Using because as the first word in a sentence

Start A Sentence With Because

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

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  • Usage

  • Conjunctions

Summary

It’s fine to start a sentence with because (or any other conjunction) in both formal and informal writing.

Examples

  • Because this form has an upload limit, I have not attached a copy of my thesis to the application.
  • Because Farley missed the bus, he missed the train as well.

Just remember to complete the sentence by adding a main clause.

Example

  • Incorrect: Because this paper has not yet been peer-reviewed but still been published.
    Correct: Because this paper has not yet been peer-reviewed but still been published, the results should be interpreted with caution.

In speech and informal writing, incomplete sentences or fragments are acceptable if context makes the meaning clear.

Example

  • “Why did the cat cross the road?”
    Because the chicken was on the other side.”

Also make sure it is clear what your pronoun refers to. The pronoun usually appears after the noun in a sentence instead of before it.

Example

  • Incorrect: Because she wants to travel the world, Maya has sold her house and car.
    Correct: Because Maya wants to travel the world, she has sold her house and car.

Because: When to use

Because, which means “for the reason that,” is a subordinating conjunction used to connect two clauses in a sentence.

Example

  • Farley had to buy an umbrella because it was raining.

    The two clauses (“Farley had to buy an umbrella” and “it was raining”) are connected by because.

As a subordinating conjunction, because introduces a subordinate clause and makes it dependent on the main clause for complete meaning.

Example

  • Because it was a fine evening, we took a walk under the stars.

    subordinate clause = “because it was a fine evening”; main clause = “we took a walk under the stars”

By itself, a subordinate clause does not convey complete meaning. If someone said to you “Because it was a fine evening,” you would ask “So what?” The main clause (“we took a walk under the stars”) completes the thought and therefore the sentence.

Because at start of sentence

It is grammatically fine to start a sentence with because. Starting a sentence with a subordinate clause, such as one introduced by because, helps place emphasis or end focus on the main clause. Leading with because also indicates to the reader that an explanation is forthcoming.

Examples

  • Because Maya loves pasta, she lives in Campania.

    Immediately clear that an explanation is being provided and a reason is being given. Also places end focus in the sentence on the main clause (“she lives in Campania”).

  • Because this clinical trial carries significant risk, we will be our own test subjects.
  • Because of the lockdown, all the flights are cancelled.
  • Because of you, I am in trouble.

The positioning of clauses in a sentence affects emphasis. When a main clause needs to be emphasized, it appears at the end of the sentence, after the subordinate clause.

Example

  • Lulu plans to throw a party because she bought extra pizza sauce.

    or

    Because Lulu bought extra pizza sauce, she plans to throw a party.

    emphasis on the main clause (“she plans to throw a party”)

When the subordinate clause appears first, the sentence starts with a conjunction like because. This is acceptable both grammatically and stylistically. In fact, you can start a sentence with any conjunction in English.

Examples

  • We stayed in because it was raining.

    or

    Because it was raining, we stayed in.

  • Rita loves to fly, although she is afraid of heights.

    or

    Although Rita is afraid of heights, she loves to fly.

  • We were able to jump a little higher since we were on the Moon.

    or

    Since we were on the Moon, we were able to jump a little higher.

Just watch out for two common errors that often appear in sentences starting with because:

  1. Fragments or incomplete sentences
  2. Anticipatory references with unclear pronoun usage

Completing the sentence

When you start a sentence with because, make sure to complete it. The conjunction because introduces a subordinate clause, which by itself does not convey complete meaning. If you forget to add a main clause, what you have is a sentence fragment rather than a complete sentence.

Example

  • Incorrect: Because it was a cloudy day.

    Because it was a cloudy day, so what? Complete the sentence with a main clause.

    Correct: Because it was a cloudy day, Tumkin carried an umbrella with him to the park.

Longer fragments that start with because can be particularly tricky, fooling you into believing you’re writing a complete sentence. Always remember to complete the thought by adding a main clause.

