Can you start a sentence with but?
There’s no rule against beginning a sentence with but. Sure, it’s a wise admonition from middle-school English teachers that novice writers avoid beginning a series of sentences with but. In July we went to Six Flags. But it rained that day.
Can you start a sentence with or in an essay?
In our business writing classes, people often want an answer to this burning question: Is it acceptable to begin a sentence with the word and or but? The answer is yes. It is perfectly acceptable to start sentences with the conjunctions and and but.
What is the effect of starting a sentence with a conjunction?
Coordinating conjunctions include the words: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. Beginning a sentence with one of these conjunctions can lend impact or emphasis to the sentence: I’d really like to go to college.
How do you not start a sentence with but?
If you feel you are starting too many sentences with “but,” avoid it completely for a while. Join sentences, change it to “however” or “although” or leave it out completely.
Can you start a sentence with like?
“Like”—and its opposite, “unlike”—often begin a sentence but lead to a misplaced modifier in the same manner as the word “as.” Take this faulty sentence: “Like most of you, the reason I study grammar is that it’s fascinating.” Here, “the reason” is not like most of you; “I” am like most of you, and “I” should go right …
Can you not start a sentence with a conjunction?
Many people have been taught that it’s wrong to start a sentence with a conjunction, but nearly all the major style guides say it’s fine. Although many people were taught to avoid starting a sentence with a conjunction, all major style guides say that doing so is fine.
How do you avoid using but?
“Yet” can often replace “but” in a sentence without changing anything else, as both are coordinating conjunctions that can introduce a contrast. Alternatively, you could use one of these subordinating conjunctions: Although (e.g., I like Brian May, although I find his hair ridiculous.)