2006-08-01 16:06:48 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Take an old English teacher's advice. Read Beast and HurdyGurdy carefully. They answer you seriously and accurately. Put them together and you have a complete answser.
Many groups of words beginning with "because" and "which" in papers marked by English teachers are fragments, and fragments are a no-no in formal prose, or even good, standard informal prose.
However, a significant number of creative writers of contemporary prose make use of what are called "truncated sentences"'; that is, fragments punctuated as real sentences (as HurdyGurdy told you). They are usually meant to call attention to themselves and to create a casual, almost breathless, style. Which is the reason they are used so often. Because the writer is intentionally directing readers' responses. And using this kind of style to do it. Effective? Maybe? You'll have to decide that for yourself.
2006-08-01 20:26:59 · answer #1 · answered by bfrank 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Acually, sentences can begin with because or which if they're done right.
Because you weren't taught grammar properly, you incorrectly thought sentences couldn't begin with because.
Which of these rules makes more sense: Sentences can't begin with certain words ever, or that style is the greatest factor in what is wrong or right?
2006-08-01 16:12:44 · answer #2 · answered by Chris 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because of your insistence that it cannot be done, I decided it was necessary to do it. Which way should this conversation go now?
Antidisestablishmentarianism is an awkward word with which to begin a sentence, but it can be done.
By the way, a number of the sentences in previous answers to this question are illogical or grammatically incorrect.
2006-08-01 16:18:02 · answer #3 · answered by aviophage 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Certainly a sentence can be started with because:
"Because" is a word which should not be used to start a sentence.
2006-08-01 16:12:06 · answer #4 · answered by Larry 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes sentences can begin with because, and with which...
"Which car she will choose is anyone's guess."
"Because he was burned once by touching the stove, he will no longer go near one."
2006-08-01 16:11:47 · answer #5 · answered by sonyack 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because I don't agree with your second statement, I put my answer second.
Which of these sentences provides the correct answer will have to be determined by you.
2006-08-01 16:11:44 · answer #6 · answered by The Beast 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although you technically "can't" do it in terms of standard usage, you still may see it in novels or published writing. Which brings into question how we can appropriately follow or bend the rules of grammar.
2006-08-01 16:12:36 · answer #7 · answered by surlygurl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Which sentence?
2006-08-01 16:12:03 · answer #8 · answered by Dutch58 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess not, because anything beginning with WHICH would be a question, no matter how you say it.
2006-08-01 16:12:32 · answer #9 · answered by lipstick7000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A sentence can start with either 'which', or 'because'!!!
2006-08-01 16:11:57 · answer #10 · answered by Jimmy Pete 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