You can use “yet” to start sentences in formal and informal writing. However, “yet” most commonly appears mid-sentence rather than at the start. Furthermore, “yet” has two meanings. E.g., “Yet another bill has arrived.” or “I left earlier than usual. Yet I arrived late for work.”
There is nothing wrong with starting sentences with “yet.” However, using “yet” at the start of a sentence is not that common because it usually appears mid-sentence to connect clauses.
The term “yet” can function as an adverb or a conjunction. However, the conjunction form of “yet” is far more common than the adverb.
Here are some examples of the two different uses of “yet” at the beginning of a sentence.
As an adverb:
- Yet again, he has let me down.
As a conjunction:
- We drove for hours. Yet, according to the map, it was only 40 miles.
Now that you have seen the basics of “yet” at the start of a sentence, please keep reading to learn about using “yet” in formal writing.
Can You Start a Sentence With “Yet” in Formal Writing?
You can start sentences with “yet” in formal writing.
The word “yet” commonly starts sentences as a conjunction contrasting ideas from the previous sentence.
There is no issue over the formality of “yet,” and it is acceptable. However, because it is similar to “but” or “and,” it appears more commonly in the middle of sentences.
- She is harsh yet fair.
- She is a teacher, yet she trained to be a doctor.
The times when it is most appropriate to use “yet” at the start of a sentence is when the sentence is exceptionally long and you want to create a pause.
- The period was renowned for magnificent art and culture. Yet, it was also a ruthless and dangerous era.
However, deciding to include a comma or start a new sentence is ultimately down to preference, and both are correct.
If you want to mix up your language, you can use a synonym for “yet” at the start of a sentence:
- Although
- However
- Nevertheless
Can You Start a Sentence With “Yet” in Informal Writing?
You can start sentences with “yet” in informal writing, and it is common to do so.
People view the word “yet” as a common everyday word, and there is no issue with it being too formal.
There are several ways you can use “yet” when writing in informal English.
Firstly, you can use “yet” to continue or contrast the previous sentence.
- He has been going out a lot recently. Yet he says he is broke.
- He bought an expensive new bike. Yet he doesn’t know how to ride it.
Secondly, you can use “yet” as an adverb to emphasize something.
- Yet again, I failed my driving test.
- Yet another sales call for something I don’t need.