It’s wrong if your sentence is not a complete sentence. If it is a dependent clause, you should use a piece of punctuation other than a period.
Is it OK to use but at the start of a sentence according to AP Style or Chicago Manual of Style?
Both allow you to use but at the beginning of a sentence.
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There is a commonly stated “rule” of grammar that beginning a sentence with and, or any other conjunction, is a mistake. But this is just not true. This supposed “rule” has no basis in actual writing, and even formal writing features plenty of sentences that start with and and other conjunctions. And we think that is really cool. So, are we going to debunk this pesky rule (that isn’t really a rule) stating that conjunctions can’t be sentence leaders? Yes, we are.
Can you start a sentence with and?
The word and is one of the most commonly used words in English, and it is one of the seven coordinating conjunctions used to form complex sentences like this one. Normally, we use a comma when we join independent clauses together with coordinating conjunctions. For example:
- I have a cat, and my sister has a dog.
Now, it is time to answer the million dollar question. Can you start a sentence with the word and? Despite what some supposed grammar gatekeepers might tell you, the answer is yes! In fact, most style guides encourage starting a sentence with a coordinating conjunction if you are trying to make a point or using it for stylistic emphasis. For example, we can use and for dramatic effect like so:
- We used every trick, strategy, and gimmick we had at the competition. And we won!
There are a variety of reasons that we might start a sentence with and, such as for rhetorical effect, style, clarity, or flow. That being said, some people consider this to be improper, so don’t be surprised if you have a teacher or boss that takes you to task over this “mistake.” Still, you probably don’t want to overdo it and start all of your sentences with and.
➡️ One thing to keep in mind
There is one caveat to keep in mind, though, which doesn’t just apply to sentences starting with and. A complete sentence has a subject and a predicate. A collection of words that lacks one of these is not a sentence but a sentence fragment. While formal writing does allow for a very limited use of sentence fragments, these are often considered to be outright grammatical errors. So, unless you have a good reason, you should usually try to ensure your sentence that begins with and is, in fact, a sentence and not a sentence fragment. For example:
- Sentence: The woods were dark and spooky. And I think I saw a ghost!
- Sentence fragment: The circus has a dozen clowns. And a bear on a unicycle!
Examples
The following examples show the different ways we might use and to begin sentences.
- You may feel sad sometimes. And that’s okay.
- My neighbor is a nice guy who helps with yard work. And he gets me free coffee.
- The author announced another delay of her new book. And the reaction was just what you’d expect.
Can you start a sentence with but?
That takes care of and, but what about but? Like and, but is another of the seven coordinating conjunctions. All the points that we made about and apply to but as well. Typically, we use a comma when combining sentences with but. But we could use it to start a sentence instead! As with and, we might do this for many reasons. And it isn’t a mistake to do it!
Examples
Here are some examples of sentences that begin with but.
- I really need a new car. But I can’t afford one.
- It slices. It dices. It will file your taxes for you. But that’s not all!
- The comedian told all his best jokes. But nobody laughed.
You don’t always have to use but! Learn some alternatives for this common conjunction.
What about the other conjunctions?
As mentioned previously, and and but are two of the seven coordinating conjunctions. But what about the other five? Can we start sentences with them too? Yes, we can! While we typically use a comma to join sentences with coordinating conjunctions, we could also break those sentences apart.
Let’s look at examples of sentences that begin with each of the other five coordinating conjunctions.
- For: I didn’t tell my teacher I enjoyed her class. For that would be a lie.
- Nor: She didn’t hurt that poor kitty. Nor would she hurt any animal.
- Or: We could say we saw an alien. Or we could pretend none of this ever happened.
- Yet: Dash ran as hard and as fast as he could. Yet he still only finished third in the race.
- So: My daughter really doesn’t want to clean her room. So she has been hiding from me all day.
So far, we have only talked about coordinating conjunctions, but there are many more conjunctions out there. Can we start sentences with them, too? We sure can! For example:
- We will go to the store. After we eat breakfast, of course.
When we look beyond coordinating conjunctions, we see a new trend start to emerge. These other conjunctions are subordinating conjunctions, meaning they attach a subordinate clause to a main clause. Grammatically, it is considered perfectly acceptable to begin a sentence with a subordinate clause. In fact, you will see this extremely often in formal writing and even the strictest grammarian would not consider this to be against the rules. For example:
- Because I needed an A on the test, I studied harder than I ever had before.
Additionally, many of these conjunctions can also be used as adverbs and it is totally in line with grammatical rules to begin a sentence with an adverbial phrase:
- After all that running around, my dog took a long nap.
All of this means that not only can you start sentences with conjunctions, you might end up with a much clearer and interesting sentence if you do!
