Can You Start a Sentence with Such As
Many writers wonder whether they can start a sentence with such as, especially when they want to introduce examples right at the beginning of a paragraph. Think about it: the short answer is yes, you can technically start a sentence with such as, but there are some important nuances you should understand before doing so. Let me break down the grammar rules, common mistakes, and practical advice so you can use this phrase confidently in your writing.
What Does "Such As" Mean?
Before diving into the question of starting sentences with such as, it helps to understand what the phrase actually does in a sentence. Such as is a conjunction-like expression that introduces specific examples. It is commonly used after a general statement to clarify or illustrate what you mean.
For example:
- I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming.
- The city has many cultural landmarks such as museums and theaters.
In both cases, such as comes after the main idea and before the examples. But does that mean you cannot put it at the very beginning of a sentence? This is the most traditional and widely accepted placement. Not exactly.
Can You Start a Sentence with Such As
The answer is yes, you can start a sentence with such as. There is no grammatical rule that prohibits it. On the flip side, many style guides and writing instructors discourage it because it can sound awkward or incomplete. When such as appears at the beginning of a sentence, it often leaves the reader hanging without a clear subject or main idea Nothing fancy..
Consider these two versions:
- Such as hiking and swimming, I enjoy many outdoor activities.
- I enjoy many outdoor activities, such as hiking and swimming.
The second version reads more naturally because the subject and verb come first. The first version feels disjointed because the examples appear before the main clause.
That said, starting a sentence with such as is not always wrong. In certain contexts, it can work perfectly well. The key is knowing when it flows naturally and when it creates confusion.
Why Writers Avoid Starting Sentences with Such As
There are several reasons why most writers and editors advise against beginning a sentence with such as:
- Lack of a clear subject. English sentences typically need a subject and verb. When you start with such as, the reader has to wait to find out what you are talking about.
- Awkward rhythm. The phrase often feels like it is floating without a foundation, making the sentence hard to follow.
- Redundancy. If you have already mentioned the general category earlier in the paragraph, repeating it with such as at the start can feel unnecessary.
- Reader confusion. Some readers may interpret the opening as an incomplete thought, which breaks their engagement.
These are valid concerns, but they are not absolute rules. Context matters more than strict adherence to tradition Easy to understand, harder to ignore..
When Starting a Sentence with Such As Works
There are specific situations where beginning a sentence with such as makes sense:
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After a colon. If the previous sentence ends with a colon, starting the next sentence with such as is perfectly acceptable.
- The restaurant offered several desserts: such as chocolate cake, crème brûlée, and tiramisu.
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In a list or catalog structure. When you are building a series of examples and each one starts with such as, it can create a rhythmic effect It's one of those things that adds up..
- Such as hiking, such as swimming, such as biking — all are great ways to stay active.
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In casual or conversational writing. In blog posts, informal essays, or speech writing, starting with such as can feel more direct and engaging Most people skip this — try not to..
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When the general category is already understood. If the reader already knows the subject from context, you can safely open with examples Less friction, more output..
- In my free time, I like to explore. Such as hiking through mountain trails or visiting local farmers' markets.
In these cases, the sentence still feels complete because the context supplies what is missing.
Better Alternatives to Starting with Such As
If you want to avoid the awkwardness of opening a sentence with such as, here are some stronger alternatives:
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Lead with the main idea first. Always put your subject and verb at the beginning, then follow with examples Small thing, real impact..
- My favorite hobbies include such as painting and reading. (awkward)
- My favorite hobbies include painting, reading, and gardening. (better)
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Use "for example" instead. This phrase is more flexible at the start of a sentence.
- Here's one way to look at it: hiking and swimming are popular outdoor activities.
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Rephrase with specific nouns. Instead of relying on such as, simply list your examples directly Small thing, real impact..
- Hiking, swimming, and cycling are my preferred outdoor activities.
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Use "like" in informal writing. In casual contexts, like is often a smoother replacement.
- Like hiking and swimming, I enjoy many outdoor activities.
These alternatives keep your sentences clear and your reader engaged from the very first word.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even when you do start a sentence with such as, there are mistakes you should watch out for:
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Ending with "etc." If you start a sentence with such as, do not follow it with etc. at the end. This is redundant because such as already signals that the list is not complete The details matter here..
- Such as apples, oranges, etc. (incorrect)
- Such as apples and oranges. (correct)
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Using it with a singular subject when the examples are plural. Make sure your sentence structure matches the number and type of examples.
- Such as cats and dogs are common pets. (awkward)
- Pets such as cats and dogs are common. (better)
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Dropping the comma. Always use a comma after such as when it introduces a list of examples.
- I like fruits such as apples, bananas, and mangoes.
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Placing a period too soon. If such as starts your sentence and you intend to list multiple examples, do not end the sentence prematurely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is starting a sentence with such as grammatically incorrect?
No, it is not grammatically incorrect. English does not have a rule that bans such phrases at the beginning of a sentence. Still, it is often stylistically weaker than other options.
Do style guides forbid it?
Most major style guides, including APA and Chicago, do not explicitly forbid it. They simply recommend clearer sentence structures for better readability The details matter here. And it works..
Can I use it in academic writing?
In formal academic writing, it is generally better to avoid starting with such as. Use more structured introductions for your examples.
What is the difference between such as and like?
Such as is more formal and is used to introduce specific examples. Like is more informal and can also suggest similarity rather than listing examples.
Final Thoughts
So, can you start a sentence with such as? Here's the thing — yes, you can. This keeps your writing clear, professional, and easy to follow. It depends on the context, your audience, and the flow of your writing. Still, when in doubt, lead with your main idea and save such as for the middle or end of your sentence. But should you? Remember, the goal of any sentence is to communicate effectively, and sometimes that means choosing a structure that feels natural rather than forcing a phrase into an unfamiliar position Small thing, real impact..