Examples

  • Incorrect: Because we found at the last minute that the weather bureau had forecast a hurricane.
    Correct: Because we found out at the last minute that the weather bureau had forecast a hurricane, we had to cancel our trip.
  • Incorrect: Because the file was large.
    Correct: Because the file was large, the upload failed.

Tip

When you start a sentence with because, check whether the reader will be left asking, “So what?” If yes, you need to add a main clause.

Example

  • Because we have this head of cabbage and I know we have some leftover pasta.

    So what?

    Because we have this head of cabbage and some leftover pasta, we can make soup.

In formal writing as well, you can start a sentence with because (or any other conjunction), as long as you remember to complete the sentence by adding a main clause.

Examples

  • Incorrect: Because we forgot to refresh the medium and the bacteria died.

    no main clause, i.e., an incomplete sentence or a fragment

    Correct: Because we forgot to refresh the medium, the bacteria died.
    Correct: Because we forgot to refresh the medium and the bacteria died, our research remains incomplete.

  • Incorrect: Because we forgot to set up the sensors and were unable to collect any data.
    Correct: Because we forgot to set up the sensors, we were unable to collect any data.
  • Incorrect: Because our research is now complete to publish a paper.
    Correct:Because our research is now complete, we can publish a paper.
  • Incorrect:Because this company’s CEO has resigned.
    Correct: Because this company’s CEO has resigned, its share price has fallen.

Caution

Write complete sentences rather than fragments in formal writing (e.g., in a thesis or a cover letter).

Example

  • Incorrect: Because I have been managing teleportation services on Mars for seven years.
    Correct: Because I have been managing teleportation services on Mars for seven years, I have the experience required to serve your customers on Duranda.

    In formal writing, make sure a sentence that starts with because has a main clause.

Avoiding anticipatory reference

When a sentence starts with because, it can contain a pronoun whose reference is unclear at first use. If a pronoun appears before the noun it refers to, it can be confusing for readers and ruin the flow of your text.

Example

  • Poor: Because she was tired, Maya went to bed without brushing her teeth.

    “She” refers to Maya, but this is not clear until we read the second clause.

    Better: Because Maya was tired, she went to bed without brushing her teeth.

But you don’t have to avoid using because at the start of a sentence: simply make sure it is clear what your pronoun refers to.

Example

  • Incorrect: Nesbit and Tumkin are making a new video game. Because he likes to travel, Tumkin wants to make a game in which you fight demons in cities around the world.

    Because who likes to travel?

    Correct: Nesbit and Tumkin are making a new video game. Because Tumkin likes to travel, he wants to make a game in which you fight demons in cities around the world.

Here are some more examples of anticipatory reference, where clarity can be improved by making the pronoun appear after instead of before its antecedent (the noun it refers to).

Examples

  • Incorrect: Because she loves to fly, Rita is saving up to buy a plane.
    Correct: Because Rita loves to fly, she is saving up to buy a plane.
  • Incorrect: Because they are easy to make, we often insert graphs in our presentations.
    Correct: Because graphs are easy to make, we often insert them in our presentations.

In speech and informal usage

In speech, the meaning of a statement is often clear without the main clause being explicitly stated. Nobody speaks in complete sentences all the time.

Examples

  • “Why did you cancel your trip?”
    Because of the hurricane.”
  • “Why have you withdrawn your application?
    Because I have accepted another offer.”
  • “Why are you so sleepy?”
    Because I woke up today at 4 a.m.”

Answering every question with a complete sentence can sound stuffy and pompous in everyday speech and informal writing.

Fragments are also common in creative writing, which naturally has a more conversational and narrative tone.

Examples

  • He could teach any of us only one thing, and that one thing was flight. Because there was no freedom here.
  • After everything that’s happened, how can the world still be so beautiful? Because it is.
  • Because the truth is, we never know for sure about ourselves.

“Because . . .” fragments are also seen in popular culture and on social media, where they can be used to make a point.

Example

  • Because Mondays.”

    Inscribed on a photo of a coffee mug to humorously indicate that coffee is necessary on Mondays.

