Can You Begin a Sentence with Also?
Introduction
Many writers wonder can you begin a sentence with also and worry that starting a sentence with “also” sounds awkward or ungrammatical. The short answer is yes, you can, but there are nuances to consider. This article explains the grammar rules, offers practical guidance, and provides examples so you can feel confident using “also” at the start of a sentence in both formal and informal writing.
Is It Grammatically Acceptable?
The Basics of Sentence Starters
In English, a sentence may begin with almost any word, provided the word is followed by a subject and a verb that complete the thought. “Also” functions as an adverb that adds information, similar to “too” or “as well.” Because it is an adverb, it can modify the entire clause, which means it is permissible to place it at the beginning of a sentence when the surrounding structure supplies the necessary subject and verb Less friction, more output..
Key point: If the sentence contains a clear subject and verb, starting with “also” is grammatically correct.
Subject‑Verb Requirement
Consider the following examples:
- Also, she went to the concert.
- Also, they finished the project early.
In each case, “also” introduces the clause, and the subject (“she,” “they”) and verb (“went,” “finished”) follow immediately. The adverb does not replace the subject; it merely adds a layer of meaning Most people skip this — try not to..
Formal vs. Informal Usage
In formal academic writing, some style guides advise against starting sentences with conjunctions or adverbs that could be seen as informal. Still, “also” is not a conjunction; it is an adverb, so most style manuals accept its use at the sentence start, especially when the writer wants to underline addition or connect to a previous statement Most people skip this — try not to..
When to Use “Also” at the Beginning of a Sentence
To Signal a Direct Addition
Writers often start a sentence with “also” to highlight that the new information adds to what has just been said. This is common in dialogue, narrative flow, and persuasive writing.
- The committee approved the budget. Also, they voted to increase staffing levels.
To Create a Conversational Rhythm
In spoken English and informal writing, “also” at the start can make the text feel more conversational and connected Small thing, real impact..
- I love hiking. Also, I enjoy photography.
To point out a Contrast or Surprise
Sometimes “also” is used to introduce a surprising or contrasting idea that the reader might not expect.
- The weather was terrible. Also, the power went out.
Common Misconceptions
Misconception 1: “Also” Must Follow the Subject
Some believe that “also” should always appear after the subject, e.g., “She also went.” While this is the most typical placement, starting a sentence with “also” is simply a stylistic choice that still respects the subject‑verb order within the clause.
Misconception 2: It Makes the Sentence Ungrammatical
Because “also” is an adverb, placing it at the sentence’s outset does not break any grammatical rule, provided the clause is complete. The real issue is clarity—the sentence must still convey a complete thought.
Misconception 3: Formal Writing Prohibits It
Although some strict style guides discourage sentence‑initial adverbs, they rarely ban “also” specifically. The key is to ensure the sentence remains clear and concise. If the surrounding context makes the addition obvious, the placement is acceptable.
Practical Guidelines
- Check for a Complete Clause – Ensure the sentence has a subject and a verb after “also.”
- Maintain Logical Flow – Use “also” when the new information naturally follows from the previous sentence or idea.
- Mind the Tone – In very formal documents (e.g., legal contracts), you might avoid starting sentences with “also” to keep the tone strictly professional.
- Vary Your Style – Mix sentence‑initial “also” with other connectors (e.g., “Worth including here,” “Furthermore”) to avoid repetition.
Examples in Context
Academic Writing
- The study examined sleep patterns. Also, it measured caffeine consumption.
Business Communication
- Our sales increased by 12% last quarter. Also, customer satisfaction scores rose.
Creative Narrative
- The door creaked open. Also, a cold wind whispered through the hallway.
Dialogue
- I’m coming to the party. Also, I’ll bring my friend.
Scientific Explanation
From a linguistic perspective, adverbial placement at the sentence level is a common phenomenon in English. Research on discourse structure shows that speakers often begin sentences with adverbials to signal discourse relations such as addition, contrast, or cause. “Also” functions as an additive discourse marker, and its position at the sentence start is a pragmatic choice that helps the listener or reader track the logical flow of information.
Neurologically, the brain processes the adverb “also” as a predictive cue, preparing the listener for additional information. When “also” appears at the beginning, it creates a slight processing cost because the brain expects the subject to follow, but this cost is minimal if the subsequent clause is clear and concise Which is the point..
This changes depending on context. Keep that in mind Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
FAQ
Q1: Can you begin a sentence with “also” in a formal essay?
A: Yes, provided the sentence is grammatically complete and the context justifies the addition. Many style guides accept it, especially when the writer wants to stress a point.
Q2: Is “also” interchangeable with “too” at the start of a sentence?
A: Not exactly. “Too” often appears at the end of a clause (“She went, too”), while “also” can more freely occupy the sentence‑initial position. The nuance differs: “also” feels more formal and additive, whereas “too” can imply a sense of “also in addition to what was just mentioned.”
Q3: Does starting a sentence with “also” affect readability?
A: It can improve readability when used sparingly, because it creates a clear link to the previous sentence. Overusing it may make the text feel repetitive.
Q4: Are there any punctuation rules for “also” at the start?
A: No special punctuation is required. A comma after “also” is optional and depends on the writer’s style. If the adverb is followed by a short clause, a comma can help the reader parse the sentence.
Conclusion
Simply put, the answer to “can you begin a sentence with also” is a confident yes. As long as the sentence contains a proper subject and verb, and the placement serves a clear communicative purpose, starting with “also” is both grammatically sound and stylistically effective. In practice, use it to add emphasis, maintain flow, or highlight continuation in your writing. Remember the practical guidelines, watch for context, and you’ll be able to incorporate “also” at the sentence start without hesitation And it works..
Putting It Into Practice
In practice, the clearest pattern is to place “also” at the beginning and follow it with the subject and main verb of the new clause:
- The tour includes breakfast. Also, it provides a bilingual guide.
- The course is available online. Also, students receive downloadable recordings.
- I’ve already sent the forms. Also, I’ll forward the reference number.
This structure works especially well when the second sentence adds information that is directly connected to the first. A specific reference—such as the tour, the course, or the forms—also helps the reader understand what “also” is adding to.
The comma is generally optional when “also” functions as a short introductory adverb, although many formal and traditional styles prefer one. Both of the following are acceptable, provided the chosen style is used consistently:
- Also, the results confirm the original hypothesis.
- Also the results confirm the original hypothesis.
The comma can be omitted when the sentence is short and the relationship between the two ideas is immediately clear. If the writer’s style guide requires a comma after introductory elements, retaining it is the safest choice Practical, not theoretical..
One point to avoid is combining several additive or contrastive markers in the same sentence. Phrases such as “also, however,” or **“also in
