4 ms·

It's not grammatically wrong to start a sentence with "But" if the previous sentence is complete. It's just one of those things you hear is wrong from a teacher

by tjmc 13y ago

It's not grammatically wrong to start a sentence with "But" if the previous sentence is complete. It's just one of those things you hear is wrong from a teacher at some point.

diydsp 13y ago
I am fully aware that starting a single sentence with "but" is not always considered wrong. You may not realize it is still quite controversial. That is why I didn't finger the anonymous author for a single fracture, but instead implicated the > "large number of sentences beginning with the word "But". Prior to posting, I wasn't sure, so I researched my answer before I posted it. My research indicated that is not incorrect, however "but" should be used "carefully and efficiently, else your text might become choppy" [1]. I also learned that "Of course, like any other word, but may be overworked." [2] Others declared it "No, not fully acceptable." [3] and it "can be an effective rhetorical ploy in informal and semi-formal writing, but only if it isn't overused." [3] Another article pointed out it's okay "assuming you do so in moderation" [4] Many sources described it as okay in informal writing, e.g. " 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!)" [5] Another writer said "However, it is slightly informal. If formality is your goal, choose more formal language." [6] All of these darts at formality indicate a transgression in a business publication. However, my friend, if your read my words closely, you'll notice there's a much deeper implication to which I invite the community for consideration which has slipped under the radar. I have claimed a much deeper link between the writer's atrocious, immoderate use of the word and his hazy chain of thought. I imagine this thought to be substantially more controversial and much less easily assailed. [1] While it is acceptable to use such conjunctions to start a sentence, you should still use them carefully and efficiently, else your text might become choppy. [ http://www.dailywritingtips.com/can-you-start-sentences-with-%E2%80%9Cand%E2%80%9D-and-%E2%80%9Cbut%E2%80%9D/ http://www.dailywritingtips.com/can-you-start-sentences-with... ] [2] http://grammar.about.com/od/grammarfaq/f/butsentencefaq.htm http://grammar.about.com/od/grammarfaq/f/butsentencefaq.htm [3] http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=2190190 http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=2190190 [4] http://dodgingcommas.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/weekly-grammar-tip-starting-a-sentence-with-and-or-but/ http://dodgingcommas.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/weekly-grammar... [5] http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060613110734AAcyzd0 http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=2006061311073... [6] http://www.businesswritingblog.com/business_writing/2005/11/but_its_okay_an.html http://www.businesswritingblog.com/business_writing/2005/11/...

by tjmc 13y ago

It's not grammatically wrong to start a sentence with "But" if the previous sentence is complete. It's just one of those things you hear is wrong from a teacher at some point.

diydsp 13y ago

I am fully aware that starting a single sentence with "but" is not always considered wrong. You may not realize it is still quite controversial. That is why I didn't finger the anonymous author for a single fracture, but instead implicated the > "large number of sentences beginning with the word "But". Prior to posting, I wasn't sure, so I researched my answer before I posted it. My research indicated that is not incorrect, however "but" should be used "carefully and efficiently, else your text might become choppy" [1]. I also learned that "Of course, like any other word, but may be overworked." [2] Others declared it "No, not fully acceptable." [3] and it "can be an effective rhetorical ploy in informal and semi-formal writing, but only if it isn't overused." [3] Another article pointed out it's okay "assuming you do so in moderation" [4] Many sources described it as okay in informal writing, e.g. " 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!)" [5] Another writer said "However, it is slightly informal. If formality is your goal, choose more formal language." [6] All of these darts at formality indicate a transgression in a business publication. However, my friend, if your read my words closely, you'll notice there's a much deeper implication to which I invite the community for consideration which has slipped under the radar. I have claimed a much deeper link between the writer's atrocious, immoderate use of the word and his hazy chain of thought. I imagine this thought to be substantially more controversial and much less easily assailed. [1] While it is acceptable to use such conjunctions to start a sentence, you should still use them carefully and efficiently, else your text might become choppy. [ http://www.dailywritingtips.com/can-you-start-sentences-with-%E2%80%9Cand%E2%80%9D-and-%E2%80%9Cbut%E2%80%9D/ http://www.dailywritingtips.com/can-you-start-sentences-with... ] [2] http://grammar.about.com/od/grammarfaq/f/butsentencefaq.htm http://grammar.about.com/od/grammarfaq/f/butsentencefaq.htm [3] http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=2190190 http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=2190190 [4] http://dodgingcommas.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/weekly-grammar-tip-starting-a-sentence-with-and-or-but/ http://dodgingcommas.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/weekly-grammar... [5] http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060613110734AAcyzd0 http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=2006061311073... [6] http://www.businesswritingblog.com/business_writing/2005/11/but_its_okay_an.html http://www.businesswritingblog.com/business_writing/2005/11/...