Whenever we write, we try to keep certain grammar rules in mind and follow the rules. One of the questions most people ask is: can you start a sentence with because? This question is often a part of queries, especially in cases when the use of conjunctions baffles a string of writers. So here, we will answer that question and explain exactly why beginning a sentence with because is all right.
What means “Because”?
First, before addressing the issue: can you start a sentence with because? Let’s get down to the fact of what because is: “Because” is a conjunction. Conjunctions are the words linking various words in a sentence joined into ideas, actions, or events, Possibly the term because states a cause or reason for an event.
For example in the case of, “I have stayed home because it was raining,” here because ” connects the part of the staying home with the reason for the rain.
Should you start your sentence with Because?
Now, here comes the answer to the question, can you start a sentence with because? Yes, you can. Yes, you may start a sentence with because. A lot of people learn that starting a sentence with a conjunction like because is a wrong practice. That is just a myth. There is no actual strict grammatical rule which forbids a person to start a sentence with because.
Is it actually okay to start a sentence with Because according to grammar?
It is acceptable to begin a sentence with because modern grammar is flexible. The sentence should be said more naturally and clearly. Many writers, and even speakers, start their sentences with “because” for such a reason. Starting with the word “because” allows quick reasoning when the reader isn’t following the line of thought.
“I went to bed early because I was tired,” as an example. This, when placed at the beginning of the sentence, will feel more like an answer to the question “Why did you go to bed early?” and clearer regarding cause and effect.
How to use it?
If one is to start a sentence with the word “because,” it is imperative to also note that the resultant sentence must still be complete. This means that the sentence coming after the word “because” must have a subject and a verb.
Example: Combining both those phrases: I went to bed early since I was tired. We decided to stay home instead of going out because it was raining outside.
In each of these, the entirety of the sentences is complete; “because” in conjunction with those two examples explains the reason for the action.
Notice how each sentence effectively answers the question posed- “Why?” and provides the rationale.
Why is right punctuation crucial?
Punctuation thus plays a very important role in the language. If you start a sentence with the word “because.” Generally, it contains a dependent clause, which by itself cannot be called a full sentence. A comma alone is also not used without the main idea continuing after it.
Example: Because the weather was bad, the event was canceled.
Such as, because is the clause, Because the weather was bad, can’t stand alone; you need to separate it from the main because of it having a comma.
Common mistakes to avoid
In fact, though completing a thought within the prefatory excess sequence called “because,” many people tend to commit mistakes in starting sentences in other ways. The most ordinary include omitting a comma after the clause “because.”
For example:
Incorrect: Because it was late we decided to leave.
Correct: Because it was late, we decided to leave.
Without the comma, the sentence can be confusing. The comma helps make the connection between the reason and the main action clear.
Another mistake people make is using an incomplete sentence after “because.” In fact, a sentence should have a subject and a verb.
For example:
Incorrect: Because I’m tired.
Correct: Because I was tired, I went to bed early.
The sentence following “because” has to be complete, ensuring the scenario between cause and effect is very clear to understand.
Alternatives to Initiate a Sentence with Because
It’s too permissible to start a sentence with “because”; however, you must also change the structure of your other sentences. Otherwise, if they are always started with “because”, your writing will become repetitive.
For instance:
“I stayed home because it was raining.”
“It was raining, so I stayed home.”
Both sentences can elicit the same meaning, but it’s boring. So, to make it interesting, change the structure.
Conclusion
So, can you start a sentence with because? Indeed you can! You have to just follow a few simple rules. The sentence has to be complete and must carry the correct punctuation. Writing “because” at the start of your sentence also makes your penmanship clearer and more direct. Knowing that one can start a sentence with because makes it comfortable enough to use it in writing by simply adhering to the proper punctuation and ensuring that sentences are complete.