Here is a query from a reader. Sanjay Saralaya writes: “Can one start a sentence with words and phrase such as ‘as’, ‘because’ and ‘due to’? Is it correct to say ‘As I was unwell, I could not attend the function’?” It is correct to begin a sentence with any of these words and phrase: “as”, “because” and “due to”. The sentence ‘As I was unwell, I could not attend the function’ is perfectly correct. These words and phrase are part of subordinate clauses and they require main clauses for the sentences to be complete. We can begin a sentence with a main or a subordinate clause. If we start a sentence with a subordinate clause, we should use a comma after the subordinate clause. For example:
• As my secretary comes first, she keeps the office key with her.
• Because the painter you sent didn’t paint the house properly, I had to ask someone else to repaint the house.
• Because her mom didn’t permit her to study in the US, Leela decided to pursue her higher studies in India.
• Due to her illness, Ann could not attend the programme.
Another reader, Sneha from Vijayawada, had sent in a similar query: “Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with a coordinating conjunction?” Conjunction, by definition, is a word or a phrase that connects two words (John and Peter), phrases (my student or your student), or main clauses or sentences (John is rich but he doesn’t help anyone) together. It plays the role of joining parts of a sentence. There are two types of conjunctions: coordinating conjunctions and correlative conjunctions. Coordinating conjunctions are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. If it is difficult for you to remember all these seven coordinating conjunctions, remember this acronym ‘FANBOYS’ which stands for the conjunctions. These coordinating conjunctions combine with other words to form correlative conjunctions and they occur always in pairs. Examples of correlative conjunctions are: not only … but also, both … and, either … or, neither … nor, and whether … or.
It is logically not correct to start a sentence with a coordinating conjunction especially while beginning a paragraph or starting a conversation with someone. Look at the sentences below:
• And, I met him after 3 years.
• So, we came late.
• Yet, it could be improved.
The sentences above are out of contexts. They do not make any sense. It is ok to start a sentence with a coordinate conjunction in the middle of a paragraph since the previous sentences provide the context and help the reader understand the text. Here are examples:
• Our professor is a very intelligent person. And, nice too.
• Our principal is always punctual. But, today he was late by 15 minutes.
• Praveen came late to the class. So, he was asked to meet his HoD.
• I’ll accompany you to the party. Or, I’ll ask my son to accompany you.
‘For’ as a conjunction means ‘since’ or ‘because’. Look at these examples:
• Mariam was sure that she would get a promotion next month for the director is very close to her.
• I couldn’t concentrate on my work today for I went to bed only at 2 am and was very tired.
— rayanal@yahoo.co.uk