Updated on October 27, 2024
by PushtoLearn
Test your English

Can You Start a Sentence with As?

Yes, there's no official rule in English against this; it's more of a guideline created by teachers to help new writers craft better sentences.

Table of Contents

Starting a sentence with "as" is perfectly acceptable in English. "As" can function as a conjunction, which means it can join clauses or introduce a dependent clause that adds context or explanation to the main idea of the sentence.

How to Use "As" at the Beginning of a Sentence

1. To Show Cause or Reason

➡️ Example: "As it was raining, we decided to stay indoors."

Here, "as" introduces the reason why "we decided to stay indoors."

2. To Compare or Show a Simultaneous Action

➡️ Example: "As the sun set, the sky turned a brilliant shade of orange."

In this sentence, "as" indicates that the two actions (the sun setting and the sky turning orange) happened at the same time.

3. To Indicate a Condition

➡️ Example: "As long as you finish your homework, you can watch TV."

"As long as" introduces a condition that must be met.

Common Errors

❌ Incomplete Sentence:

If you start a sentence with "as," make sure it is followed by a complete clause. An incomplete thought would confuse the reader.

Incorrect: "As it was raining."
Correct: "As it was raining, we canceled the picnic."

❌ Misuse of "as":

Sometimes "as" is incorrectly used in place of "because" or "since," which can lead to ambiguity if not used carefully.


FAQ


Can "as" be used to start a sentence in formal writing?

Yes, "as" can be used to start a sentence in both formal and informal writing.

What are some alternatives to starting a sentence with "as"?

Alternatives include "because," "since," "while," or "when," depending on the context.

Can I use "as" to show a comparison at the start of a sentence?

Yes, you can use "as" to introduce a comparison, especially in phrases like "As strong as an ox."

Is it better to avoid starting a sentence with "as"?

It's not necessary to avoid it. Starting with "as" can be effective, especially for emphasizing a cause, reason, or simultaneous action.

Can "as" start a sentence in a question?

Typically, "as" doesn’t start questions, but it can appear in conditional questions like, "As long as you study, will you pass the exam?"


Siimilar topics

 
 
Follow us
Free grammar and vocabulary exercises, ESL worksheets, lesson plans, tests and tools for students and teachers
@ 2024 PushtoLearn