Examples
Let’s finish things up by looking at a whole bunch of great sentences that begin with conjunctions.
- My kids would never steal something. Because they know stealing is wrong.
- I didn’t call his bluff. Although I was really tempted to.
- This puzzle is really easy. Even a baby could solve it.
- We will catch Bigfoot. If we can ever find him.
- She said she was going to meet Bart in Springfield. Wherever that is.
- Nate can be the best player on the team. When he feels like it.
- This mystery is all but solved. Now that Sherlock Holmes is here.
- The two brothers need to work together. Before it is too late.
And there’s more—Grammar Coach™, that is!
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Starting a sentence with “with” doesn’t have to come with a whole set of rules. In fact, there are no rules that tell you that you can or can’t start sentences with certain words. This article will explore how you might be able to use “with” to start a sentence.
You can start a sentence with “with” when it’s part of a dependent clause that goes on to include further information. You can also do so when you’re signing a letter with a phrase like “with love” or “with best wishes.” It means that we’re including something extra.
Typically, we use “with” at the start of a sentence to talk about something that has had an obvious impact or effect on something else. We’ll start the first clause with “with” and then include the effect in the second clause.
It’s impossible to set up a dependent clause starting with “with” without a second clause, so we always need to make sure we are using a comma in the middle of the sentence to break up clauses.
What Does “With” Mean At The Beginning Of A Sentence?
Now that we’ve told you it’s possible, it’s time to go a little further in detail.
At the beginning of a sentence, “with” means that something is happening as a result of something else. It is synonymous with “because” and shows that something happens as a result of something else.
The definition of “with,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “because of or caused by someone or something.”
It’s best to use “with” at the start of a sentence when you want to explain an event further in the sentence. It’s also possible to switch the “with” clause around so that it comes after the second clause. Both methods of writing are correct:
- With the upcoming exams, it’s been hard to talk to her about anything.
- It’s been hard to talk to her about anything with the upcoming exams.
The only difference is that “with” doesn’t become part of a second clause when you include it at the end of a sentence.
Examples Of How To Use “With” At The Beginning Of A Sentence
To help explain how “with” begins a sentence, we’ll cover some helpful examples. From there, you’ll have a much better understanding of how you can begin a sentence with “with.”
- With all the changes coming up, it’s been tough for me to know how to carry myself around here.
- With the email that my boss sent to me out in the open, I don’t know what I’m going to do next.
- With the upcoming event taking up all my time, it’s going to be impossible for me to enjoy my social life.
- With all those things out of the way, I’ve got plenty of time to have some fun again.
- With all that said and done, there’s not much left for us to discuss.
- With love from your favorite son.
- With the consequences of the things I said, I’ve made sure that the people in my closest circle will be okay.
It’s most common to start a sentence with “with” when we want to talk about something that happened as a result of the following clause. The effect is usually explained in the second part of the sentence.
Where Should I Place The Comma When Using “With” At The Beginning Of A Sentence?
Comma and punctuation rules when starting sentences with words like “with” can get tricky. However, we’ll explain how to punctuate “with” correctly when you choose to use it in this way.
You do not need to place a comma directly after with” when you start a sentence with it. Instead, you need to wait until the end of the dependent clause to place the comma so that you can separate the two clauses from each other.
To help you understand this, we can show you some examples:
- Correct: With all of that finally out of the way, I’m free to do the things that I want to do.
- Incorrect: With all of that finally out of the way I’m free to do the things that I want to do.
The first example is correct because we include a comma after “way,” which indicates the end of the first clause. The second example is incorrect because there isn’t a comma to break up the two clauses.
Is It Informal To Start A Sentence With “With”?
Next, we’ll talk about the formality of starting a phrase in this way. You’ll be able to use it in professional settings once you understand whether it works.
It is not informal to start a sentence with “with,” and it’s a great way to introduce a causal effect of something. We can use it in both formal and informal writing to talk about something that might have happened as a result of something else.
Typically, we’ll see “with” at the start of a sentence in more formal situations because it comes with a cause and effect. It’s not often that you’ll use cause and effect sentence structures like this in informal situations.
Alternatives To Starting A Sentence With “With”
If you’re struggling with understanding how “with” works at the start of a sentence, or you’d rather try a different phrase to see if you’ve mastered the meaning, we’ve got a list for you. These synonyms will work well to replace “with” and have the same meaning.
- Because of
- As a result of
- Due to
- For the reason that
- Owing to the fact that
Can You End A Sentence With “With”?
You can also end a sentence with “with,” but only in very rare cases. It works best when you use it as a preposition to show who or what you might be doing something with. In any other case, there are no reasons why you would end a sentence with “with.”
- Who are you going with?
- I haven’t got anyone to go with.
- Who are you going to town with?
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.