Is it correct to start a sentence with a conjunction?
Here is a query from a reader of this column. Sanjay Saralaya writes, “Can one start a sentence with words and phrases such as as, because and due to? Is it correct to say As I
was unwell, I could not attend the function?”
It is perfectly correct to begin a sentence with any of these words and phrases: as”, because and due to. The sentence As I was unwell, I could not attend the function is correct too. These words and phrases are part of subordinate clauses and they require main clauses for the sentences to be complete. We can begin a sentence with a main clause or a subordinate clause. If we start a sentence with a subordinate clause, we should use a comma after the subordinate clause as in the following examples:
■ 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, has 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/sentences (John is rich but he doesn’t help anyone). It plays the role of joining parts of a sentence. There are two types of conjunctions: 1) coordinating conjunctions and 2) correlative conjunctions. Coordinating conjunctions are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. If it is difficult for you to remember these seven coordinating conjunctions, remember the acronym, FANBOYS, to keep them in mind. These coordinating conjunctions combine with other words to form correlative conjunctions, which occur always in pairs. Examples of correlative conjunctions are: not only… but also, both… and, either… or, neither… nor, and whether… or.
It is not logically correct to start a sentence with a coordinating conjunction, especially at the beginning of a paragraph or at the start of a conversation with someone. Look at the sentences below:
■ And I met him after 3 years.
■ But he is an intelligent person.
■ So we came late.
■ Yet it could be improved.
The sentences above are out of context. They do not make any sense. It is okay 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.
■ Your performance in the Maths exam was okay. Yet it could be improved.
■ 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 was 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.