Is it true that you need to avoid starting sentences with certain words? You’ve probably read many times that you shouldn’t begin a sentence with and, but, or so.
But are these rules, guidance, or simply opinions repeated so often online that they sound like rules?
No, they’re not rules you need to follow to the letter. But there is an element of truth behind some of this advice, and it can be useful to understand where it comes from.
So, which words should you be cautious about, and when does starting a sentence with them become a problem?
How to avoid starting sentences with a whimper
Yes, it’s quite true that you should try to avoid starting sentences with filler words, weak modifiers, or repetitive crutches because they can weaken your writing.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t use them. The problem isn’t specific words or phrases; it’s about frequency.
When too many sentences start with weak words or phrases, you can lose a reader’s interest pretty quickly.
You can’t start every sentence with a bang or a sensational writing hook, but you can improve some of the sentences in between.
Here are ten classic words that you should limit whenever possible.
There
This
It
So
And
But
Because
However
Hopefully
Then
But don’t take this as a list of forbidden words to start sentences.
They are simply good clues that a sentence can sometimes be improved with a little rewriting or rewording.
The ones I always keep in the back of my mind when writing are this, there, it, and so.
I know I’m writing well when I can avoid using these words in most cases.
Don’t always avoid, but be selective
My ten words to avoid can’t always be avoided, but they can most often be removed or replaced with better sentence construction.
Top of my list are sentences that start with there, because the construction often only tells us that something exists or existed.
The dummy subject it is a cousin of there because they can both function as grammatical expletives. An expletive is a word or phrase that serves a structural purpose in a sentence without contributing much lexical meaning.
In other words, they can sometimes say very little.
That’s why sentences starting with there is/are/was, and it is/was are best used sparingly when another, more direct construction is possible.
I don’t mind starting sentences occasionally with one of the FANBOYS. If you’re not familiar with the acronym, it stands for For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
You can start a sentence with any of these coordinating conjunctions, but the most common ones are probably but and so.
While I’ve trained myself pretty well to avoid using so so often, I still struggle to keep but under control.
Yes, I often swap it out with however, but that’s not always the best solution.
Alternatives include yet, still, despite, or on the other hand, but sometimes all I want is simplicity so I can move on.
I do well avoiding because and then most of the time. Maybe it’s my writing style or natural sentence construction that helps me.
Another one that I rarely use is this. As it refers to something in a previous sentence or paragraph, it can sometimes be unclear what it’s referring to.
As for hopefully, well, it’s okay in very small doses.
None of the words I’ve mentioned are taboo. They are simply choices to consider when looking for ways to start a sentence, or when you’re editing your writing.
Other words and hackneyed phrases
While my focus in this article is on my list of specific words to avoid when starting a sentence, it’s worth mentioning a few more words and phrases that pop up regularly.
Most of them say nothing, or very little, so they don’t add any worthwhile substance to a sentence.
It’s almost always worth removing just, anyway, and well from the start of any sentence.
Other weak starters include I think, I feel, and it seems.
Phrases that are overused include to be honest, well, actually, when it comes to, needless to say, and at the end of the day.
But the two that I always avoid using are first and foremost and last but not least.
Without a shadow of a doubt, my simple rule for common phrases is that if I have read it a thousand times, it’s best to avoid it.
Many common sentence starters aren’t wrong. They’re simply worn out.
Phrases such as in today’s fast-paced world or it is important to note that aren’t errors.
The problem is that we’ve seen them so often that they can make writing sound generic before you make a start on the real point.
Conclusion
If you can avoid starting sentences with some of the words and phrases I’ve noted, it will help strengthen your writing.
Keep your writing radar alert for them, but don’t banish every occurrence. Remember, it’s only guidance, not a rule.
I’ve probably written a thousand sentences starting with them, but hopefully, they are few and far between.
And that’s my key point. You can’t avoid them all the time. But you can ration them.
Related Reading: How To Fix Repetitive “I” Sentences In First-Person Writing
English teacher, writer, and author. Passionate about grammar, creative writing, and self-publishing. Always exploring new tools and tech to help writers succeed.
