Can the conjunction 'As Well As' begin a sentence?

Answer 1

Answer:

Yes.

The rule against 'AND', 'OR' and 'BUT' at the start of a sentence is a common false 'truism' that has little basis in grammar, and is more a 'fashion' of writing. The primary reason for its continuation has been to instruct beginning writers in sentence construction. School students do not often appreciate the specific application of conjunctions, prepositions, and adverbs to begin a sentence.

In the 16th century, beginning sentences with a conjunction was perfectly acceptable. And we are seeing it from good, educated writers and authors today. It has NEVER been officially incorrect to begin a sentence with or, and, or but . The usual reason is to reduce long, wordy sentences by the effective linking of sentences. Beginning a new sentence with a conjunction can be very helpful and efficient. The reason it became unfashionable is likely due to lazy or clumsy usage, which was often incorrect, and which hindered readability.

Answer:

Generally speaking, a sentence should have a subject and predicate (and not begin with a conjunction). On the other hand, I have no problem with a slight departure from this, toward eliminating the very lengthy sentences, that some academics seem especially fond of (and I find loathsome!) or for special emphasis or to provide contrast. E.g., one might say, after a pretty intense-but very cerebral--description of a crime-scene..."And, he had to make for the bathroom, as nausea suddenly hit him with full force." Or "Yet, Rogers had serious reservations about his department's policies."

I will add that I also take objection to a very common habit for people like the subjects of interviews to constantly begin a statement with the conjunction "so." In most cases, this is absolutely unnecessary and adds nothing to the debate...except to suggest one's ineffectiveness as a communicator. Yet, it might be appropriate at the VERY END of a passage-or the entire interview--in the way of summing up, to say "Thus (or "so," "therefore"), this has developed into a very problematic situation."

Finally, one may be less stringent in oral communication. I can't imagine anyone having a problem with, upon hearing a strong statement, adding, "So, we finally get what we've been working on for so long!" or "As well as everyone else in the room!!" But this usage would not "fly" in formal usage, e.g., in a dissertation or serious journal article.

Answer 2

Yes, the conjunction "as well as" can be used to begin a sentence. However, it is more commonly used within a sentence to show a relationship between two elements.