3 Facts On Start Sentence With Conjunction: How & Examples

Conjunctions are known to connect two sentences or clauses to form compound or complex sentences. But sometimes conjunction can be used to start sentences too. Let us explore.

Conjunctions used at the beginning of sentences may sometimes be considered as incorrect in professional language but that does not mean they are grammatically wrong.

How are conjunctions used at the start of a sentence?

Let us take a look into how conjunction can be used at the start of a sentence.

Conjunctions are used at the start of sentences when the sentence is framed in passive voice, or sometimes when a second sentence continues the idea set up in the first complete sentence.

Let us look at a few examples to help us better comprehend the what is written above:

Examples Explanations
1. The mother went for her daughter’s dance recital. But, the father could not go. Here, the second sentence starts with the conjunction ‘But’.
2. If he wanted to play, he absolutely would. In this example, the sentence starts with a dependant clause which is headed by the conjunction ‘If’.
Examples of different types of conjunctions used in the beginning of a sentence.

What is the impact of starting a sentence with a conjunction?

Let us explore the impact of starting a sentence with a conjunction.

Conjunctions being used at the start of sentences help in stylizing the language structure and conveyance of the idea. In other words, it provides a different effect to the language being spoken or written.

Below are some examples to help illustrate the above explanation.

Examples Explanations
3. The family skipped their cousin’s brunch. And they did not inform him either. The word ‘And’ begins the second sentence in this case.
4. That she wanted the prefect position should have been something conveyed by her. This particular sentence is framed in passive voice which consequently starts with the conjunction ‘That’ and it still makes complete sense.
Examples of different types of conjunctions used in the beginning of a sentence.

What type of conjunctions are used while starting a sentence?

Let us take a deep dive into the types of conjunctions used at the start of sentences.

There are three types of conjunctions namely; Coordinate, Subordinate and Correlative. All three of them can be used to start a sentence.

Here are some instances in which the three types of conjunctions are used:

Conjunction Type Examples Explanations
Coordinate 5. The two really disliked each other toward the end of living together. For they were roommates. The second sentence in this example is introduced by the word ‘for’, which we know is a coordinating conjunction and functions well enough at the start of the sentence.
Subordinate 6. Because she loves hummus, she bought an industrial size pack of it. The dependent clause that is headed by the subordinating conjunction “Because” is used to begin the sentence.
Correlative 7. Not only is he smart but also very well educated. Using the correlative conjunction ‘Not only’ at the beginning of the example conveys the idea of the sentence in a different than ordinary manner.
Examples of different types of conjunctions used in the beginning of a sentence.

Examples of starting a sentence with a conjunction

Here are some examples that convey the usage of conjunctions at the start of sentences in a clear and concise manner.

Conjunction Type Examples Explanations
Coordinate 8. She must have returned home. Or she might take another day. The word ‘Or’ in this example, which we know is a coordinating conjunction and works reasonably well at the beginning of the phrase, introduces the second sentence.
Subordinate 9. After the exam, my friends and I took a long nap to catch-up on our sleep. This sentence starts with the dependent clause, which is led by the subordinating conjunction ‘After’.
Correlative 10. Either he leaves this team of I will. The beginning of the example uses the correlative conjunction ‘Either’ to convey the idea of the sentence in a less common way.
Coordinate 11. The professor gave his students a tight deadline for their project. So, they worked together and completed it as soon as they could. Here, the second sentence starts with the coordinating conjunction ‘So’.
Subordinate 12. Although we love a good dessert we must leave as we have to reach our friend’s place soon. In this example, the sentence starts with a dependant clause which is headed by the subordinating conjunction ‘Although’.
Correlative 13. No sooner than the results were announced that the family started celebrating. Using the correlative conjunction ‘No sooner’ at the beginning of the example conveys the idea of the sentence in a different than ordinary manner.
Coordinate 14. The office has a no- pets policy. Yet, they bring their dogs here every other day. The second sentence in this example is introduced by the word ‘yet’, which we know is a coordinating conjunction and functions well enough at the start of the sentence.
Subordinate 15. Since we all are in the same room let us all take a group picture. The dependent clause that is headed by the subordinating conjunction “Since” is used to begin the sentence.
Examples of different types of conjunctions used in the beginning of a sentence.

Conclusion

Hence, it can be concluded that conjunctions can very much be used at the start of sentences especially if they are following another sentence that sets up the premise for the second sentence.