Certainly, it is correct to begin a sentence with also. All adverbs (also inclusive) can be used at the beginning of a sentence with the proper punctuation. For instance, the first sentence in this answer begins with an adverb. Other examples are:
Answer from Jimi Oke on Stack Exchange
- Furthermore, we have exhausted all the other options.
- Definitely, you can use my car.
- Surely, he could do better.
- Besides*, she had my number and could have called.
*Note that Besides is used here as an adverb not a preposition.
Thesaurus.com
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ALSO Synonyms & Antonyms - 28 words | Thesaurus.com
Find 28 different ways to say ALSO, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com.
Top answer 1 of 7
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Certainly, it is correct to begin a sentence with also. All adverbs (also inclusive) can be used at the beginning of a sentence with the proper punctuation. For instance, the first sentence in this answer begins with an adverb. Other examples are:
- Furthermore, we have exhausted all the other options.
- Definitely, you can use my car.
- Surely, he could do better.
- Besides*, she had my number and could have called.
*Note that Besides is used here as an adverb not a preposition.
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As noted by other commenters, some writers prefer to avoid "Also, .. " in formal writing. But there is one use of 'also' at the start of a sentence which is in fact more prevalent in formal than in informal writing: namely, Also + adjective. Example:
- Also important is the pursuit of wealth and economic growth and power.
This uncommon syntax is called "fronting'.
ProWritingAid
prowritingaid.com › can-you-start-a-sentence-with-also
Can You Start a Sentence with Also?
October 26, 2022 - Read on to learn more about how to use also to start sentences. ... Also is a conjunctive adverb that is used to express addition. Common words with similar meanings include additionally, and, furthermore, as well, and too.
WordReference
forum.wordreference.com › english only › english only
Also in the beginning of a sentence | WordReference Forums
March 30, 2009 - In other words, do as I say, not as I do... ... You can tell anybody to ignore that 'rule'. It's poppycock. ... Always be polite! Also angry customers want to be taken seriously. Is also possible at the beginning of the sentence or should it be: Even angry customers want to be taken seriously or Angry customers also want to be taken seriously.
Merriam-Webster
merriam-webster.com › thesaurus › also
ALSO Synonyms: 40 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus
Synonyms for ALSO: similarly, likewise, as well, correspondingly, so, alike, equally, ditto; Antonyms of ALSO: otherwise, differently, conversely, inversely, oppositely, vice versa, variously, dissimilarly
WordHippo
wordhippo.com › what-is › another-word-for › also.html
What is another word for also? | Also Synonyms - WordHippo Thesaurus
Synonyms for also include additionally, as well, still, along with, as well as, further, besides, furthermore, including and more. Find more similar words at wordhippo.com!
Stack Exchange
ell.stackexchange.com › questions › 124681 › synonym-of-also
grammar - Synonym of "also" - English Language Learners Stack Exchange
You can also use words like 'secondly' and 'finally' to replace 'also', but obviously only in certain contexts. Note though that you could have a sentence such as 'I went to the shop and also went to the park", in this and similar cases the direct substitution for 'also' doesn't work (maybe this is what your friend was talking about).
Linguablog
linguaholic.com › linguablog › also-beginning-sentence
"Also" at the Beginning of a Sentence: These Rules Apply
April 10, 2023 - Another one that some might find confusing is whether you can put “also” at the beginning of a sentence, and if so, how do you use it? ... Yes, you can start a sentence with “also.” In fact, unlike the conjunction “and,” there is no ambiguity or disagreement here.
The Synonym Seeker
thesynonymseeker.com › thesynonymseeker – find synonyms & antonyms easily › synonym selection and word choice mastery › 13 alternatives to starting a sentence with
13 Alternatives to Starting a Sentence With
December 8, 2024 - One effective alternative to beginning a sentence with “and” is the use of the word “moreover.” This connector word serves to indicate an addition to the previous statement, seamlessly linking ideas while enhancing the overall flow of the text. The importance of connections in writing cannot be overstated, as they guide readers through the narrative, allowing for a clearer understanding of the author’s intent. Using “moreover” not only strengthens the relationship between sentences but also elevates the coherence of the entire piece.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/english › is it informal to use “also,” at the beginning of any kind of formal/academic writing?
r/ENGLISH on Reddit: Is it informal to use “Also,” at the beginning of any kind of formal/academic writing?
March 13, 2025 -
When I was in 8th grade, my teacher always emphasized how it's totally off-limits to start a sentence, when using an adding connective, using “also” because she always told us how it's informal to do so.
Flash forward to now, where I'm in my third year of uni, majoring in English translation, linguistics and literature, and sometimes I come across research papers where “Also,” is indeed used at the beginning of a sentence. Now I'm just confused as to whether that's okay or not, and I really want to know because I work as an ESL assistant and I correct students' writings. I don't want to mislead them with any sort of misinformation on my part.
