When can you start a sentence with the word but

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
• Author

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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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Last Update: Jan 03, 2023

This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested!

Asked by: Arno Buckridge

Score: 4.8/5
(58 votes)

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 but in academic writing?

The answer is yes. It is perfectly acceptable to start sentences with the conjunctions and and but.

What can I use to start a sentence with 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.)

Can you start a sentence with and but or or?

Answer: It is completely acceptable to begin a sentence with the words and, but, and or. Conjunction words like these join together sentences, clauses, or phrases.

Should you start a sentence with but UK?

But for the rest of us mere mortals starting a sentence with And or But is perfectly acceptable. In fact copywriters do it all the time as it makes copy informal, snappy and really gets a point across.

45 related questions found

Coordinating conjunctions, such as “but,” are generally used to join two parts of a sentence together. But is it ever acceptable to start a sentence with the word “but”? Read on to find out more!

What the Traditionalists Say

You may have had it drummed into you for years that you cannot begin a sentence with “but.” This rule is a particular favorite of schoolteachers and is thought to prevent the overuse of the word, which is common in children’s speech. For instance:

✘ We went to the library to pick up our textbook. But it wasn’t available, so we looked online. But we couldn’t find it online either…

However, look at this example from Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick:

“Despairing of him, therefore, I determined to go to bed and to sleep; and no doubt, before a great while, he would follow me. But previous to turning in, I took my heavy bear-skin jacket…”

No one could accuse Melville of writing sloppy English. So why does he use sentences that begin with a coordinating conjunction?

When Is It Okay to Start a Sentence with “But”?

The truth is, there is no hard and fast rule against starting a sentence with “but”—as long as the sentence is formed correctly. Since this word is intended to connect two thoughts together, it’s important that your sentence contains a main clause. That means it should include a subject and a verb and can stand on its own. 

You should also consider the audience for your writing. Although it may be perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with “but” in informal writing, such as in social media content and blog posts, it’s best avoided if you want to achieve a formal tone. For data-driven documents, such as case studies and text books, try using alternative expressions like “however” or “nevertheless.” One caveat: when writing literature or poetry, “but” can be used at the beginning of a sentence to achieve dramatic effect (see the Moby-Dick example).

Be Aware of Style Guides!

When weighing up whether to use “but” at the beginning of a sentence, check to see if you need to adhere to a particular style guide. Style guides are used in the publishing world to set standards for grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Your style guide may specify that sentences shouldn’t begin with a coordinating conjunction. But if not (see what I did there?), the use of “but” at the beginning of a sentence is never truly off limits.

Expert Proofreading

Finally, if you are in any doubt at all about your use of English, why not get your writing proofread? Submit a free trial document today!

It’s a question I often heard when I was teaching: Can a sentence start with but?

The answer is simple: Yes. Of course.

For years I offered $100 in cash to any student who could find the Don’t start a sentence with but rule in a grammar book from a reputable publisher. My librarian friends would invariably report a run on grammar books for the next couple of days.

Despite frantic efforts to claim the money, no student ever succeeded, for a simple reason: That “rule” doesn’t exist. Even Fowler’s Modern English Usage, the ultimate authority on grammar, says there’s no such rule. (See for yourself: Click on the link to read page 191, where you’ll find a discussion about starting sentences with but.)

Good writers start sentences with but all the time. To prove my point, a few minutes ago I found this sentence at the New York Times website in the second paragraph of a news story: “But Republicans still oppose many aspects of the bill, and a rough floor fight lies ahead.”

“Ah, yes,” you’re saying. “But that just proves how writing has deteriorated.”

I hear you.  You’re sure you won’t find sentences starting with but in the Gettysburg Address, or FDR’s Inaugural Address, or Shakespeare, or the Declaration of Independence, or classic books like Pride and Prejudice and Little Women, or examples of fine prose like the King James Bible. Everybody knows that, right?

Wrong. Read on: I’ve assembled sentences starting with but from a variety of writers, old and new. For good measure, I included sentences from several authorities on good writing: Lynn Truss, Strunk and White, Theodore Bernstein, H. D. Fowler, and H. L. Mencken. (You might be interested to know that Princeton University did a study and found that professional writers start 10% of their sentences with “but” and “and.”)

But don’t take my  word for it. Go to your bookcase and leaf through a couple of your favorite books. Pull out today’s newspaper and scan the front page. Turn the pages of your favorite magazine. Go to www.Bartleby.com, which has full texts of many classic books, and check out what famous writers from the past have done.