Such colloquialisms, perfectly acceptable in informal settings, are avoided in formal writing. Do not write incomplete sentence in documents such as cover letters, academic theses, or business reports.

Anticipatory reference (where the pronoun appears before its antecedent) is also acceptable in informal and creative writing, where it can add an element of surprise, drama, or humor to a sentence.

Example

  • Because it tastes best cold, Maya likes to eat pizza straight out of the fridge.

In academic and other formal writing, where clarity is important, anticipatory reference is avoided.

Examples from literature

Here are some quotes from literature with sentences starting with because.

Examples

  • Do you want to be a gentleman, to spite her or to gain her over? Because, if it is to spite her, I should think – but you know best – that might be better and more independently done by caring nothing for her words.
  • Because the world is so full of death and horror, I try again and again to console my heart and pick the flowers that grow in the midst of hell.
  • Because when all people had was practically nothing, then anything could be almost anything.
  • Because if she let go of her grief even for a minute it would only hit her harder when she bumped into it again.

    — Alice Munro, “The Bear Came Over the Mountain,” Hateship, Friendship, Loveship, Courtship, Marriage (2001)

  • Because while you don’t have a choice about what you are, you have a
    choice about what you show.

In my grade school days, I recall a teacher proclaiming to the class:

You should never start a sentence with the word «Because».

Of course, I’ve since seen lots of examples to the contrary, and done so my self that seem to be perfectly correct, grammatically.

Did she shorten some other rule that allows for specific exceptions?
Did she just make it up because writing sentences starting with because is a little tricky for young and inexperienced minds?
Is there some other reason?

tchrist's user avatar

tchrist

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asked Aug 13, 2010 at 21:11

BIBD's user avatar

9

It is appropriate when you have simply flipped the clauses:

I stayed inside because it was raining.

Because it was raining, I stayed inside.

What the teacher was trying to teach was that a a subordinate clause is not a complete sentence:

I stayed inside.

This is a complete sentence.

Because it was raining.

This is not; the conjunction because makes it subordinate and therefore, it requires an associated independent clause.

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apaderno

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answered Aug 14, 2010 at 2:18

user459's user avatar

user459user459

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Because I don’t know your teacher, I can’t know her motivations. However, there is nothing wrong with starting a sentence that way if you are careful to write a complete sentence.

answered Aug 13, 2010 at 22:07

JohnFx's user avatar

JohnFxJohnFx

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The rule is really made up to prevent primary school children splitting their sentences up randomly. This is just one of those rules that’s made to be broken… when you know it sounds ok.

answered Aug 13, 2010 at 21:47

Kin's user avatar

2

Because you asked this question here, I’m obliged to say yes.

answered Sep 7, 2010 at 17:09

OneProton's user avatar

OneProtonOneProton

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Because you can, it doesn’t mean you should…

answered Aug 14, 2010 at 14:40

J. Bruni's user avatar

In addition to what others have said, I’ll just note that this usage is seen all throughout English literature. I’ll give you just a single example, from Emily Dickinson’s poem Because I could not stop for Death:

Because I could not stop for Death –
He kindly stopped for me –
The Carriage held but just Ourselves –
And Immortality.

answered Apr 15, 2015 at 16:44

Robusto's user avatar

RobustoRobusto

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You can use it for emphasis.

«Did you skip school just because you were sick?»

«Because I was vomiting.»

«Oh, sorry.»

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T.E.D.

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answered Sep 14, 2010 at 17:58

Picturepocket's user avatar

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Because is a conjunction.

Hey, I started the sentence with ‘Because’, and I’m sure no English Teacher would object to this!

answered Aug 14, 2010 at 3:33

Vaibhav Garg's user avatar

Vaibhav GargVaibhav Garg

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It can be more poetic to begin with «because». Consider: «The world turns me on because it is round.»

answered Sep 8, 2010 at 8:21

Tony Andrews's user avatar

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I’d say your teacher was wrong in saying that. There are perfectly grammatical sentences beginning with «because». However, replying to «Why didn’t you go to the cinema?» with «Because I had to work» is incorrect, obviously, because it is a fragment, not a sentence.

answered Aug 14, 2010 at 12:36

WeNeigh's user avatar

2

Traditionally it might not have been considered grammatical, as because is a conjunction, so it needs two phrases to conjoin.