Thanks in advance 🩷
Top answer 1 of 10
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Opinions about what is "formal" or "informal" can vary widely among writers, editors, and readers. I have been writing and editing professionally in corporate environments, and academically in peer-reviewed journals, for over 25 years – and I would not hesitate to use "Also" at the beginning of a sentence when it makes sense to do so. More important than avoiding conjunctions at the start of a sentence is making sure the ideas flow clearly and logically from one sentence to the next. Whether native speakers or not, beginning writers tend to think their writing is clearer than it actually is. Showing them why starting a sentence with "Also" might not be the clearest way to get their point across is better than telling them to avoid it altogether. Also(!), it's generally best to give alternative options rather than simply saying "Don't do X." In this case, perhaps suggest other words and phrases (e.g., "Furthermore," "In addition," etc.), or show them how to rewrite their sentences to avoid that type of connecting phrase. EDIT: I'll add that I'm an American and speaking from my experience with American language and culture. English-speakers elsewhere may disregard me or not as they see fit. 😅
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It's not informal per se, but it can come across less academic, a sort of less-sophisticated segue into a new point. Compare "Also, studies show..." "Studies also show..." The first can sound like it just occurred to you so you're forcing it in. The second can come across more intentional.
YourDictionary
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Examples of "Also" in a Sentence | YourDictionary.com
He also renewed the claim which had been made by his predecessor, Adolf, on Thuringia, and interfered in a quarrel over the succession to the Hungarian throne. ... He greatly increased his political information, and also acquired, from the study of the Bible and Shakespeare, a wonderful knowledge of English. ... He collaborated with his father in the great edition of Saadia and the edition of Abu-1Walid, and also produced a number of important editions of other Arabic writers.
Vocabulary.com
vocabulary.com › dictionary › also
Also - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com
Also is a word used for verbal additions and add-ons. When friends are heading to the movies and you want to go with them, you might say, "Can I also come?" That means you want to go along, too — in addition to the rest of the group. By starting a sentence with also, you're letting the reader know you're adding a thought, as in "I think pizza is delicious.
Techhelp
techhelp.ca › home › 16 fresh ways to say “also”
Enrich Your Writing: 16 Alternatives to 'Also'
September 15, 2024 - “In addition to the free parking, our hotel guests enjoy complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi.” · This is best used to present new evidence that strengthens your previous statements.
Quora
quora.com › Which-word-can-replace-also-in-a-sentence
Which word can replace 'also' in a sentence? - Quora
Answer (1 of 3): The words“too” and the phrase “as well as” can replace the word “also” in a sentence. Starting a sentence with “In addition,” can replace the word “Also” and a comma after it if it is at the beginning of ...
Topcontent
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Can you start a sentence with also? | Topcontent
September 24, 2020 - Using also at the start of a sentence, whilst sometimes being frowned upon in formal writing, is okay if you are continuing a train of thought. Issues arise if the thought is fragmented and unrelated to the rest of the information present. It’s also slightly more informal than some of the other words such as furthermore, which can be used instead.
Merlin AI
getmerlin.in › home › word-finder › another-word-for-also
Another Word for Also: 20+ Synonyms & Examples
May 31, 2025 - Also means “in addition” or “too.” Synonyms include too, as well, additionally, moreover, and more—definitions and sentence examples inside.
YourDictionary
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Also Synonyms: 40 Synonyms and Antonyms for Also | YourDictionary.com
Synonyms for ALSO: besides, likewise, too, further, furthermore, more, moreover, yet, additionally, in-addition, again, and, item, ditto, including, still; Antonyms for ALSO: excluding, without, otherwise.
Cambridge Dictionary
dictionary.cambridge.org › grammar › british-grammar › also-as-well-or-too
Also, as well or too ? - Grammar - Cambridge Dictionary
Not: I don’t think Dave is also/as well/too. ... That’s not in paperback yet. It’s not been in any book clubs either, has it? ... We don’t use as well at the beginning of a clause.
Other-Ways-To-Say
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12 Other Ways to Say Also - Other-Ways-To-Say
September 26, 2023 - So, the next time you’re about to use “also”, consider substituting it with one of its vibrant synonyms. It’s these nuances that make conversations and writings memorable! ... While not wrong, over-repetition can make content monotonous. Using synonyms adds variety. ... “And” can be used as an alternative, especially in casual conversations. However, its use might change the sentence structure.
WordReference
forum.wordreference.com › english only › english only
Also, please let me [ begin a sentence with “also”?] | ...
July 7, 2018 - "Also, (additional command or comment)" This is common (in AE) in spoken sentences. As PaulQ says, it is used to start an idea the person didn't think of at first -- an afterthought. It is not common in written English, where an author who has a new idea can go back and change his sentences.