Here’s what you’ll discover: Not only do professional writers start sentences with but – they do it often. You won’t have to search far for examples. Happy hunting! (To learn more about punctuating sentences with but, click here and read about Comma Rule 2.)

Examples of Sentences Starting with But:

Eats, Shoots and Leaves, Lynn Truss, p. 7:

“But best of all, I think, is the simple advice given by the style book of a national newspaper: that punctuation is ‘a courtesy designed to help readers to understand a story without stumbling.’”

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, J. K. Rowling, p. 3:

“But on the edge of town, drills were driven out of his mind by something else.”

The Associated Press Stylebook (2007), p. 326:

“But use the comma if its omission would slow comprehension…”

Watch Your Language, Theodore Bernstein, p. 4:

“But when he is writing for the newspaper he must fit himself into the newspaper’s framework.”

Preface to Watch Your Language, Jacques Barzun:

“But I am not inviting the reader to witness a tender of compliments over what may seem like a mere byproduct of professional skill.”

The American Language: An Inquiry into the Development of English in the United States, H.L.Mencken (1921):

“But its chief excuse is its human interest, for it prods deeply into national idiosyncrasies and ways of mind, and that sort of prodding is always entertaining.”

The Elements of Style, Strunk and White (1918 edition):

“But whether the interruption be slight or considerable, he must never omit one comma and leave the other.”

The King’s English, H.D. Fowler (1908 edition):

“But if, instead of his Saxon percentage’s being the natural and undesigned consequence of his brevity (and the rest), those other qualities have been attained by his consciously restricting himself to Saxon, his pains will have been worse than wasted; the taint of preciosity will be over all he has written.”

Little Women, Louisa May Alcott, page 1:

“We can’t do much, but we can make our little sacrifices, and ought to do it gladly. But I’m afraid I don’t.” And Meg shook her head, as she thought regretfully of all the pretty things she wanted.

Epistle Dedicatory to Man and Superman, Bernard Shaw, 1903, p. 2:

“But you must not expect me to adopt your inexplicable, fantastic, petulant, fastidious ways….”

Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen, p. 1:

“My dear Mr. Bennet,” said his lady to him one day, “have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?”
Mr. Bennet replied that he had not.
“But it is,” returned she; “for Mrs. Long has just been here, and she told me all about it.”

FDR, First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1933:

“But it may be that an unprecedented demand and need for undelayed action may call for temporary departure from that normal balance of public procedure.”

The Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln (1863):

“But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground.”

Hamlet, William Shakespeare, Ii:

Horatio: So have I heard and do in part believe it.
But look, the morn, in russet mantle clad,
Walks o’er the dew of yon high eastward hill.

King James Bible, Luke 6:44 – 45 (Sermon on the Mount)

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”

Cashel Byron’s Profession, Bernard Shaw:

CASHEL. I go. The meanest lad on thy estate Would not betray me thus. But ’tis no matter.

P.S. I have sentences starting with but in all my books (I’ve published eleven of them). Did you notice that I started a sentence with but in this blog? Here it is: But don’t take my word for it.

It’s good advice, incidentally. Start doing your own investigation of these hallowed (but non-existent) rules.

My husband once had an editor who thought because was a bad word. Whenever he used because in an article, she’d call him and insist that he take it out. It never occurred to her to check the dictionary or see whether real-world writers use the word because (which, of course, they all do regularly). Made her look foolish, didn’t it?

Can you start a sentence with but? I am sure you must recall your high school English teacher told you that beginning a sentence with a conjunction was wrong.

It was one of the grammar diktats that my teachers drummed into my young head.

“Never start a sentence with and or but!”

Those were the days, long ago, when ending a sentence with a preposition was taboo. The word whom was still in awkward yet fashionable use.

Yet, writing rules change

Luckily, we now live in times that are much more flexible and realistic about writing rules.

Winston Churchill put it well when alluding to obeying outdated grammar rules.

Ending a sentence with a preposition is something up with which I will not put. – Winston Churchill

Clearly, as a master in the use of the English language, it was one grammatical rule he was reluctant to put up with.

Starting a sentence with yet, and, but or so, falls into the same category.

Beginning a sentence with a coordinating conjunction

Using conjunctions at the commencement of a sentence has been around in English for over a thousand years. Well, maybe less, maybe more.

Can you start a sentence with and? You only have to read the Bible to know that it is not a new fashion in writing.

