Can You Start A Sentence With Of Which

Can You Start a Sentence with "Of Which"? A Grammatical Deep Dive

Meta Description: Explore the grammatical nuances of starting a sentence with "of which." Learn when it's acceptable, when it's clunky, and how to improve sentence flow using alternative phrasing. This guide offers clear examples and practical advice for writing concise and impactful prose.

The question of whether you can start a sentence with "of which" is less about grammatical rules and more about stylistic choices and the overall impact on readability. While grammatically correct, beginning a sentence with this prepositional phrase often leads to awkward and overly formal phrasing. It can make your writing sound stiff and unnecessarily complicated. Let's delve into the reasons why and explore better alternatives.

Why "Of Which" at the Sentence Start Often Feels Wrong

The phrase "of which" inherently functions as a relative pronoun, connecting a dependent clause to a preceding noun. When placed at the beginning of a sentence, it creates a delayed subject, forcing the reader to wait before understanding the sentence's core meaning. This delay can disrupt the natural flow of reading and result in a less engaging writing experience. Consider this example:

Of which, the most significant impact was felt by the younger generation.

While technically correct, the sentence feels clunky. The reader initially encounters a prepositional phrase without immediate context, making the sentence harder to process.

When "Of Which" Might (Occasionally) Work

There are rare instances where beginning a sentence with "of which" can be acceptable. This typically occurs in highly formal writing, such as legal documents or academic papers, where a very precise and structured sentence structure is prioritized. Even then, careful consideration should be given to whether the formality outweighs the potential detriment to readability. For example:

Of which amendments, the fifth was deemed the most controversial.

However, even in formal writing, there are usually better alternatives.

Better Alternatives to Starting with "Of Which"

In almost all cases, you can rewrite a sentence starting with "of which" to improve clarity and flow. Here are some effective techniques:

• Rephrasing with a subject-verb structure: This often involves reworking the sentence to place the main subject and verb at the beginning. Referring to the first example above, we can rewrite it as:

The younger generation felt the most significant impact.

• Using different relative pronouns: Instead of "of which," consider using alternatives like "whose," "that," or "which" in a more natural position within the sentence.

The policy, whose impact was most keenly felt by the younger generation, ...

• Breaking down complex sentences: Often, sentences starting with "of which" are overly long and complex. Simplifying the sentence into two or more shorter, clearer sentences significantly improves readability.

Improving Sentence Structure and Readability

Remember, the key to effective writing is clarity and conciseness. While mastering grammatical rules is essential, prioritizing readability ensures your writing resonates with your audience. Avoid unnecessarily complex sentence structures, and always consider the impact of your word choices on the reader's experience.

By applying these strategies, you can improve the overall flow of your writing and eliminate awkward sentence structures, thereby enhancing the quality and impact of your work. Avoid the temptation to use "of which" at the start of a sentence unless absolutely necessary, and prioritize clarity and natural language.