Before diving into why (and how) you can start a sentence with a preposition, let us define the term “preposition” more precisely.
What is a Preposition?
A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between two elements in a sentence. It can describe location, time, direction, cause, manner, or possession. Common examples of prepositions include: in, on, at, by, to, for, with, over, under, and about.
- Location/Place: in, on, under, over, beside
- Time: during, after, before, since
- Direction: to, from, toward, into
- Cause: because of, due to
- Possession: of, with
In most cases, prepositions appear before a noun or pronoun to form a “prepositional phrase.” For instance, in the sentence “I live in a small house,” the phrase “in a small house” is a prepositional phrase indicating location.
Role of Prepositions in a Sentence
Prepositions are crucial because they give context to how words relate to each other. Without prepositions, readers may not understand the precise meaning or flow of your sentences. However, there is a lingering myth that starting a sentence with a preposition is a cardinal sin in grammar. Let us examine why this myth exists.
Why the Myth Exists
The notion that you must never begin a sentence with a preposition likely arises from outdated or overly rigid grammatical guidelines taught in some traditional classrooms. Many educators once believed that certain grammatical structures—like ending a sentence with a preposition or beginning one with a conjunction—were errors. Over time, modern grammar authorities (including style guides and dictionaries) have revised these views.
Here are some reasons this misconception persists:
- Traditional Teaching Methods: Strict instructions in the past led students to avoid any sentence construction that might appear unorthodox.
- Avoiding Sentence Fragments: If a preposition is placed at the start without a clear object or phrase, a sentence can become a fragment, leading to confusion. This scenario might have contributed to the blanket rule.
- Desire for Formality: Some believe that a more formal style avoids preposition-first sentences. However, formality in writing often depends on vocabulary choices, sentence structure, and context—not on avoiding prepositions at the start of sentences.
Understanding that grammar evolves with usage helps us see that many old prohibitions are not absolute. While grammar rules exist to ensure clarity, the language adapts to how people naturally speak and write.
Is It Grammatically Correct?
Short Answer: Yes, starting a sentence with a preposition is grammatically correct.
Long Answer: Modern grammar authorities and style guides (like The Chicago Manual of Style, Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage, and even AP Stylebook in many cases) confirm that the structure is acceptable, provided it is clear and does not result in an incomplete sentence.
For example:
- “Under the old bridge, we found a hidden path.”
- “Over the holidays, I plan to visit my family.”
In these sentences, the prepositional phrases Under the old bridge and Over the holidays function as adverbial phrases that set the stage for the rest of the sentence.
Common Prepositions to Start a Sentence
Because prepositions often provide essential context, using them at the beginning of a sentence can be an effective way to introduce timing, location, or other relationships right away. Below are some common prepositions you might naturally find at the start of a sentence:
- In: In many cultures, respectful gestures vary widely.
- On: On warmer days, I like to go swimming.
- At: At the top of the hill, you will see the town’s oldest oak tree.
- By: By maintaining a schedule, you can increase your productivity.
- For: For the best results, use fresh ingredients.
- With: With great effort, she finished the race.
- Over: Over the next few months, we expect to see significant changes.
- Under: Under the new policy, employees must clock in daily.
- About: About six miles from here, you will find the nearest gas station.
- Before: Before the sun sets, gather enough firewood.
- Since: Since last summer, we have not returned to the cabin.
- During: During the winter, the roads can become dangerously icy.
As you can see, these sentences are grammatically correct and not awkward. They often sound natural and help transition smoothly from one idea to another.
Examples of Starting a Sentence with a Preposition
To illustrate further, here are some expanded examples:
- Location
- “On the western coast, the weather remains mild throughout the year.”
- “At the foot of the mountain, you will find a charming little town.”
- Time
- “By noon, we expect the shipment to arrive.”
- “During the Renaissance, Europe experienced a cultural rebirth.”
- Condition
- “Without proper planning, large projects can become overwhelming.”
- “In case of an emergency, dial 911 immediately.”
- Cause/Reason
- “For this reason, we decided to postpone the event.”
- “Because of the storm, the flight was delayed.”
- Manner
- “In a hurried manner, she gathered her books and left.”
- “With enthusiasm, he introduced the keynote speaker.”
These examples reflect how starting a sentence with a preposition can add clarity, provide context, and set the tone for the information that follows.
Best Practices for Starting a Sentence with a Preposition
While it is fine to start a sentence with a preposition, it helps to keep some best practices in mind to ensure clarity and readability.
Ensure the Sentence is Complete
A sentence that begins with a preposition should not be a fragment. Make sure you have both a subject and a verb following the prepositional phrase. The prepositional phrase should set context for the main clause. For example:
- Correct: “In the morning, she usually exercises before breakfast.”
- Incorrect: “In the morning.” (This is just a phrase; it does not contain a verb or subject to form a complete sentence.)
Avoid Overusing Prepositional Phrases
While there is nothing wrong with opening sentences with a preposition, using this structure too frequently can make your writing repetitive. Overusing any single grammatical construction can dull your prose, so vary your sentence structures.
