Can you start a sentence with but? English teachers love to tell us it’s against the rules. But there is nothing wrong with starting a sentence with but.
As you grow as a writer, you learn that many of the rules you were taught in school aren’t really rules at all. Can you start a sentence with but? Your third-grade teacher probably told you this was absolutely verboten. However, this is an example of a common rule that is misleading. There is nothing wrong with starting a sentence with but or any other coordinating conjunction. In fact, authorities as lofty as The Elements of Style, The Chicago Style Manual, and William Shakespeare all begin sentences with the word “but.” In the case of the former two examples for analyzing a sentence, they also overtly say that it is permissible.
Contents
- Why It Is OK to Start a Sentence with But?
- What Are Coordinating Conjunctions?
- What Are Independent Clauses?
- How Do You Avoid Sentence Fragments?
- Can But Go at the Beginning of a Sentence in Good Writing?
- Is It OK in Business Writing?
- Where Did the Rule Against Starting a Sentence with But Come From?
- The Final Word on Can You Start a Sentence with But
- FAQ About Starting a Sentence with But
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Why It Is OK to Start a Sentence with But?
“But” is conjunction. According to sources including Merriam-Webster, conjunction is used to join words, phrases, clauses, and sentences. Because of this, it is perfectly proper to use “but” to begin a sentence that continues an idea expressed in the previous one.
What Are Coordinating Conjunctions?
We use coordinating conjunctions to connect words and phrases together. The seven coordinating conjunctions in the English language are:
- And
- But
- For
- Nor
- Or
- So
- Yet
It is perfectly allowable to start a sentence with any of these, as long as you are connecting two independent clauses.
What Are Independent Clauses?
An independent clause is one that forms a complete sentence on its own. Examples of independent clauses that are joined by coordinating conjunctions include:
- I got to the station early. But I still missed my train.
- She won’t eat at Italian restaurants. Nor will she try sushi.
- We could go to Paris. Or we could take a flight to Madrid.
How Do You Avoid Sentence Fragments?
As long as the sentence you started with “but” includes both a noun and a verb, the chances that you’ve created a fragment are very low. A sentence fragment lacks one or the other (usually the verb). As long as the first phrase ends in a full stop and the second phrase uses “but” in a logical way, you can’t go wrong.
Examples include:
- I got the promotion. But I still won’t make as much as I need.
- He arrived with seven bags of groceries. But he still forgot the bread.
There are few logical statements in sentences of those forms that would take the form of fragments. If you were to write “He arrived with seven bags of groceries. But the bread.” the reader would be excused for wondering “but the bread what?”
Can But Go at the Beginning of a Sentence in Good Writing?
Yes, absolutely. Good writing, in fact, is made up of sentences that vary in length and word use. Bad writing often suffers from an excess of uniformity rather than a sprinkling of grammar that, although correct, would not be accepted in a beginning language class.
Is It OK in Business Writing?
It’s accepted that business writing is more formal than some other forms. Because of this, there is a reluctance to use grammar that might be seen as overly casual.
However, in actual practice, the choice comes down to the setting and the tone. If other people in your company seem to hew to more stiff and formal language, it might be good to do so, as well. But if they tend to write with less formality, you are free to do so, too.
Where Did the Rule Against Starting a Sentence with But Come From?
According to linguist David Crystal, the rule started with schoolteachers in the 19th century. Many noticed young students habitually starting sentences with conjunctions and attempted to stop this in the interest of creating themes and essays with standalone, independent thoughts and clauses.
But instead of encouraging students to limit the use of these sentence starters, over time, they fell into a habit of banning the words altogether. Because of this, generations of children were taught never to start a sentence with conjunction when no such English grammar rule exists.
The Final Word on Can You Start a Sentence with But
Yes, you absolutely can start a sentence with but. But you need to make sure that the following sentence is not a fragment.
When it comes to using it in a business setting, that is a question of style rather than grammar. Follow the lead of the people in your office and your industry. And if there’s a style guide, that’s even better.
FAQ About Starting a Sentence with But
When can you start a sentence with but?
Any time you are joining a sentence with the one that proceeds it.
Are there times it’s wrong to start a sentence with but?
It’s wrong if your sentence is not a complete sentence. If it is a dependent clause, you should use a piece of punctuation other than a period.
Is it OK to use but at the start of a sentence according to AP Style or Chicago Manual of Style?
Both allow you to use but at the beginning of a sentence.
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#1
In everyday conversations,we don’t speak properly and we speak without bothering the grammar or the rules of the language and whatsoever.However, when we write the language becomes more difficult.I’d like to ask about the word ‘but’.Can but be used as the first word in a sentence?For example,»However, in the last three decades, the full-time education has increased in both male and female population.But this increase…..»
Is that acceptable?
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#2
Yes, you can certainly start a sentence with «but» as you do here.
In the past, English teachers used to preach that one should never start a sentence with conjunctions like and or but. Does this rule still apply today?
