When is it ok to begin a sentence with 'but' or 'and'?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

The old rule used to be to never use it. And many people followed the rule, whether or not it made sense.

But with the advent of e-mail and computers more people are writing, the old rule is no longer as dictatorial, and variations are permitted.

Realistically, the more formal your writing needs to be, the less you should use "but" or "and" to start a sentence. There's usually a clearer way to get your point across. I work in technical writing and shy away from it on the job as a matter of course.

But in more creative writing and/or informal writing (such as journaling or letter writing or posting things on Yahoo Answers!), I think it's perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "but" or "and."

Usually it is used for give "flavor" to the text, to give it some life and personality. And it forces people to pause or breathe where you'd like them to, when they read your text "mentally" in their mind. You're not just relaying information, you're trying to make your reader feel certain things, and such constructions are one tool to do that.

But I suppose it's really up to you.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

This confirmed what I thought, but gave me a clearer understanding of the issue. There were a couple of other good answers too, but this was the best. I am doing a proofreading course and this kind of correction came up in my first assignment. My tutor indicated the 'but' the start of the sentence.

Answer 2

Whenever u r shadow boxing my child.

Answer 3

it isnt you always have to have a comma before the and or but

Answer 4

When you are famous you can break the rules. Generally it is best NOT to begin a sentence without using "but" or "and."

Answer 5

No, unless you are mentally challenged. In that case, people will probably let it slide. And yes, that includes downs syndrome.

Answer 6

never

Answer 7

I dont think its ever ok?

Answer 8

Never

Answer 9

inslva is right. Use a word/phrase like however, also, in addition.

Answer 10

If you are going to address a person with the name But or And, short for Butterworth or Andrew.

Answer 11

Never. The comma is used after these words to show more of the sentence is coming.

Answer 12

You should not start a sentence with either word.

Answer 13

i am an English major. that rule was thrown out a long time ago. it is okay to use and, and but at the beginning of a sentence although it should be avoided if at all possible

Answer 14

But of course!

Answer 15

It isnt ok. You would have to continue the sentence with a but and then put a comma and then continue the sentence and the same thing with the and.

Answer 16

actually, it is not always incorrect to start a sentence with and or but, the best places to use these at the start of a sentence is when you want to add more power the your sentence.
It is NOT gramatically incorrect to start a sentence with ad or but!

ten points for the only correct answer

Source(s):

just look in any book or newspaper paper etc...

Answer 17

NEVER sorry for shouting

Answer 18

butt face!

Answer 19

In formal writing, never. Substitute however for but and a phrase like moreover or in addition for and. However, in casual writing (letters to family, e-mail,) or in writing where not following the rules may be part of the form (humorous poetry, such as limericks for example), you may write the way you wish.

Answer 20

But, you didn't explain it adequately! And, I have to know just why you need to know this. This is a casual conversation.

Answer 21

Writing dialogue.

Answer 22

when your trying to make a statement in your writing. make sure it's ok with your teacher before doing it though.

Answer 23

Only when invoking 'poetic license'...as my 6th grade literature teacher Mrs. Arrighi used to say...and unless you're already a published writer...you doan got it.

Source(s):

Mrs. Arrighi

Answer 24

Whenever u want to link the sentence with the previous sentence ..

But is generally used in opposition
And is used in Agreement of Ideas.

Answer 25

There's no law (or if there was, it was thrown out long ago) that says you can't begin a sentence with "But" or "And," but don't overdo it or your writing becomes monotonous.

Source(s):

"Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Connor (and other grammar books)

Answer 26

never start a sentence with but or and

Answer 27

as per grammar rules , it is impossible to do it but if you want to do it , nobody will stop you.

Answer 28

Its not, they are grammatically incorrect.

Answer 29

And why wouldn't it be acceptable to begin a sentence with "but" or "and"? But for the objections of teachers! Note that the two sentences are interrogatory and exclamatory, and in such constructions, both "but" and "and" are normally acceptable; as they provide greater emphasis when either begins the sentence. However, in declaratory sentences, where what is either being disagreed with or agreed with may well not be all that clear, the subject should be restated before the "but" or "and" so that agreement or disagreement is made that more obvious to the reader or to the hearer. Confusion is never courteous.

Answer 30

never

Answer 31

never