In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness [was] upon the face of the deep.
And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

So, using a conjunction like and is not wrong. Nor is it a new writing form. It is as old as the hills.

The seven coordinating conjunctions

English has only seven of these linking words.

A coordinating conjunction is a word that we use to connect or join words, phrases, and clauses that are related or are logical equals.

They are:

For
And
Nor
But
Or
Yet
So

They are easy to remember because they create the acronym FANBOYS.

But can you start sentences with these words?

Can you start a sentence with yet? Can you start a sentence with and? Can you start a sentence with so?

Yes, you can.

Understanding conjunctions

As with all aspects of English grammar, there are a couple of rules or guidelines to follow.

The most important is that there are two types – subordinating conjunctions and coordinating conjunctions.

It is easy to tell and remember the difference between the two.

A coordinating conjunction must be between two independent clauses. It is the most logical form.

For example:

I studied for weeks and weeks. But I failed my exam.

There was a crowd of people at the party. And guess who was there?

I lost my job last week, so I am really down. Yet I just know I’ll find a new job.

I can’t stand oysters. Nor can I eat crab.

I could go to London. Or I could go to Madrid.

However, a subordinating conjunction can come before the two clauses.

It generally uses a comma before the second clause, but not always.

But because I missed the bus, I was late for work, and my boss was angry.

And after I got back home, I could finally put my feet up.

But the truth is that I don’t really know.

But before the captain could answer, a major appeared from behind the guns. – William Faulkner

And even Mary could assure her family that she had no disinclination for it. – Jane Austen

Not that you can also use because as a subordinating conjunction.

Is there a comma after so?

It depends very much on the usage or style guides you might use.

For example, Fowler’s Modern English Usage would say yes. But other guides might have a different suggestion.

For me, the word so is a conjunctive adverb like, therefore.

So, I would use a comma in both instances.

So, I missed the 5:26 pm train, and then 5:55 pm, but finally made the 6:25 pm train.

Therefore, there I was, stood up and stranded for the second time.

But for the other six conjunctions, you would not normally use a comma.

Avoiding fragments

You would rarely create a sentence fragment when using a coordinating conjunction.

If the first phrase is closed with full stops (periods), and the second phrase is linked with a logical conjunction, you will never go wrong.

A fragment usually happens when you are using a subordinating conjunction.

But I got a promotion. The remedy for all my financial woes. Incorrect.

The problem is that the second clause has no verb, which is then a fragment.

But by adding a verb, the two phrases are now logical and correct.

But I got a promotion. It will be the remedy for all my financial woes. Correct.

If you are unsure about whether you have created a fragment, run your text through a reliable and accurate grammar checker.

I find that most of them are very efficient at finding and highlighting fragments.

Can you start a sentence with but in good writing?

Fiction writers have been using sentences starting with conjunctions for centuries.

And, as a matter of fact, there is no reason at all not to use them. Here are some knowledgeable quotes about starting sentences with conjunctions.

Contrary to what your high school English teacher told you, there’s no reason not to begin a sentence with but or and; in fact, these words often make a sentence more forceful and graceful. They are almost always better than beginning with however or additionally. Professor Jack Lynch, Associate Professor of English, Rutgers University, New Jersey

It’s perfectly acceptable to begin a sentence with “And,” as well as the other words that we are often taught to avoid such as “but” or “or.” Writing samples tracing back to the 9th century, including Bible translations, break these “sacred” rules, which stem from attempts to curb school children from stringing too many unrelated sentences together. Merriam-Webster

There is a persistent belief that it is improper to begin a sentence with and, but this prohibition has been cheerfully ignored by standard authors from Anglo-Saxon times onwards. RW Burchfield, New Fowler’s Modern English Usage

Business writing

However, for formal business writing, such as transactional letters, there is still a reluctance to use these words.

In addition, the use of and, but and so, in particular, are regarded as informal register.

Formal language register would use furthermore or moreover for and, however for but, and therefore for so.

These two groups of words clearly sound different in use and naturally change the formality of writing.

But it’s a stylistic choice. Nowadays, you can use coordinating conjunctions in both formal and informal writing.

For general modern writing, such as fiction, articles, or blog posts, feel free to do as you please.

But all words, phrases, and dependent clauses need to be connected logically and in a way that your reader can clearly understand.

Summary

The English language is forever evolving. So, what was accepted as the rule in the middle of the last century does not necessarily hold true today.

