Breaking the Grammar Rules: Starting a Sentence with “Which”
We’ve all had that moment when we’re writing a sentence and it just doesn’t feel quite right. Maybe we’re stuck on a particular word, or maybe we’re unsure of the grammar rules regarding a specific phrase. One common question that often comes up is whether or not it’s acceptable to start a sentence with “which”. Many people are taught from a young age that starting sentences with “which” is incorrect, but is it really?
Let’s take a closer look at this contentious issue.
Is it Acceptable to Begin a Sentence with “Which”?
It’s true that traditional grammar rules discourage starting a sentence with “which”. This is because “which” is often used to introduce a dependent clause, and it’s generally considered incorrect to begin a sentence with a dependent clause.
For example, consider these two sentences:
- My favorite color is green. I love everything about it.
- Which is your favorite color? Tell me all about it.
In the first example, the sentence begins with an independent clause (“My favorite color is green”) that could stand alone as a complete sentence. In the second example, the sentence begins with a dependent clause (“Which is your favorite color?”) that cannot stand alone as a sentence.
Because of this, some people believe that starting a sentence with “which” is always incorrect. However, this isn’t necessarily the case.
Exploring the Debate: Starting a Sentence with “Which”
The truth is, there is a lot of debate surrounding whether or not it’s acceptable to start a sentence with “which”. Some grammar experts argue that it’s perfectly fine to do so, as long as you use the word correctly.
For example, the Chicago Manual of Style states that starting a sentence with “which” is “wholly acceptable” when the clause it introduces is nonrestrictive. This means that the clause adds extra information to the sentence, but isn’t essential to its meaning.
For example:
- My car, which is red, is parked outside.
- My favorite book, which I read every year, is To Kill a Mockingbird.
In these examples, the clause introduced by “which” provides additional information about the subject of the sentence, but is not necessary to understand the main point being made.
However, it’s important to note that starting a sentence with “which” is generally not acceptable when the clause it introduces is restrictive. This means that the clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence, and cannot be removed without changing the overall message.
For example:
- The car which hit me was red.
In this example, the clause introduced by “which” is essential to the meaning of the sentence. It’s necessary to know which car hit the speaker in order to understand the full message.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Starting a Sentence with “Which”
So, what are the do’s and don’ts of starting a sentence with “which”? Here are some guidelines to follow:
Do
- Start a sentence with “which” when introducing a nonrestrictive clause.
- Use “which” to add additional, non-essential information to a sentence.
Don’t
- Start a sentence with “which” when introducing a restrictive clause.
- Overuse the word “which”. It can become repetitive and make your writing less engaging.
Dispelling the Myths: Starting a Sentence with “Which” is not a Grammar Mistake
Despite what some people may think, starting a sentence with “which” is not a grammar mistake. In fact, many respected publications and style guides allow for it when used correctly.
It’s important to remember that grammar rules are not set in stone. They change over time, and different sources may have different opinions on what is and isn’t acceptable. As long as you use “which” thoughtfully and accurately, there’s no reason why you can’t start a sentence with it.
Conclusion
So, can you start a sentence with “which”? The answer is yes – as long as you use it correctly. Remember, it’s important to pay attention to whether the clause introduced by “which” is restrictive or nonrestrictive, and to use the word thoughtfully and sparingly. With these guidelines in mind, you can confidently use “which” at the beginning of a sentence without worrying about breaking any grammar rules.
Remember that grammar rules are meant to be a guide, not a rigid set of laws.