Not entirely. It is already acceptable to start sentences with such conjunctions. Some authorities, in fact, even defend that for some cases conjunctions will do a better job than more formal constructions. Here is a quotation from Ernest Gowers addressing the usage of and on the beginning of sentences:
That it is a solecism to begin a sentence with and is a faintly lingering superstition. The OED gives examples ranging from the 10th to the 19th c.; the Bible is full of them.
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.
Secondly, many people still regard such usage as informal. If you are writing a formal piece or if you are not sure how your audience might react to conjunctions at the beginning of a sentence, you could substitute them with more formal terms. Below you will find some examples.
But I am still awaiting his reply.
Can be written as:
However, I am still awaiting his reply.
Although I am still awaiting his reply.
Nevertheless, I am still awaiting his reply.
And she was running very fast.
Can be written as:
Moreover, she was running very fast.
In addition, she was running very fast.
Furthermore, she was running very fast.
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Comma usage can be tricky, and one question that pops up repeatedly is: When to put a comma beforebut? This guide will help you understand how to use commas before and after the conjunction but. We’ll also share a few other tricks of the trade to make using commas easier.
Main Comma Before But Takeaways:
- You need to put a comma beforebut if but connects two independent clauses.
- Independent clauses can stand alone as a sentence. They must express a complete thought.
- A dependent clause doesn’t express a complete thought, so it cannot stand alone as a sentence.
- A comma before but isn’t necessary if both independent clauses are simple and closely related.
- When the but links dependent and independent clauses, no comma is required.
- The only time a comma should follow but is when the but precedes an interrupter.
- An interrupter is a phrase that’s used to create emphasis in a sentence.
The rules of English grammar can be tricky, and comma usage can be the trickiest of all. One recurring comma-related question is when to use a comma beforebut. Thankfully, the guidelines for this particular grammar conundrum are simple.
Do You Use a Comma Before But?
The answer is yes, but only if you are joining two independent clauses. An independent clause can stand by itself as a complete sentence. There are two ways to join two independent clauses in one sentence: using a semicolon or coordinating conjunction like “but.”
If you choose the latter, a comma should always precede “but.” The comma helps show where one independent clause ends, and the other begins. Adding a comma before “but” is a rule applicable to all other coordinating conjunctions, not just “but.” See the example sentences below:
Let’s break that down further.
Defining an Independent Clause
An independent clause is a phrase that can stand alone as a sentence. Although it may represent a single part of a complex sentence, it should express a complete thought. An independent clause must include a verb and a subject.
In this example, “Lisa loved dogs” is an independent clause. It contains a subject and a verb and conveys a complete thought. “She knew the names of every four-legged resident of her neighborhood” is also an independent clause for the same reason.
Exploring Sentences Containing Two Independent Clauses
Sentences may contain two independent clauses as long as they’re punctuated properly. Without correct punctuation, two independent clauses strung together form a run-on sentence.
There are several ways to join two independent clauses in a sentence correctly.
- Separating them with a semicolon.
- Joining them through a conjunction such as or, but, or and.
Examples:
There are several ways to join these two clauses.
This is a comma splice. It’s grammatically incorrect.
In this example, a semicolon effectively connects these two related independent clauses.
This example shows but as a conjunction between these two independent clauses. A comma is required here.
Where to Place the Comma
If you’re connecting independent clauses with a semicolon, you don’t need a comma. If you’re joining two independent clauses with a conjunction, such as but, a comma is required. The comma belongs after the last word in the initial clause, before but (or whichever conjunction you’ve used).
In this example, “commasare important” and “they can be difficult to use” are both independent clauses. They can stand on their own as sentences.
When you Shouldn’t use a Comma Before But
The rule of thumb here is simple: unless but joins two independent clauses, you don’t need a comma. In some sentences, independent clauses are joined to dependent clauses. A comma is not required in these instances.
1. Defining a Dependent Clause
Although a dependent clause contains a subject and verb, it can’t stand alone as a sentence because it doesn’t express a complete thought. These phrases can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs.
Word markers often signal dependent clauses. These may include:
- after
- although
- unless
- when
- whether
- since
- as if
- in order to
- whatever
2. Punctuating Sentences That Have Dependent Clauses
If the but in your sentence joins dependent and independent clauses, no comma is necessary.
In this example, “still didn’t get a response” is a dependent clause. It can’t stand alone as a sentence. No comma is needed before the but here.
Other Exceptions
Occasionally, you’ll encounter a joining of two short independent clauses. If the clauses are simple and demonstrate an obvious connection, then no comma is necessary. Although it isn’t grammatically incorrect to use a comma in this instance, it can create a sentence with poor flow. Take for instance the examples below:
The Flip Side: When to Put a Comma After But
The answer: rarely.
A comma should only be used after but when an interrupter follows it. An interrupter is a literary device that’s intended to enhance style. It can be used to evoke emotion, set the tone or pace of a sentence, or emphasize important thoughts or information.