In 1960, an em dash was a rarity. Nowadays, it is a very common tool used in all forms of modern writing.

For clarity and understanding, starting a sentence with yet, and, but, or any one of the other seven conjunctions is perfectly acceptable today.

But be sure that you understand the difference between subordinating and coordinating conjunctions and how to use them correctly.

Or consult a grammar guide if you need help.

And last but not least, be creative. For it is up to you as a writer to decide how best to communicate with your readers.

Related Reading: I Like To Write Or I Like Writing? Which One Is Right?

• #1

hey there,
Is there actually a rule about using But at the beginning of sentences. I remember being told in school that it should never be done ( like Basoonery’s point about the Oxford Comma) but of course see it everywhere. Is there an actual grammatical rule or is it just a question of style?

• #2

I’m pretty sure it’s a rule that «But» cannot be used at the beginning of a sentence, but as you said, many people disregard it.

• #3

Conjunctions at the start of sentences are to be used with caution.
As a general rule of thumb, beginners in English should avoid them.
In practice, you will find that many, if not most, experienced English writers will start sentences with conjunctions.

If these forums were to ban the use of conjunctions at the start of sentences, a very large proportion of my posts would have to go.

In other words, there is a guideline for beginners that cautions against starting a sentence with but. It is not a grammatical rule.

If you studied science, you may remember being taught at first that an atom was the smallest indivisible particle of matter. Then when you learned more you discovered electrons, protons and neutrons.

Enough knowledge for you to survive a few years.

Then along came lots more sub-atomic particles and wave theories and cats in boxes.

English is rather like that. There are models of usage that are appropriate for each level of development. Then you discover that the model was a partial model and you learn something new — for example that is is entirely normal in English to begin a sentence with a conjunction.

• #4

yeah that makes sense. As far as I remember it was just in primary school that the teacher would insist on such models. Ta!

• #5

The «rule» had a purpose.

Beginning writers often keep on going without considering the structure of their sentences and introduce new concepts within sentences but never think of the risks of skating without the proper protective equipment and insist on eating their peas with honey on their knives instead of carefully polishing their glasses and making sure they use the correct spoon for each course.

Then they break up the run-on sentences with punctuation. The result is fractured sense and dreadful sentences. And many of the sentences begin with conjunctions simply because the word before the conjunction concluded what they thought was a sentence-worth. But do not despair.

When you have mastered the art of using capital letters at the beginning of sentences, you too might be considered fluent enough to begin a sentence with But

• #6

Cheeky! Both my punctuation and spelling tend to be pretty desperate alright but that’s why I’m here

• #7

Mary Therés,
Stay awhile and you’ll be able to mix metaphors just as well as Panjandrum….skating over to the buffet table to get some honey and peas on my knife.

However much you may have been told of rules and their supposed sanctity, many of them are nothing but stylistic conventions, some very useful, as Panj has pointed out, and others just hand-me-downs that are ragged around the knees.

• #8

I have an English-major friend that insist it’s always, 100% wrong to use ‘and’ or ‘but’ at the beginning of sentences. I’ve wrangled with her for YEARS!

I think everything that needs explaining has been explained; I just wanted to add my two cents in.

• #9

I think everything that needs explaining has been explained; I just wanted to add my two cents in.

And that, as they say, is the end of that.

• #10

I have an English-major friend that insist it’s always, 100% wrong to use ‘and’ or ‘but’ at the beginning of sentences. I’ve wrangled with her for YEARS!

I think everything that needs explaining has been explained; I just wanted to add my two cents in.

Tell your friend, ‘Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men.’

(Bear in mind though that this quote is attributed to Douglas Bader who broke the rules on low-level aerobatics and ending up having both legs amputated… )

• #11

But don’t forget that he also become a very good golfer afterwards, married the girl he wanted, had a nice career in the RAF, crashed another airplane and lived happily ever after.
Pass the peas and honey, please, Winklepicker.

• #12

Pass the peas and honey, please, Winklepicker.

I’ve done it all my life, Cuchu.

• #13

For your continued edification, just google «History of English,» or «English grammar.»

• #14

As we are being very precise and specific in our advice, why not just google «Which came first—the language or the grammarians?»

• #15

I also had it drilled into my head since grammar school that it was definitely a «no no» to use either and or but at the beginning of a (written) sentence. Although I might use either or both in emails or personal correspondence, I try to avoid it on the English only forum.

But I’m glad that the subject came up so that members who are doing writing assignments for class will know that conjunctions at the beginning of sentences probably won’t be acceptable to their English professors.

