Starting sentences with conjunctive adverbs

In South Africa, we tend to follow British English rather than American English.  You will find that American English is more lax when it comes to following rules such as starting sentences with 'joining words' or conjunctive adverbs.  The conjunctive adverbs I am referring to are my two pet hates, "therefore" and "however".  

Image by David Castillo Dominici

It is best practice to place these words in the middle of a sentence, preceded and then subsequently followed by commas.   There does seem to be a big debate surrounding when it is appropriate to start a sentence with 'however', you can read more here http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/starting-a-sentence-with-however.aspx. 

My advice is the following.  Life is hard enough as it is.  Let us keep it simple.  To avoid over-complicating matters I simply avoid starting sentences with 'therefore' and 'however' - if I am writing business correspondence.

I was asked if it is correct to start a sentence with "due to"?  I have to admit I have been unable to find any evidence to indicate that one should not, but please do share with me if you disagree.  Based on my findings, one can start a sentence with "due to" provided that a noun follows thereafter.  "Due to" should be used in stead of 'because of" in formal writing where possible.

For more information contact us on www.minutetakersclinic.co.za

Image by David Castillo Dominici http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=3062