Is It Grammatically Correct To Begin A Sentence With So?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Some writers simply label it as the latest trend in writing style. In fact, starting a sentence with a conjunction such as so, for,

but can actually be totally acceptable

. Most people don’t care, but those who do, care a whole lot. So, why do many people hate seeing it?

Is there a comma before so?


If so begins an independent clause, a comma should precede it

, but if it begins a dependent clause, leave it out. Let’s have a look at how commas are used before so in the middle of a sentence. Here’s a tip: Commas can be tricky, but they don’t have to trip you up.

What can you start a sentence with instead of so?

  • accordingly,
  • consequently,
  • ergo,
  • hence,
  • therefore,
  • thereupon,
  • thus,
  • wherefore.

Is there a comma after so at the beginning of a sentence?

In formal writing style

“so” is not followed by a comma when used at the beginning

of a sentence, although some feel strongly that it shouldn’t begin a sentence in the first place. When used as a subordinating conjunction, no comma is required.

What does it mean when you start a sentence with so?

So is sometimes used in the beginning of a sentence to

connect the sentence with the previous sentence or paragraph

, as a discourse marker. It may imply that the content of the sentence is there because of the previous idea, or it may just be there to keep up the rhythmic flow of the text.

What are some good sentence starters?

Some words are indeed notable for being good sentence starters. The list will include the following:

although, I would like to, first, meanwhile, therefore, subsequently, while, I would like to, moreover, in general, in addition, furthermore

.

How do you avoid so in a sentence?

Usually, whatever follows “so” is a carefully crafted sentence, evolved over many iterations and audience reactions.” Even if you don’t agree with the evil aspects of “so”, it’s unnecessary.

Speak directly to your audience and simply take a quick pause instead of using the word “so

.”

What are the 8 rules for commas?

  • Use a comma to separate independent clauses.
  • Use a comma after an introductory clause or phrase.
  • Use a comma between all items in a series.
  • Use commas to set off nonrestrictive clauses.
  • Use a comma to set off appositives.
  • Use a comma to indicate direct address.

How do you use the word so?

  1. I got here late. It was a long journey, so I’m really tired now.
  2. You are right, of course, so I think we will accept what the bank offers.
  3. It’s much cheaper with that airline, isn’t it, so I’ll get all the tickets for us with them.

Is if a conjunction word?

If is a

conjunction

.

How do you start sentences?

  1. Begin with a verb ending with -ing. …
  2. Begin with a verb ending with -ed. …
  3. Begin with a prepositional phrase. …
  4. Begin with an adverb. …
  5. Begin with an adjective. …
  6. Begin with a phrase that tells when. …
  7. Begin with a phrase that tells where. …
  8. Begin with a sound word.

How do you start a strong paragraph?

  1. Use a Surprising Fact. You can capture the reader’s attention with a surprising fact or statement. …
  2. Pose a Question. …
  3. Start With an Anecdote. …
  4. Set the Stage. …
  5. State Your Point Clearly. …
  6. Start With Something Shocking. …
  7. Use a Statistic. …
  8. Get Personal.

How can I write a good sentence?

  1. Keep it simple. Long sentences or overly complex sentences don’t necessarily make sophisticated sentence writing. …
  2. Use concrete rhetoric. …
  3. Employ parallelism. …
  4. Mind your grammar. …
  5. Properly punctuate. …
  6. Practice writing.

What words can you not start a sentence with?

Or never begins a sentence, paragraph, or chapter. Never begin a sentence—or a clause—with also. Teach the elimination of but, so, and, because, at the beginning of a sentence. A sentence should not commence with the conjunctions and,

for

, or however….

Is so a formal word?

Informal Formal Plus/Also Moreover/ Furthermore But However So Therefore/Thus Also In addition, Additionally

How do you use when in a sentence?

  1. He had climbed many a tree when he was a boy. …
  2. When she glanced at him, he was eyeing her, a wry smile twisting his lips. …
  3. As always, he had been there when she needed him. …
  4. When did this happen, Mom? …
  5. That served another purpose when the conversation turned to the possibility of another child.
Leah Jackson
Author
Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.