• #16

In the last but one, him would no doubt have been defended by the writer, since the full form would be he whom, as an attraction to the vanished whom.

But such attraction is not right

; if he alone is felt to be uncomfortable, whom should not be omitted; or, in this exalted context, it might be he that.

emphasis added.

Take a guess as to the author of the quoted material.

It was one H.W. Fowler!

http://www.bartleby.com/116/201.html

• #17

I also had it drilled into my head since grammar school that it was definitely a «no no» to use either and or but at the beginning of a (written) sentence. Although I might use either or both in emails or personal correspondence, I try to avoid it on the English only forum.

But I’m glad that the subject came up so that members who are doing writing assignments for class will know that conjunctions at the beginning of sentences probably won’t be acceptable to their English professors.

A Christmas Carol

Do a search for «But». Make sure you mark «match case». I believer there are nearly ten sentences starting with but, and that’s only considering the narrative.

The Picture of Dorian Gray

At least three «but’s» in the first chapter. (Click on chapter one.)

Gullivers-Travels

Nice in the first chapter.

I wonder what these gentlemen were taught in school? Surely such «poor» writing could not have been acceptable to their English teachers.

Gaer

• #18

But shouldn’t be use as the start of the sentence; it makes a fragment. But denotes a subordinate clause and needs a main clause to explain its meaning.

However, it is possible to use but that way as a style method; it is a way to put emphasis on a subject.

• #19

But shouldn’t be use as the start of the sentence; it makes a fragment. But denotes a subordinate clause and needs a main clause to explain its meaning.

However, it is possible to use but that way as a style method; it is a way to put emphasis on a subject.

Okay, so what exactly is the difference between «but» and «although» or even «yet» or «nevertheless?» (Okay, sometimes there is a difference.) Pan is essentially right about why the rule is there, but I’ll agree that it’s perfectly acceptable to use «but» once you know the language (and the difference). The difference between the above is sometimes an artificial grammatical distinction and «but» is at times the most direct and best word to use. Plain talk, as opposed to high falutin’. (Next thread?)

That said, I’ll tell you a story. A couple of years ago I took the GRE’s. I got a perfect score on the verbal. ( I guessed at least once and got lucky—though I don’t consider it luck so much as good logic.) They had just instituted a written element. Essays. (Now, [But. But «but» wouldn’t work as well as «now» here. Close, but no cigar] I could write that just as well by saying: They had just introduced a written element: essays.) I wrote elegant, nuanced arguments, and got a sub-par score. I started a sentence or two with «but.» Might have had a sentence fragment or two in there for effect.

I suspect I received a poor score due to grammar robots.

That’s life.
Can’t deny it.
Lack of judgement on my part.

Barnaby

• #20

hi

I hate to see » But» at the start of a sentence and tend to use «however» instead. I am still dogged by the very fierce English Teacher I had for my «O» levels at school and every time I write «But» I can hear her terrifying tones.( She wouldn’t let us use a knife like a pen either, so that is another of my pet hates) Oh the baggage we pick up as children!!!

• #21

Send that fierce English Teacher a pen, some honey and peas, and a copy of Fowler’s

Modern English Usage

, together with instructions to find every sentence Henry Fowler began with but.
There is one example a few posts above this one. Her discomfort should help attone for that she has caused you.

• #22

But shouldn’t be use as the start of the sentence; it makes a fragment. But denotes a subordinate clause and needs a main clause to explain its meaning.

However, it is possible to use but that way as a style method; it is a way to put emphasis on a subject.

You have had rules and pseudo-rules drilled into you. But there is hope! You seem to at least accept that there are stylistic grounds on which to base the use of but at the start of a sentence. It doesn’t necessarily make a fragment.

• #23

hi

I hate to see » But» at the start of a sentence and tend to use «however» instead. I am still dogged by the very fierce English Teacher I had for my «O» levels at school and every time I write «But» I can hear her terrifying tones.( She wouldn’t let us use a knife like a pen either, so that is another of my pet hates) Oh the baggage we pick up as children!!!

Have you look at the links I posted? I wonder if anyone has.

Are you saying that you hate to see «but» at the beginning of a sentence by Dickens? Or by Oscar Wilde?

And doesn’t that make you wonder if you have ever noticed what is really used by great authors?

The fact is that we are often so brain-washed by pedantic nit-wits that it blinds us to what is actually used by people who are masters of the English language.

