How can I start a sentence with so?

There are no formal standards denouncing the use of the word “So” to begin a sentence. When being written in a formal capacity the use of a comma after so isn’t necessary. But when using it in an informal context a comma often follows.

Do you always put a comma after so?

So is one of seven coordinating conjunctions represented by the mnemonic FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet,and so. When these coordinating conjunctions connect two independent clauses, the conjunction is always preceded by a comma. The grocery store was out of tomatoes, so I borrowed some from my neighbor.

Does a comma go after because?

Because is a subordinating conjunction, which means that it connects a subordinate clause to an independent clause; good style dictates that there should be no comma between these two clauses. There should generally be no comma between the two. Michael went to the forest, because he loves walking among the trees.

Can you put a semicolon before because?

Semicolons are not used with conjunctions. “Because” is a conjunction. Therefore, you do not use a semicolon with “because.”