Should You Start a Sentence with Also?

Whether or not you should start a sentence with "also" is a question that has been debated by writers for centuries. There are no hard and fast rules, but there are some general guidelines that can help you make the best decision for your writing.

Benefits of Starting a Sentence with "Also"

Can add emphasis. Starting a sentence with "also" can help to emphasize the point you are making. For example, the sentence "I am also a writer" is more emphatic than the sentence "I am a writer."

Can create a more conversational tone. Starting a sentence with "also" can help to create a more conversational tone. This can be helpful when you are writing to a friend or family member, or when you are trying to connect with your readers on a personal level.

Can help to transition between ideas. Starting a sentence with "also" can help to transition between ideas. This can be helpful when you are writing a complex or technical piece of writing.

Drawbacks of Starting a Sentence with "Also"

Can sound repetitive. Starting too many sentences with "also" can sound repetitive and choppy. This can make your writing difficult to read and understand.

Can be confusing. If you are not careful, starting a sentence with "also" can be confusing. This is because "also" can be used in different ways, and it is not always clear what you are trying to say.

Can be overused. Starting too many sentences with "also" can make your writing sound amateurish. This is because "also" is a very common word, and it can be used to excess.

Alternatives to Starting a Sentence with "Also"

If you are looking for an alternative to starting a sentence with "also," there are several other options available. These include:

Using a transition word. A transition word is a word or phrase that helps to connect ideas. Some common transition words include "in addition," "furthermore," "moreover," and "similarly."

Using a comma. A comma can be used to separate two independent clauses. This can be helpful when you want to add information to a sentence without starting a new one.

Using a semicolon. A semicolon can be used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related. This can be helpful when you want to emphasize the relationship between the two clauses.

Conclusion

The decision of whether or not to start a sentence with "also" is a matter of personal preference. There are no hard and fast rules, but there are some general guidelines that can help you make the best decision for your writing. If you are not sure whether or not to start a sentence with "also," it is always best to err on the side of caution and use an alternative.

Tables

Table 1: Benefits of Starting a Sentence with "Also"

Benefit	Example
Can add emphasis	I am also a writer.
Can create a more conversational tone	I also love to read.
Can help to transition between ideas	I have also written several books.

Table 2: Drawbacks of Starting a Sentence with "Also"

Drawback	Example
Can sound repetitive	I also went to the store. I also bought some milk.
Can be confusing	I also saw a movie last night. (What did you also see?)
Can be overused	I also like to eat pizza. I also like to go to the movies.

Success Stories

James Clear, author of the bestselling book Atomic Habits, starts many of his sentences with "also." This helps to create a sense of urgency and importance.

Brené Brown, author of the bestselling book Daring Greatly, also starts many of her sentences with "also." This helps to create a sense of connection and empathy.

Malcolm Gladwell, author of the bestselling book The Tipping Point, also starts many of his sentences with "also." This helps to create a sense of momentum and excitement.

Tips and Tricks

Use "also" sparingly. Don't start every sentence with "also." This can make your writing sound repetitive and choppy.

Use "also" to emphasize your point. Starting a sentence with "also" can help to emphasize the point you are making.

Use "also" to create a conversational tone. Starting a sentence with "also" can help to create a more conversational tone.

Use "also" to transition between ideas. Starting a sentence with "also" can help to transition between ideas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't overuse "also." Starting too many sentences with "also" can make your writing sound amateurish.

Don't use "also" when it is not necessary. If you can make your point without using "also," then do so.

Don't use "also" to connect two unrelated ideas. "Also" should be used to connect ideas that are closely related.

Challenges and Limitations

Starting a sentence with "also" can be confusing if the reader is not familiar with the context. It is important to make sure that your writing is clear and concise, so that your readers can easily understand what you are trying to say.

Starting a sentence with "also" can sound repetitive if it is used too often. It is important to use "also" sparingly, so that it does not become a distraction.

Starting a sentence with "also" can be overused if it is used to connect two unrelated ideas. It is important to make sure that "also" is used to connect ideas that are closely related.

Potential Drawbacks

Starting a sentence with "also" can make your writing sound informal. If you are writing a formal document, it is best to avoid starting sentences with "also."

Starting a sentence with "also" can make your writing sound choppy. If you start too many sentences with "also," your writing can become difficult to read and understand.

Starting a sentence with "also" can be confusing if the reader is not familiar with the context. It is important to make sure that your writing is clear and concise, so that your readers can easily understand what you are trying to say.

Mitigating Risks

Use "also" sparingly. Don't start every sentence with "also." This can make your writing sound repetitive and choppy.

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Should You Start a Sentence with Also?