Gaer

• #24

The thing is, gaer, that well used Buts are completely transparent.
Carelessly used Buts stick out like sore thumbs.

• #25

Macbeth:

But I am faint, my gashes cry for help.
But screw your courage to the sticking-place,
But wherefore could not I pronounce ‘Amen’?
But let the frame of things disjoint, both the
worlds suffer,

What a pity. If only Shakespeare had had proper instruction, he might have been a good writer.

Gaer

• #26

The thing is, gaer, that well used Buts are completely transparent.
Carelessly used Buts stick out like sore thumbs.

You have a good point. Apparently all the authors I mentioned in previous links were so subtle about their «rule-breaking» that few people have «caught» them

breaking

the «rules».

Gaer

• #27

Okay, so what exactly is the difference between «but» and «although» or even «yet» or «nevertheless?» (Okay, sometimes there is a difference.) Pan is essentially right about why the rule is there, but I’ll agree that it’s perfectly acceptable to use «but» once you know the language (and the difference). The difference between the above is sometimes an artificial grammatical distinction and «but» is at times the most direct and best word to use. Plain talk, as opposed to high falutin’. (Next thread?)

That said, I’ll tell you a story. A couple of years ago I took the GRE’s. I got a perfect score on the verbal. ( I guessed at least once and got lucky—though I don’t consider it luck so much as good logic.) They had just instituted a written element. Essays. (Now, [But. But «but» wouldn’t work as well as «now» here. Close, but no cigar] I could write that just as well by saying: They had just introduced a written element: essays.) I wrote elegant, nuanced arguments, and got a sub-par score. I started a sentence or two with «but.» Might have had a sentence fragment or two in there for effect.

I suspect I received a poor score due to grammar robots.

That’s life.
Can’t deny it.
Lack of judgement on my part.

Barnaby

1. It is important to master the language; however, it is not the only element one needs to use BUT as the beginning of the sentence. The understanding of the meaning behind the sentence and the reason for using it is equally important. Whenever I use BUT as the beginning of a sentence for school, even though the sentiment may be right, it is always rejected with the reason of being a FRAGMENT. It is better to be that way I think. This is so that when one is developing one’s style, it can be based on the correct grammar.

2. But, yet, although and nevertheless maybe similar meaning-wise sometimes; however, the uses in a sentence are different. But, yet and although are conjunctions. But and yet are used to denote a turning point in a sentence. Thus, I think it makes more sense to be used after the main clause, separated by a comma. Although denotes an adverb clause and is commonly used in the reversed position, where the subordinate clause goes first, followed by a comma and the main clause. However, when although is after the main clause, the comma is not used. Nevertheless is a conjunctive adverb. It has be to separated from the main clause by a semicolon or a period.

3. I don’t understand why you quoted me when your posting is talking about Panj’s explanation. Your posting also mentioned your GRE story, but I do not understand what you are trying to convey. Moreover, I suspect a underlying sarcasm.

4. I would rephrase the sentence for the newly implemented essay. Although they had just instituted a written element, I still got a perfect score on the verbal.

• #28

You have had rules and pseudo-rules drilled into you. But there is hope! You seem to at least accept that there are stylistic grounds on which to base the use of but at the start of a sentence. It doesn’t necessarily make a fragment.

I am just stating the rule.
There is no more to it.
I accept fully the stylistic component of the language.
I use but fragments way too much.
But I don’t know.
Maybe I am wrong.
But wait, it is good to use but to express one’s sentiment in different ways.
I like to give sudden changes in my writings to catch the reader.
But not everyone agrees with me.

• #29

I am just stating the rule.

No. You are stating «a» rule.

Yes, there is.

I accept fully the stylistic component of

the

language.

If you are talking about «English», then it should be «the English language». If you mean «language» in general, then there is no need for an article there.

I use

but fragments

«but fagments» way too much.
But I don’t know.
Maybe I am wrong.
But wait, it is good to use

but

«but» to express one’s sentiment in different ways.
I like to

give

make sudden changes in my

writings

writing to catch the reader.
But not everyone agrees with me.

What is your point?
Anyone can write several short sentences.
I can too.
It’s highly unusual.
Normally it doesn’t work.
Not very well.
You do not need to use «but».
The monotony is boring without that little word.

Gaer

• #30

No. You are stating «a» rule.

I am state the rule for but.

No. There isn’t more to my stating the rule.

If you are talking about «English», then it should be «the English language». If you mean «language» in general, then there is no need for an article there.