- Overused:
- “Over the next few days, we will see changes.
- “Under no circumstances, should we panic.”
- “With a heavy heart, I say goodbye.”
- Varied:
- “Over the next few days, we will see changes.
- “We should not panic under any circumstances.
- “I say goodbye with a heavy heart.”
Maintain Clarity and Brevity
Starting with a preposition should enhance, not hinder, clarity. If your sentence becomes cumbersome or overly long, you may want to place the prepositional phrase later in the sentence or break it into two sentences.
- Less Clear: “Over the weekend, during which we have multiple family gatherings, I plan to go hiking if the weather permits, although I might stay home if it rains.”
- More Clear: “Over the weekend, we have multiple family gatherings. If the weather permits, I plan to go hiking. However, if it rains, I might stay home.”
Match the Preposition to the Right Context
Choose your preposition carefully. Each preposition has its own connotation or specific usage. Using the wrong preposition can change the intended meaning or create confusion.
- Correct Usage: “At the conference, we discussed new marketing strategies.”
- Incorrect Usage: “In the conference, we discussed new marketing strategies.”
In many cases, you “discuss something at a conference,” but if you say “in the conference,” you might imply you are literally inside a conference venue or within the time frame of the conference, which can be correct in a different context. Just ensure you use the preposition that aligns with your intended meaning.
When to Avoid Starting with a Preposition
While starting a sentence with a preposition is generally acceptable, there are cases where it may not be the most effective choice:
- Redundant or Unclear Sentence Structure: If the sentence is more concise or clearer when the prepositional phrase is placed later, avoid starting with a preposition.
- Overuse: If multiple consecutive sentences begin with prepositions, vary your structure. Overuse can be distracting or monotonous.
- Stylistic Constraints: Some style guides (for very formal or academic writing) might discourage starting sentences with a preposition, though this is less common today. When in doubt, follow the conventions of the publication or institution for which you are writing.
- Fragmentation: If the prepositional phrase does not link smoothly to a complete sentence, you risk creating a fragment. Ensure your sentence contains all necessary components (subject, verb, complete thought).
Example:
- “Despite the challenges, the team succeeded.” (Effective)
- “Despite the challenges. The team succeeded.” (Fragment + incomplete sentence)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Start a Sentence with Any Preposition?
You can technically begin a sentence with most prepositions as long as the sentence remains grammatically complete. Some prepositions, however, may feel more natural at the start (like In, On, At, For, With) than others, depending on context. Always ensure your usage creates a clear and logical sentence.
Is Starting a Sentence with “Because” or “And” Also Acceptable?
Yes. Like the myth around prepositions, there is a traditional belief that you should never begin a sentence with “because” or “and.” Modern grammatical consensus holds that it is acceptable to start sentences with these words, provided they form a complete thought.
- Example: “Because I missed my train, I arrived late.”
- Example: “And yet, the results were inconclusive.”
Will My Writing Sound Less Formal?
Not necessarily. Starting a sentence with a preposition can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Whether your sentence sounds formal or informal usually depends on your word choice, the complexity of your sentence structure, and your overall style.
Are There Any Style Guides That Still Forbid This Practice?
Most modern style guides, including The Chicago Manual of Style, are flexible about starting sentences with prepositions. You may encounter individual instructors, editors, or outdated grammar references that discourage it, but these are not reflective of the current consensus.
How Do I Know If My Sentence is Grammatically Correct After Starting with a Preposition?
Check that your sentence has:
- A subject (the person or thing performing the action or being described)
- A verb (the action or state of being)
- A complete thought (it makes sense on its own)
A standalone prepositional phrase such as “On the counter.” is not a full sentence, but “On the counter, you will find your keys.” is complete.
Conclusion
Starting a sentence with a preposition is more than a stylistic flourish; it can improve the flow, clarity, and impact of your writing. This practice allows you to emphasize timing, location, or the conditions under which something occurs right from the outset. Traditional guidance may have led you to believe that this practice is taboo, but modern language usage refutes such absolute restrictions.
When done with care—paying attention to clarity, avoiding redundancy, and ensuring a complete sentence—starting with a preposition can enhance your prose. Whether you are writing an academic paper, composing a business email, or crafting a creative story, this approach can lend variety and clarity to your writing style.
Remember to balance your sentence structures. Varying how you begin sentences keeps your writing engaging. While it is perfectly valid to begin with a preposition, you can—and should—experiment with different techniques to find a natural, reader-friendly rhythm.
In summary, the rules of grammar serve to aid clarity, not stifle expression. Modern English usage accepts the preposition at the start of a sentence as a legitimate and often effective stylistic choice. You need only use it thoughtfully, ensuring coherence and completeness. By following these guidelines, you will write with confidence, clarity, and stylistic range.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. Language usage and grammar rules can vary depending on the style guide or specific writing context you follow. You should consult official style guides, academic references, or professional editors for specialized guidance. The author and publisher assume no responsibility for errors or omissions or for the outcomes of decisions based on the information contained herein.
