Treasure Chest of Thoughts

Because my students challenged me (without even realizing it), I have once again visited with my friend the Internet to research why they would have been told one should not begin a sentence with the word because.  To my surprise, my research resulted in several links on this topic, some supporting the claim that a sentence should not begin with the word because.

My favorite site, though, on this topic?  Yes, my favorite was definitely the one that quoted Emily Dickinson:

Sometimes, however, because is perfectly appropriate as the opening word of a sentence, as in the beginning of one of Emily Dickinson’s best-known poems: “Because I could not stop for Death/He kindly stopped for me.” In fact, sentences beginning with because are quite common in written English. (English Forums, 2009)

The main argument on most sites for not starting a sentence with because is that they contend (and rightfully so) that because is a conjunction….but so is every other subordinating conjunction (see here for a list of these conjunctions).  Subordinating conjunctions introduce adverb clauses; they do not serve the same function as a coordinating (better known as the FAN BOYS in my classroom) or correlative conjunction.

This discussion arose yesterday when I began a sentence about my new duck friend Olivia Noel with because.  Several students noted they “had been taught” this.  Well, I did not ask who taught them this; I just corrected the mistake.

I am hoping that they were taught the correct use of because…but that all they remembered from that lesson is number one (listed below).

1. Because I like you = a fragment; therefore, this clause is dependent/subordinate and should not “stand” alone.
2. Because I like you, I want you to understand why starting a sentence with because is perfectly okay…as long as you have an independent clause attached for it to modify.

Now, I am wondering…will my students know why I sometimes italicized because and did not at other times?  Another mini-lesson…yes, that will take care of that explanation also.