There is a widespread belief—one with no historical or grammatical foundation—that it is an error to begin a sentence with a conjunction such as and, but or so. In fact, a substantial percentage (often as many as 10 percent) of the sentences in first-rate writing begin with conjunctions.

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Also know, can you start a sentence with but or and?

Being Wrong Can Make You Happy People, including some of the greatest writers of all time, have been starting sentences with “and” and “but” for hundreds of years. Of course, there are style guides that discourage it, but it's perfectly acceptable to begin a sentence with “but” when writing.

Also Know, what words can be used to start a sentence? Some 10 to 30 percent of the sentences will begin with adverbial phrases. And 10 to 20 percent will begin with conjunctions—either subordinating (If, Because, Although, etc.) or, more commonly, coordinating (But, Yet, And, So, etc.).

Also to know is, how do you not start a sentence with and?

Never begin a sentence—or a clause—with also. Teach the elimination of but, so, and, because, at the beginning of a sentence. A sentence should not commence with the conjunctions and, for, or however.

Can you use and/or in a sentence?

In writing the phrase and/or, for example in a sentence as: I need to purchase a new item and/or return this one. the sentence would literally translate to: I need to purchase a new item and and or or return this one.

Related Question Answers

What are the 8 rules for commas?

8 Simple Comma Rules — Remember Them Like Your Own Birthday
  • ONE: Let's start simple.
  • TWO: Continuing with simple, you put a comma between a city and a state or country.
  • THREE: You have the option of putting a comma after an introductory element.
  • FOUR: Hopefully you know this one by now.
  • FIVE: You should also know this one.
  • SIX:
  • SEVEN:
  • EIGHT:

Can you have a comma before and?

The word and is a conjunction, and when a conjunction joins two independent clauses, you should use a comma with it. The proper place for the comma is before the conjunction. Therefore, we need a comma before and. Don't use a comma before and when one of the clauses it's connecting is a dependent clause.

Can I start a sentence with also?

7 Answers. 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.

Is the a conjunction?

A conjunction (also called a connective) is a word such as and, because, but, for, if, or, and when. Conjunctions are used to connect phrases, clauses, and sentences. There are two main kinds of conjunction.

How do you use the word but?

First, look at the words before but: I would go for a walk. Then look at the words after but: it's raining outside. Both of those phrases could stand alone as complete sentences. That means they're independent clauses, so you need to use a comma before but.

Can I start a sentence with yet?

As yet is classed as a coordinating conjunction, many would still say that it should never be at the start of a sentence. It is supposed to be joining and creating a relationship between two clauses. Putting conjunctions such as yet at the start of a sentence is acceptable, as long as you use it correctly.

What are conjunctions in grammar?

A conjunction is the glue that holds words, phrases and clauses (both dependent and independent) together. There are three different kinds of conjunctions -- coordinating, subordinating, and correlative -- each serving its own, distinct purpose, but all working to bring words together.

How do you begin a paragraph?

Here's how:
  1. First, write a topic sentence that summarizes your point. This is the first sentence of your paragraph.
  2. Next, write your argument, or why you feel the topic sentence is true.
  3. Finally, present your evidence (facts, quotes, examples, and statistics) to support your argument.

What can I say instead of but?

Synonyms for but
  • although.
  • however.
  • nevertheless.
  • on the other hand.
  • still.
  • though.
  • yet.

Is but a conjunction?

Coordinating ConjunctionsComes usually in the middle of a sentence, and a comma is used before the conjunction (unless both clauses are very short). They join individual words, phrases, and independent clauses. And, but, for, nor, or, so, and yet — are the seven coordinating conjunctions.

Can you start a sentence with a preposition?

Prepositions in SentencesThe best way to start a sentence with a preposition is in an introductory phrase. When you do this, you should usually place a comma after the phrase. For example: After my English test, I ate a huge lunch.

What is a preposition in a sentence?

A preposition is a word or set of words that indicates location (in, near, beside, on top of) or some other relationship between a noun or pronoun and other parts of the sentence (about, after, besides, instead of, in accordance with).

Is there a comma after so?

In formal writing style “so” is not followed by a comma when used at the beginning of a sentence, although some feel strongly that it shouldn't begin a sentence in the first place. When used as a subordinating conjunction, no comma is required. If there are no two independent clauses, comma is not used.

Why do people start sentences with so?

He explains that "in Hiberno-English Scullion-speak [] 'so' operates as an expression that obliterates all previous discourse and narrative, and at the same time functions as an exclamation calling for immediate attention. So, 'so' it was".

Can you start a sentence with a number?

The MLA Style CenterSince you should never begin a sentence with a numeral, you should first try to reword the sentence. If you find it unwieldy to reorder your words, spell out the number: Seventy-six percent of the class barely passed the final, 18% flunked miserably, and 6% burst into tears.

How do you avoid conjunctions?

An easy way to remember them is with the mnemonic device FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. Subordinate conjunctions, such as although, because, if and until, connect subordinate clauses to the main clause of a sentence.

How do we write a conclusion?

Conclude an essay with one or more of the following:
  1. Include a brief summary of the paper's main points.
  2. Ask a provocative question.
  3. Use a quotation.
  4. Evoke a vivid image.
  5. Call for some sort of action.
  6. End with a warning.
  7. Universalize (compare to other situations).
  8. Suggest results or consequences.

How do you start a transition paragraph?

And, in addition to, furthermore, moreover, besides, than, too, also, both-and, another, equally important, first, second, etc., again, further, last, finally, not only-but also, as well as, in the second place, next, likewise, similarly, in fact, as a result, consequently, in the same way, for example, for instance,

How do you conclude an essay?

How to conclude an essay:
  1. Restate the thesis by making the same point with other words (paraphrase).
  2. Review your supporting ideas.
  3. For that, summarize all arguments by paraphrasing how you proved the thesis.
  4. Connect back to the essay hook and relate your closing statement to the opening one.