Can You Start a Sentence With “Hence”?

Yes, you can start a sentence with hence! While it may seem a little formal, hence is an excellent word when used appropriately. To make it simple, hence means “as a result” or “therefore.” Starting a sentence with hence works well when it follows a statement and emphasizes a logical conclusion.

Let’s look at some examples to see how to use hence correctly:

Correct Use of “Hence”

The company lost significant revenue last year; hence, they had to lay off several employees.
He did not study for his exams. Hence, his poor performance was expected.
The roads are icy; hence, driving conditions are dangerous.
She prepared thoroughly for the event; hence, her success was no surprise.

Incorrect Use of “Hence”

He was sick; hence he couldn’t attend. (Missing a comma after hence.)
I have worked hard. hence, my results are good. (Improper capitalization of hence.)
The cake was burnt hence nobody ate it. (Missing punctuation.)
This new policy is unnecessary and restrictive, hence. (The sentence ends abruptly and leaves an incomplete idea.)

By adhering to grammar rules, you can maintain clarity and professionalism in writing.

Understanding “One-Third

The term one-third can function as a noun or an adjective, and its correct spelling and punctuation are essential for clear communication.

As a noun, one-third refers to a fraction or portion.
Example: “One-third of the cake was left after the party.”
As an adjective, it describes something that is divided into three equal parts.
Example: “They distributed the prize money in one-third portions.”

Correct Use of “One-Third”

As a noun: “Only one-third of the group voted for the new policy.”
As an adjective: “One-third of the students are attending online classes.”
As a comparison: “He owns one-third of the shares in the business.”
In a mathematical context: “The recipe calls for one-third of a cup of sugar.”

**Incorrect Use of “One Third” and “One Third ”

One Third without the hyphen: “One Third of the work is still pending.” (Incorrect spelling; the hyphen is necessary.)
Incorrect punctuation: “One-Third .,” (Misplaced punctuation.)
Incomplete phrase: “One third** of the room was decorated.” (Extra space is an error.)
Misleading structure: “One-thirdpeople attended the meeting.” (Combines the words incorrectly without a space.)

UK vs. US English

In both UK and US English, the term one-third is consistent in spelling, meaning, and usage. The hyphenation ensures clarity in both variations of English, making this form universally recognized.

Why Grammar and Consistency Matter

Adhering to grammar rules ensures your message is clear and professional. Mistakes in spelling, punctuation, or structure can confuse the reader or misrepresent your ideas.

When using fractions like one-third, always check the context. Is it being used as a noun to refer to a portion? Or as an adjective to describe a divided whole? Making this distinction keeps your writing precise.

Moreover, punctuation, like commas in sentences with hence, separates clauses and ensures readability. For example:

Correct: She was late; hence, she missed the announcement.
Incorrect: She was late hence she missed the announcement.

Summary

You can start sentences with hence when making logical connections. Use proper punctuation, such as commas or semicolons, to structure the sentence well.
One-third is the correct spelling, whether as a noun or adjective. Always use the hyphen for clarity.
Avoid errors like One Third without a hyphen, or unnecessary spaces like *One Third *.
In UK and US English, the spelling and usage of one-third remain consistent, emphasizing its universal grammar rules.