You can start a sentence with “hence” in formal and informal writing. “Hence” means the same as “therefore” and always relates to the previous sentence. E.g., “Tomorrow is a national holiday. Hence, I am going cycling.”
When you use the word “hence” at the beginning of a sentence it usually affects the whole sentence.
- We have been making a loss for six months. Hence, we are closing the business.
- Tomorrow is Christmas Day. Hence, nothing will be open.
You can also combine “hence” with other words, such as “why,” so it becomes “hence why.” This term means the same as “for this reason.” However, it is quite informal, and you should avoid it in academic writing.
- She has been riding horses all her life. Hence why she is an expert.
Furthermore, you can add the word “forth” to become “henceforth.” The term “henceforth” means the same as “from this moment on.”
- The war has displaced thousands of people. Henceforth, countries must accommodate the fleeing refugees.
We have covered the basics of how to use “hence.” However, please keep reading if you want to learn more about how to include “hence” in formal and informal writing.
We’ll also show you what you can use instead of “hence” at the beginning of a sentence in formal writing.
Can You Start a Sentence With “Hence” in Formal Writing?
You can start sentences with the word “hence” in formal writing and it is common to do so.
It has the same meaning as “therefore” and appears commonly in formal writing to show consequences or impacts.
- The chemicals reacted violently when we combined them. Hence, it is not viable to include both.
- The sample is from a meteorite. Hence, its origin is unknown.
The word “hence” is formal, and you can use it in academic writing. However, the closest formal synonyms for “hence” that you could use instead are:
- Accordingly
- Consequently
- Therefore
- Thus
Can You Start a Sentence With “Hence” in Informal Writing?
You can start a sentence with “hence” in informal writing and correspondence.
It is more common that “hence” appears in informal business emails rather than in everyday messaging.
- Violet is sick with the flu. Hence, the meeting has been moved to Friday.
- I got the promotion! Hence, we will be looking for someone to fill my position.
Furthermore, you may come across the term “hence why” in informal English, less so in formal English. The meaning doesn’t alter from “hence” by itself, meaning “for this reason.”
- He broke the window. Hence why he is grounded.
The term “hence why” is grammatically incorrect, and you should not use it in formal writing. However, it does crop up in informal writing.