Do you have a problem with beginning a sentence with "and" or "but"?

1. 68

   EclecticFusionposted 12 years ago

   Do you have a problem with beginning a sentence with "and" or "but"?
   
   I've found that it's become acceptable to start sentences with "and" or "but" and if I'm not mistaken, that used to be a no-no. My school years are long past, but am I remembering this correctly or was it just my hillbilly school?
   
   

   replyreport
2. 0

   Sooner28posted 12 years ago

   All the time.  And I do it anyway,  because I am a rule breaker!

   replyreport
3. 0

   RTalloniposted 12 years ago

   Yeah, you're right.  But we do it anyway.  With that in mind, I'll admonish you to keep up the good work.  Grammar police are a good thing. 

   replyreport
4. 67

   Naima Manalposted 12 years ago

   It does feel kind of weird, but then again, I've even witnessed editors fill them in to make the writing flow. I think grammar rules have changed, because they were the quintessential "no-nos" in my academic years. So, yes, I do add an occasional one or two in my writings. I'm guilty, too!

   replyreport
5. 0

   Sara Sweeneyposted 12 years ago

   Yes! BUT, sometimes I feel that it is important for either a character's dialog or the flow of the writing. AND every once in a while, I think a little rule breaking can actually ease the readers experience.

   replyreport
6. 60

   hush4444posted 12 years ago

   You're absolutely right, "and" and "but" are conjunctions, meant to connect two words or phrases within a sentence.  Grammar rules haven't changed, at least in the school where I work. I think the more words are misused the more acceptable it becomes to misuse them.  Although I'd never start a sentence with "and", I have been guilty of starting one with "but".

   replyreport
7. 85

   billybucposted 12 years ago

   It is poor grammar and if you doubt that go ask Sister Mary Elizabeth, my old fifth grade teacher.  She will be glad to whack you with a yardstick if you consider using either of those words to start a sentence.

   replyreport
8. 81

   Seeker7posted 12 years ago

   Your not mistaken at all and your 'hillybilly' school taught good English. We were always told it was very poor English to start any sentence with a conjunction such as the word 'and'. It's many years since I was at school as well, but I remember quite clearly that you would have been marked down heavily in exams if you had used the words 'but' or 'and' at the beginning of a sentence. I think with 'texting' and so on, there is a lot of very lazy grammar now being used.

   replyreport
9. 0

   lisasuniquevoiceposted 12 years ago

   There are people who follow along with what they were once taught no matter what things change. We are at the point where we can use either one of those words to begin a sentence. And, it's quite natural to do so.

   replyreport
10. 60

    danajconnellyposted 12 years ago

    not when speaking but when i see it in print it irks me.  Yes, i used the word "irk". Wow.

    replyreport
11. 71

    BeYOUtifuLifeposted 12 years ago

    You are absolutely correct.  I think that our writing has become more conversational  in tone so we insert and and but more freely.

    replyreport
12. 59

    ThatYossarianposted 12 years ago

    Grammar rules should be about forming a framework to increase the clarity of communication.
    
    And if a conjunction at the beginning of a sentence introduces a dependent clause, I see no reason why it should be against the rules.

    replyreport
13. 90

    Rochelle Frankposted 12 years ago

    I agree and I was taught the same way. I try not to do it, but sometimes it just has to happen. As others  have said, especially in dialoge, it is more natural and reflective of the way we speak.
    Hopefully, we will not totally devolve into textspeak , but then, we have already  left  "thee" , "thou" and "thy" behind at some point.

    replyreport