However, you will often hear it in spoken English. There is no real problem with this, if the first half of the sentence is somehow implied. For example, if someone asks you a Why... question, it is perfectly reasonable to start your answer with Because.... If it makes the language lawyers cringe, they can pretend the previous sentence has been implicitly reused as the first half of the new one.

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answered Jul 8, 2011 at 18:31

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T.E.D.T.E.D.

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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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How many times in your writing have you started a sentence with “because,” only to second guess yourself and your grammar abilities?

While this is something that we are not generally taught in English class, it can drastically change the quality of your writing.

Can You Start a Sentence With Because?

I can almost bet that when you originally started writing, most likely with book reports when you were in elementary school, you were told to stay away from starting sentences with words like, “because, and, but” and others.

English grammar is a fickle mistress.

Well, let me be the first to tell you, your English teachers mislead you.

English grammar is a fickle mistress.

While some concepts are black and white, others are elusive and make us wonder about our sanity and why we even do this in the first place.

So allow me to shine some light on the grammar mystery of the proper usage of “because.”

We are here today to determine if you can indeed start a sentence with “because,” when it is appropriate, and when you should avoid it all costs.

So let’s dive right in…

The short answer is YES, you certainly can start a sentence with “because.”

You know why? Because it can be use it at the beginning of an independent clause as it connects with the notion of “why” in your story, article or in your business writing.

It is a common misconception that “because” should be used within the sentence to explain something rather than at the beginning.

It’s not your fault for thinking that though. It is easier to explain to someone just learning about grammar to just not use it at all rather than explain the idiocracies of how and when to use it.

However, for this concept to work and for it to be grammatically correct, there are some guidelines that writers need to follow.

There are, in fact, two ways in which to properly start a sentence with “because.”

Because this can be a difficult concept, please allow me to explain.

See what I did there…

Using “Because” As a Main Clause

This is the first of two ways to properly use “because” at the beginning of a sentence.

Traditionally, the word “because” is used as a subordinating conjunction, meaning it is used to connect two clauses to a coordinating conjunction, or dependent clause.

It connects a subordinate clause to a main clause, as the grammar rule says.

Where a main clause can be a stand alone sentence, you need a subordinate conjunction to connect a main and subordinate clause to appease the grammar gods.

Let’s take a look at a simple sentence structure and how people commonly use “because”:

“We decided to set up the sprinkler because it was so hot outside.”

Generally speaking, this is how most people would write this sentence. They would use “because” to explain an action.

But let’s flip these around and see what happens…

Let me provide you with an example of putting “because” at the beginning of the sentence:

“Because it was so hot outside, we decided to set up the sprinkler.”

While it might not look correct, no grammar guru will stick their nose up at it.

However, if you were to split the sentence into two different sentences, then that is a big no-no.

Let’s take a look to see if it’s a formal writing:

“Because it was so hot outside. We decided to set up the sprinkler.”

Or…

“We decided to set up the sprinkler. Because it was so hot outside. ”

No, no, no, bad writer!

This sentence is completely incorrect because it ends up as two sentence fragments instead of a complete sentence. If you are unsure, simply read the sentence aloud, by itself.

Does it make sense?

If it doesn’t then it’s a sentence fragment.

In order to keep in the good graces of the grammar gods, you need to ensure that the subordinate clause, “because it was hot outside,” is followed by a main clause, “we decided to set up the sprinkler.”

The biggest thing you have to remember when it comes to starting a sentence with “because,” is that the sentence needs two parts, two clauses, separated by a comma.

Because when you have a comma to separate the two clauses, it will make the sentence complete.

So you see, it’s really not that complicated.

