Remember when your parents told you that if you ate watermelon seeds, they’d grow into a plant in your stomach? Well, English grammar has its own myths too! One of the biggest? You should never start a sentence with “and” or “but.” Spoiler alert: That’s not true anymore.
English has changed, and it’s now perfectly okay to start sentences with “and” or “but.” But (see what I did there?) let’s talk about how to do it the right way.
Can You Really Start a Sentence with “And” or “But”?
Yes, you can! Starting a sentence with these words makes your writing feel natural and conversational. It sounds like how we speak in everyday life. However, you need to use them carefully, or your text may seem choppy.
Here’s an example:
Old Rule:
“But I didn’t know about the meeting.” (Uh-oh, not allowed in old grammar rules!)
New Rule:
“But I didn’t know about the meeting.” (This is fine now!)
If you’re writing something formal, you might want to avoid using “and” or “but” at the beginning of a sentence. In those cases, you can use more formal words like “however” or “moreover.”
Formal Example:
“However, I didn’t know about the meeting.”
When to Use “And” or “But” in Sentences
Starting with “and” or “but” can add a little punch to your writing. But remember, don’t overuse them. If every sentence starts this way, your text can feel repetitive.
Here’s another example:
Everyday Writing:
“And then we decided to take a break.”
Formal Writing:
“In addition, we decided to take a break.”
See the difference? Both are correct, but the second one is more formal.
A Few Tips to Keep in Mind
- Use “and” or “but” to connect your ideas naturally.
- Don’t be afraid to break the old rules (but only if it makes your writing better).
- If you’re unsure, stick to formal alternatives like “however” or “in addition.”
By following these tips, your English will sound smoother, and you’ll write with more confidence. So, go ahead and start your sentences with “and” or “but” when it feels right!