Is it ok to start a sentence with “also”?

Solution 1:

Certainly, it is correct to begin a sentence with also. All adverbs (also inclusive) can be used at the beginning of a sentence with the proper punctuation. For instance, the first sentence in this answer begins with an adverb. Other examples are:

• Furthermore, we have exhausted all the other options.
• Definitely, you can use my car.
• Surely, he could do better.
• Besides*, she had my number and could have called.

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^{*Note that Besides is used here as an adverb not a preposition.}

Solution 2:

As noted by other commenters, some writers prefer to avoid "Also, .. " in formal writing. But there is one use of 'also' at the start of a sentence which is in fact more prevalent in formal than in informal writing: namely, Also + adjective. Example:

• Also important is the pursuit of wealth and economic growth and power.

This uncommon syntax is called "fronting'.

Solution 3:

Burchfield in Fowler's Modern English Usage advises against it. He says it is now quite frequent, but still a "marked feature of uneducated speech".

I have always disliked it myself; a sentence can easily be recast to avoid it. I see it a lot, even in academic writing; but it is still considered informal or uneducated by some (it is hard to estimate their number, but they are probably a small minority); so, if you want to please traditionalists, don't use it. If formality and style are not your primary concern, don't bother trying to avoid it, and rest assured that most people would use it.

Solution 4:

It is correct as long as you are continuing a line of thought, but you should limit its use to an informal register. Formal register, however, will require you to use a more sophisticated alternative such as Furthermore, to name one.

Solution 5:

Yes.

Also, it's fine to start a sentence with And, But and many other words (mostly conjunctions) that some people are convinced they shouldn't start with.