What forum are we in here?

What is your point?
Anyone can write several short sentences.
I can too.
It’s highly unusual.
Normally it doesn’t work.
Not very well.
You do not need to use «but».
The monotony is boring without that little word.

Gaer

I am not talking to you nor am I replying to your postings in that posting.
Short sentences are effective in conveying brief ideas.
It is not highly unusual.
Even your short sentences give complete meaning and clearly state your point view.

I use but fragments way too much is another use of but. Being an experienced English speaker you should know that.
I like to give sudden changes [to my stories] in my writings (as in all the things I have written).
These are all legitimate uses.

• #31

I think the progress of this thread demonstrates with exquisite precision the way in which sentences beginning with conjunctions can be a transparent and elegant part of an intelligent discourse.
And that the guidelines suggesting avoidance of this practice are well-advised.

• #33

It’s fine when but means however and and means furthermore.

• #34

Welcome to the forum, Rover.

Do you mean all the But sentences so far in this thread are fine except possibly «But of course»?

• #35

«But denotes a subordinate clause and needs a main clause to explain its meaning.»
Not (always) so, I’m afraid. «But,» like «and,» is often a coordinating conjunction, joining two fully fledged main clauses. E.g., «Prescriptive grammarians are found in front of many classrooms, but most of them are egregiously wrong.» If you substitute a period for the «but,» you have two perfectly complete sentences.
See http://www.chompchomp.com/terms/coordinatingconjunction.htm

• #36

So is the original question now resolved????

• #37

Yes, it is.

Yes, there

is

a rule (everyone is free to ignore rules).
And/But yes, it

is

a question of style (as demonstrated by Shakespeare, et al.)

• #38

My feeling is that academics are becoming more and more open to the idea that one can start a sentence with the word «but». But this doesn’t mean that everyone thinks it’s correct.

Is there any reasonable way one can defend beginning a sentence with «but» to one who thinks it’s unequivocally «incorrect»?

• #39

I do it at times to break up the length of my sentences. Is that bad?

• #40

I think it’s good, especially when it cuts unruly sentences down.

• #41

Point out that they haven’t the slightest idea what they’re talking about. Sentence-initial ‘but’ always has been Standard English — it would be helpful here to have a list of uses of it by Dickens, Jane Austen, Johnson, and so on, but I haven’t got one to hand. Instead, I can look up Fowler’s Modern English Usage under the word but, where he discusses a number of points of grammar about the word at great length, but none of them is about its being in initial position. He isn’t even aware of this nonsense to dismiss it. But in the course of his prescriptive grammar advice he writes at one point, ‘But just as I shouldn’t wonder if he didn’t fall in is often heard’; and a little later he offers ‘But Mary decided‘ as a rewriting of a sentence with the word internally. The fake rule against initial position wasn’t even on the radar in 1930.

Don’t give any leeway at all to the ignoramuses who trot out this garbage. Don’t say the rule is changing, or has relaxed. There never was such a rule.

• #42

Bravo to entangleddebunker of non-rules. We have discussed this one in a number of prior threads. There are some ignorant pedants abroad in the land (and probably quite a few more at sea) who try to impose their groundless stylistic preferences as «rules».
This particular «rule» is pure hokum.

The Fowler brothers ignored the matter of but at the start of a sentence because there was nothing to discuss.

More recently, it has received some well-deserved attention from Bryan Garner, in

A Dictionary of Modern American Usage.

but. A. Beginning Sentences with. It is a gross canard that beginning a sentence with but is stylistically slipshod. In fact, doing so is highly desirable in any number of contexts, and many stylebooks that discuss the question quite correctly say that but is better than however at the beginning of a sentence.​

Garner goes on to quote seven such stylebooks. Here is one of the passages he quotes:

«Of the many myths concerning ‘correct’ English, one of the most persistent is the belief that it is somehow improper to begin a sentence with [and, but, for, or, or not]. The construction is, of course, widely used today and has been widely used for generations, for the very good reason that it is an effective means of achieving coherence between sentences and between larger units of discourse, such as paragraphs.» R.W. Pence & D. W. Emery, A grammar of Present-Day English
​

Last edited: Jan 20, 2010

‘Contrary to what your high school English teacher told you, there’s no reason not to begin a sentence with but or and; in fact, these words often make a sentence more forceful and graceful. They are almost always better than beginning with however or additionally.

