Yes, you can start a sentence with "nor."
While "nor" is frequently used in conjunction with "neither" (e.g., "neither...nor"), it is not exclusively dependent on it. "Nor" can standalone at the beginning of a sentence, serving to continue a negative statement or idea introduced in a preceding clause or sentence.
Understanding "Nor" at the Beginning of a Sentence
Using "nor" to begin a sentence is grammatically correct and often employed for emphasis or to introduce an additional negative condition or consequence. When "nor" starts a sentence, it typically inverts the subject and verb of the clause that follows it, similar to how other negative adverbs (like "never" or "hardly") would.
Common Scenarios and Examples
"Nor" at the beginning of a sentence usually builds upon a previously stated negative idea, linking it to another related negative point. This usage is particularly effective in formal writing or speech to maintain parallelism and clarity.
Here are some examples illustrating how "nor" can initiate a sentence:
- To add another negative statement:
- "He didn't offer any excuses. Nor did he try to hide his mistake."
- "She wasn't interested in the proposal. Nor was she willing to negotiate further."
- To continue a negative condition or consequence:
- "The team failed to meet the deadline. Nor were they able to complete the subsequent tasks on time."
- "They found no evidence of foul play. Nor could they identify any suspects."
Usage Contexts for "Nor"
The flexibility of "nor" allows it to be used in various grammatical constructions. Understanding these contexts helps in applying it correctly, whether at the beginning of a sentence or within one.
| Usage Type | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning a Sentence | Nor did she ever regret her decision. | Used to introduce an additional negative statement that logically follows from a preceding negative clause, often causing inversion of the subject and verb. |
| Paired with "Neither" | Neither the rain nor the wind could deter them. | The classic correlative conjunction pairing, indicating that two or more elements are negated. |
| Connecting Clauses | He wouldn't apologize, nor would he admit fault. | Here, "nor" acts as a conjunction connecting two negative independent clauses, often implying "and not" or "and also not." This is similar to starting a new sentence with "nor." |
For further details on proper usage of conjunctions and negative constructions, refer to reputable grammar guides and style manuals.
