Can You Start a Sentence With Thus? Everything Need to Know:

Author:

Waqas Ashraf

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Start a Sentence With Thus: Starting a sentence with “thus” is a common practice in writing. It can add clarity and sophistication to your sentences when used correctly. So, can you start a sentence with thus? Absolutely!

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Start a Sentence with Thus:

Yes, you can absolutely start a sentence with “thus”. It’s a great way to introduce a conclusion, summarize a point, or show a consequence of something mentioned earlier.

Here are some examples:

Thus, we can see that exercise is essential for good health. (Conclusion)
Thus, the importance of clear communication cannot be overstated. (Summary)
Thus, without proper planning, the project is destined to fail. (Consequence)

“Thus” is a bit more formal than some alternatives, so depending on the context, you might prefer something like “So,” “Therefore,” or “As a result.” But starting a sentence with “Thus” is perfectly grammatically correct.

And Thus in A Sentence:

“And thus” is another way to start a sentence that emphasizes a connection between ideas, often after providing a list of points or explaining something.

Here are some examples:

They spent months training, honed their skills, and thus emerged victorious in the competition.
The recipe calls for fresh ingredients, careful preparation, and thus promises a delicious meal.
Traffic jams clogged the highways, public transport was delayed, and thus the entire city descended into chaos.

When to Use Thus in A Sentence:

You can use “thus” in a sentence in a couple of ways:

Introducing a Result or Conclusion: This is the most common way to use “thus.” Here, “thus” is placed at the beginning of the sentence, followed by a comma. It emphasizes the outcome or consequence of the information presented before it.

Examples:

She practiced diligently for months, thus achieving her goal of winning the marathon.

Drawing a Conclusion: Similar to the first use, “thus” can be used at the beginning of a sentence with a comma to indicate a conclusion based on the preceding information.

Examples:

The fingerprints matched the suspect, thus solidifying the case against him.

What Is a Sentence for Thus?

Here are some sentence examples for “thus”:

Thus, the traffic jam caused us to miss our flight.

Thus, careful planning is essential for a successful project.
The witness testimony was corroborated by video evidence, thus strengthening the case against the defendant.
After analyzing the data, the researchers concluded there was no significant difference between the two groups, thus disproving their initial hypothesis.

Thus, a healthy diet and regular exercise are crucial for maintaining good health.
Thus, clear communication is essential for building trust within a team.

Do You Put a Comma After Thus at The Beginning of A Sentence?

You usually put a comma after “thus” at the beginning of a sentence. This is because in this position, “thus” acts as a transitional word introducing a new idea related to the previous sentence.

It functions similarly to words like “therefore,” “however,” or “consequently,” which all take commas when they begin a sentence.

Here are some examples:

Thus, the experiment was deemed a success. (Introduces a conclusion)

Thus, we need to consider alternative solutions. (Introduces a consequence)

Can You Start a Sentence with Thus Far?

Yes, you can absolutely start a sentence with “thus far.” It’s a great way to indicate that you’re talking about something up to a certain point in time.

Here are some examples:

Thus far, the new treatment shows promising results. (This indicates the results are good, but we might not know the long-term effects yet.)
Thus far, we haven’t encountered any major problems on the trip. (This implies the trip is ongoing, and you’ll update if anything changes.)
Thus far, the investigation hasn’t yielded any leads. (This suggests the investigation is still in progress.)

How to Use Thus Correctly?

Here’s a breakdown on how to use “thus” correctly:

Main Function:

“Thus” is primarily used as an adverb to introduce a consequence, conclusion, or summary based on information presented earlier in the text.

Sentence Placement:

It’s commonly placed at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma. This separates it from the preceding information and emphasizes the connection it creates.

Example: The team faced several setbacks, thus delaying the project completion. (Introduces a consequence)

Can Thus Be the First Word in A Sentence?

Yes, “Thus” can absolutely be the first word in a sentence! It’s a perfectly valid way to start a sentence, especially in formal writing.

Here’s why:

Function: When placed at the beginning of a sentence, “thus” acts as a transitional word. It connects the new sentence to the information presented earlier in the text.

Emphasis: It emphasizes the consequence, conclusion, or summary that follows.
Comma: “Thus” is usually followed by a comma to separate it from the preceding information and highlight its role in the sentence.

Is Using Thus Formal?

Yes, using “thus” is considered formal. It’s a great choice for academic writing, essays, or situations where you want to sound professional.

Here’s a breakdown of its formality:

Formal: “Thus” is a strong indicator of formal writing. It emphasizes connections between ideas in a more sophisticated way than informal alternatives.

Informal Alternatives: There are several informal ways to convey similar meanings to “thus”:

So
Therefore
Hence

As a result

Context	Formality	Example
Academic writing, essays, formal reports	Formal	Thus, the experiment yielded unexpected results.
Emails, casual conversations	Informal	So, I need to pick up some groceries.

How Do You Use Thus in A Sentence Cause and Effect?

Function	Sentence Example	Explanation
Introduce a Consequence	Thus, the heavy rain caused widespread flooding.	“Thus” highlights the flooding (effect) caused by the heavy rain (cause).
Introduce a Conclusion based on Cause	The investigation revealed a lack of evidence, thus exonerating the suspect.	“Thus” emphasizes the suspect’s exoneration (effect) as a conclusion drawn from the lack of evidence (cause).
Emphasize a Resulting Action (with “and thus”)	She studied diligently for weeks, and thus aced the final exam.	“And thus” emphasizes how studying (cause) led to acing the exam (effect).

Conclusion and Final Thoughts!

Starting a sentence with “Thus” is not grammatically incorrect. While some may argue against it, there are numerous examples in literature and everyday communication where this practice is perfectly acceptable.

Ultimately, the decision to use “Thus” at the beginning of a sentence should be based on clarity and effectiveness in conveying your message rather than rigid adherence to outdated grammar rules.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sentence structures that include “Thus.” By understanding its usage and context, you can confidently incorporate it into your writing to add variety and impact.