There is nothing wrong with starting sentences with “and,” “but,” or other similar conjunctions. Some readers especially dislike seeing the conjunctions or, nor, and yet at the beginning of a sentence. While it may not be an error, starting sentences with these words does sometimes seem melodramatic.

Can you not start a sentence with and?

‘Contrary to what your high school English teacher told you, there’s no reason not to begin a sentence with but or and; in fact, these words often make a sentence more forceful and graceful. They are almost always better than beginning with however or additionally. ‘

Is there a comma after but?

You should always use a comma before but when joining two independent clauses. A comma after but is only necessary if you’re using it as literary device to draw attention to something.

How do you not start a sentence with but?

If you don’t want to start sentences with conjunctions, you are free to do so. A simple way to do it would be simply to stop using and, but, and or to connect clauses or phrases. Connecting words, between two words, or before the last of a list of words, OK: I saw Bill and Bob at the picnic.

Can you start a sentence with but in academic writing?

The answer is yes. It is perfectly acceptable to start sentences with the conjunctions and and but. However, it is slightly informal.

How do you say but in a formal way?

The following list will help you to recognize the informal and formal ways of saying the same thing….Transitions – Informal & Formal.

Informal	Formal
Plus/Also	Moreover/ Furthermore
But	However
So	Therefore/Thus
Also	In addition, Additionally

How do you say but in different ways?

What is another word for but?

nevertheless	yet
however	though
although	still
all the same	be that as it may
but still	despite that

Is formal a must?

Must is more often used in formal English. It isn’t as commanding as have to, but instead implies polite insistence. For example: You must forgive me.

What can I say instead of but in an essay?

On the contrary, contrarily, notwithstanding, but, however, nevertheless, in spite of, in contrast, yet, on one hand, on the other hand, rather, or, nor, conversely, at the same time, while this may be true.

What is a better word than BUT?

0. 1. Find another word for but. In this page you can discover 59 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for but, like: however, on-the-other-hand, on-the-contrary, with the exception of, nevertheless, solely, no other than, though, except, yet and setting-aside.

What is a substitute for but?

There are many synonyms to but. For the meaning you are pointing out in your question, some of them would be still, nevertheless, nonetheless, though, although, and yet.

How do you say but in English?

Ways to Say BUT in English

1. although.
2. however.
3. except.
4. nevertheless.
5. on the other hand.
6. still.
7. though.
8. yet.

Is Butt a bad word?

It is a crass word, and is considered vulgar by some, but much depends on the context in which it is used. I personally think it is just an “ugly-sounding” word.

What do the word Punta mean?

votes. It basically means the ‘tip’ or ‘point’ of something (tip of your tongue, tip of the iceburg, etc., but for more accurate and other meanings, click the dictionary tab and type in the word – you will get detailed information.

Why do we have butts?

On humans, the gluteus maximus attaches to the upper part of the pelvis, the ilium. This placement allows for trunk stability and helps keep us balanced. Most researchers believe that we have big butts because it helps us stay upright, and helps balance us when walking and running.

What animals dont have Buttholes?

Yes, the animal kingdom does witness organisms without anal pore. On the onset of evolution, primitive divisions like Porifera( sponges), cnidaria (jelly fishes and corals),ctenophora (sea comb jellies) and platyhelminthes(flat worms) had to make do with whatever little the nature had to offer to them with.

Are buttocks fat or muscle?

The shape of the buttocks is defined by muscles known as the glutes. That’s the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus, as well as the fat that lies over them.

Why is my butt so flat?

A flat butt can be caused by a number of lifestyle factors, including sedentary jobs or activities that require you to sit for extended periods. As you age, your butt may flatten and lose shape due to lower amounts of fat in the buttocks.

Can Sitting make your butt flat?

A weak bum can cause back pain, excess joint pressure, and muscle atrophy. Sitting down is literally changing the shape of your butt. “An anterior pelvic tilt (tight hip flexors) can make your booty appear flatter,” Giardano said. You don’t have to quit your desk job to keep your butt looking it’s best.

Do squats make your butt bigger?

A regular squat regimen might shrink the fat on your glutes while simultaneously growing the muscles beneath. The net result may be a butt that’s bigger, smaller, or the same size as before. But at the end of the day, squatting regularly will do nothing but good for your rear view.

Will walking 5 miles a day tone my legs?

Well, according to the latest health research, brisk walking – yes that thing you do every day – can burn as much fat as running. Brisk walking for 30 minutes, four to six times a week will help tone your thighs, firm up your bum and whittle away your waist.