If you are going to use “because” in the middle of a sentence, you can most likely swap it around to the beginning without breaking any grammar rules.

However, this is grammar in the English language – you know informal writing – that we are talking about, it can never just be a simple answer.

Starting a Sentence With “Because” as a Conversation

In addition to the two clause rule, you can also start a sentence with “because” as part of a spoken conversation or written dialogue.

There is a caveat to this rule though.

When using “because” in a conversation, it should be to answer the “why” question.

Let’s look at a few examples of how this would not work:

“How did you lose all that weight?”

“Because I started running.”

Nope, that doesn’t sound right!

“What time are we leaving?”

“Because I want to leave at 5pm.”

That also sounds terrible…

“Who ate my cookies?”

“Because I was hungry.”

I guess the third time isn’t the charm. Let’s discuss how to use “because” at the beginning of a sentence to answer a “why” question.

This works for both written and spoken conversations.

I bet if you are a parent, you have used this without even realizing it. Think about every time your kids (or you as a kid) asked why they couldn’t do or have something…

“Because I said so.”

While this can be a highly frustrating answer for kids, it doesn’t break any grammar rules.

While some grammar snobs would disagree and state that it is a sentence fragment, therefore, incorrect.

The real answer to this dilemma is that it depends on the writing.

Using the sentence, “Because I said so,” in a conversation or dialogue piece is perfectly acceptable.

You would certainly be able to find many examples of this in novels. While it technically might break some grammar rules, it certainly makes sense.

“Why did you go outside?”

“Because there were too many people in there.”

You see how that makes so much more sense?

This should hopefully shed some light on how and why you should start a sentence with “because.” Knowing these simple, or maybe complicated, grammar rules will help to add some variety to your writing.

What About Starting A Sentence With Coordinating Conjunctions?

Just like with “because,” it can be confusing whether or not it is okay to start a sentence with other conjunctions.

I wanted to quickly outline this so that you can add even more variety to your writing.

The purpose of a coordinating conjunction is to join two words, clauses, or phrases. They are often used to join two independent clauses that could technically be broken up into two stand alone sentences.

For example:

“We had pasta for dinner but we had leftovers for lunch.”

Each of these clauses could be their own independent sentences.

“We had pasta for dinner. We had leftovers for lunch.”

In  the first sentence, “but,” was used as a coordinating conjunction to join the two sentences.

But what about starting a sentence with “but?”

There are, in fact, seven different coordinating conjunctions that you can use to start a sentence:

  • And
  • But
  • Or
  • Nor
  • For
  • So
  • Yet

Did I just throw a wrench in your grammar concepts?

While they are less formal than using other conjunctive adverbs, you can still use these to start a sentence.

You might be more familiar with starting sentence with words like:

  • However
  • Nevertheless
  • Moreover
  • Thus
  • Furthermore

Oftentimes, the formal and less formal conjunctions can be used interchangeably at the beginning of a sentence.

However, you have to consider your audience. You don’t want your writing to sound too stuffy or too informal.

If you are writing academic papers or writing for other professionals, then you will want to stick with the more formal conjunctions.

But, if you are writing for a blog post, or younger audience, don’t get too formal.

A Work In Progress

If you haven’t figured it out already, writing is a skill set that you need to continually develop.

Just because you have been a writer for a really long time, doesn’t necessarily mean that you are perfect, or even that great. No matter if you are a fiction writer, a copywriter, or you’re writing case studies for businesses, there is always something new to learn.

While many writers might think of grammar as this black and white concept and that always has to be perfect, it’s really not.

That might have been what they taught us in school, but that’s not how it works in the real world.

While there are many grammar principles that writers should honor, there are also many that can be broken and rearranged.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your writing and your grammar.

Challenge the rules and throw convention out the window.

If grammar is something that you continue to struggle with, take some time to focus on your editing process.

You could also hire a professional editor to help critique your work. But don’t get too bogged down in all the technical aspects of your writing.

Free yourself to write and get your message across, then go back and worry about all the grammar and technical stuff later.

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