Interrupters may also be called insertions or parenthetical expressions.
In this example, “of course” serves as an interrupter, so a comma is required after the but. This example also includes a comma beforebut since it’s joining two independent clauses.
Commas, Commas, Everywhere: A Brief Conclusion
Grammar rules, including but not limited to commas, can be challenging at best and downright impossible to understand at worst. By exploring individual questions such as when to place a comma beforebut, you’ll learn how to use this grammatical go-to in no time. No buts about it.
Quick Grammar Quiz About Comma Before But
Comma Before But Question #1
Correct!
Wrong!
The answer is TRUE. The comma shows where one clause ends and the other begins.
But Comma Question #2
A. It conveys a complete thought.
B. It can stand alone as a sentence.
C. It must contain a subject and a verb.
D. All of the above.
Correct!
Wrong!
The answer is D. An independent clause contains a subject and a verb, expresses a complete thought, and can stand alone as a sentence.
Comma Before But Question #3
A. Peter wanted to finish the race, he was too tired.
B. Peter wanted to finish the race. He was too tired.
C. Peter wanted to finish the marathon; he was too tired.
D. Peter wanted to finish the marathon, but he was too tired.
Correct!
Wrong!
The answer is A. This sentence is a comma splice.
Comma Question #4
A. A comma is required when connecting independent clauses with a semicolon.
B. A comma is NOT required when connecting independent clauses with a semicolon.
Correct!
Wrong!
The answer is B. You only need a comma when joining two independent clauses with a conjunction.
Comma Before But Question #5
A. A dependent clause can contain a subject and a verb.
B. A dependent clause can stand alone in a sentence.
Correct!
Wrong!
The answer is B. Since dependent clauses don’t convey a complete thought, they can’t stand alone in a sentence.
Comma After But Question #6
A. An interrupter
B. An insertion
C. A parenthetical expression
D. All of the above
Correct!
Wrong!
The answer is D. An interrupter is a literary device that’s intended to enhance style. It’s also known as an insertion or a parenthetical expression.
Read More: When To Use Comma Before Such As: The Definitive Guide
I was once told by an English professor that a comma should never be used before but in a sentence. For years, I have followed her advice but sometimes I just feel like it just needs to be there. On the other hand, my brain also tells me that the word but is, in a sense, performing the same function as a comma in the sentence.
Does anyone know if there is a rule for this?
RegDwigнt
96.4k39 gold badges305 silver badges399 bronze badges
asked Jun 2, 2011 at 16:00
2
That rule sounds very odd. Few people would never use a comma before but. I believe many follow this rule: use a comma before but if (and only if) it introduces an independent sentence. This applies to the other coordinating conjunctions too (and, or, and so).
She liked him but refused to marry
him.She liked him, but she refused to
marry him.
I find that I do not always stick to this rule: I sometimes use a comma before but-dependent when I feel a pause would somehow improve the flow of the sentence (vague, I know).
In very short (informal?) sentences, the comma is sometimes left out regardless, though some might object to this:
It’s true but it sucks.
answered Jun 2, 2011 at 16:39
0
Visit the Corpus of Contemporary American English, and search for but. You will find many sentences where a comma precedes but.
This is a useless, artificial rule, one of the type that misguided English teachers love so much to invent.
answered Jun 2, 2011 at 16:25
General rule of thumb: if «but» is used as a coordinating conjunction (one that combines two independent clauses), then it should be accompanied by the preceding comma.
answered Mar 3, 2014 at 3:10
It depends on the actual sentence. Often but is used before a contrasting element and thus should be set off by a comma. This conflicts with the no comma rule before the conjunction for dependent clauses — to be on the safe side use comma before but, and convert a dependent clause into an independent one by adding a subject.
Example:
I can do most of the things the software would do for me but am unclear on the symbiosis of it all.
should be
I can do most of the things the software would do for me, but I am unclear on the symbiosis of it all
to avoid the conflict.
Source (archived version).
answered Jun 3, 2011 at 0:44
Peter MortensenPeter Mortensen
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0
The word may make a comma semantically redundant, but syntactically it aids readability.
answered Jun 2, 2011 at 16:37
2
In my first college course, I was taught to use a comma before «but» when it introduced an independent clause. I used to slap commas in intuitively, but I’m glad I’ve learned how to use them properly.
answered Sep 29, 2013 at 3:19
Actually, there is not a simple answer here. This is why some of us were taught to use comma before ‘but’, and some of us were not.
Generally speaking, in the UK, writers tend not put a comma before the conjunction. In the US, however, writers tend to use a comma.
The links below will give more info:
- Using a Comma before «And»
- Using Commas in Lists
Laurel♦
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answered Feb 13, 2014 at 10:22
ten0sten0s
1212 bronze badges
2
My rule is to avoid commas before conjunctions unless the conjunction indroduces a clearly new idea. I often type a comma before a conjunction only to remove it when I realise it divides the text unnecessarily.
answered Oct 14, 2012 at 18:16
