One of the most deeply ingrained grammar rules involves the usage of the word 'but'. For a long time, teachers have told their students that they cannot use conjunctions at the beginning of sentences. If you asked your English teacher "Can you start a sentence with but?" you would be met with a resounding 'No!' But where did this 'rule' even come from? And does it hold water?
Can I start a sentence with but? Yes, you actually can. Contrary to what your English teacher taught you, there is nothing wrong with starting a sentence with but, and this is why. Many people question the validity of this long-standing rule, and the good news is that using but at the beginning of a sentence is not only acceptable but can also enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.
Have you ever found yourself asking, "Are you allowed to start a sentence with but?" You are not alone. The truth is, it is perfectly okay to begin a sentence with but. By Merriam-Webster's definition, a conjunction joins together clauses, phrases, words, or sentences. This proves that it actually is okay to use but at the beginning of a sentence. It is totally fine to use a coordinating conjunction to launch an independent clause—a group of words with a subject and a verb that could stand alone as a sentence.
Can You Start a Sentence with 'But'? Why It's Okay
Consider the following sentences:
- Mary ran errands all day in the sweltering heat to ensure that she could leave town the next morning for her vacation. But that night she lay in bed remembering all the tasks she had not yet completed.
- Mary ran errands all day in the sweltering heat to ensure that she could leave town the next morning for her vacation. But that night lay in bed remembering all the tasks she had not yet completed.
While the first example is correct (as but has been used to launch an independent clause), the second one is erroneous because it results in a sentence fragment (a fragment because it is missing a subject). Using but at the beginning of a sentence does not weaken your writing; rather, it can make it more forceful and graceful. In fact, it is often better than starting with 'however' or 'additionally', which can sound somewhat pretentious.
What You Need to Consider Before Using 'But' at the Beginning of a Sentence
Even though it is okay to use but at the beginning of a sentence, there are some things you need to consider:
- Consider your audience: If you are writing an academic paper, stick to the 'rules' given by your professor or teacher to avoid penalties. If your instructor says that you cannot use but at the beginning of a sentence, follow their directive.
- If you decide to use but at the beginning of a sentence, ensure that what follows is an independent clause, meaning it can stand alone.
- Sentences that start with conjunctions (like and, but, or, so, yet) sound less formal than those starting with conjunctive adverbs (like however, moreover, thus, and furthermore).
- If the sentence would function just as well without the conjunction, then write it without it.
- If the two ideas work better as a compound sentence, then combine them.
These are the things you need to consider when using but in this way.
Where Did This Rule Come From?
The 'rule' against using but at the beginning of a sentence has its origins in the 19th century. Some schoolteachers discouraged the practice, presumably because they noticed children overusing these conjunctions. Instead of gently guiding students to use them appropriately, they banned the usage altogether! Generations of children learned they should 'never' begin a sentence with a conjunction, and some still do today.
Proof That You Can Use 'But' at the Beginning of a Sentence
Numerous authoritative texts support the usage of but at the beginning of a sentence. For example, the Chicago Manual of Style states that there is a widespread belief that it is an error to start a sentence with a conjunction like and, but, or so. In fact, many sentences in quality writing do begin with conjunctions, a practice that has been followed for centuries.
Furthermore, renowned experts in grammar, such as Kingsley Amis and Professor Jack Lynch, argue that there is no reason not to start a sentence with but or and. They affirm that these words can often make a sentence more engaging and elegant.
Examples of the Usage of 'But' at the Beginning of a Sentence
Many respected texts illustrate the use of but at the beginning of sentences, including:
- Genesis, Chapter 1, The Bible, King James Version: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth... And God said, Let there be light: and there was light."
- The Economist: "Nonetheless Canada has many good reasons to feel pleased with itself... But peace, order and good government are solid virtues."
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, J.K. Rowling: "But on the edge of town, drills were driven out of his mind by something else."
FAQs About How to Use 'But' in a Sentence
Here are some insights about the usage of but:
Can You Start a Sentence with 'But' in Academic Writing?
The AP Stylebook doesn't prohibit starting a sentence with but, though it stresses moderation. It states that while there is no rule against it, overusing it may annoy readers.
What Can I Say Instead of 'But'?
If you wish to avoid the word but altogether, consider using alternatives such as:
- Nevertheless
- However
- Yet
- Although
- Still
Is There a Comma After 'But'?
Yes, a comma is necessary after but when using an interrupter—a word or phrase that adds emphasis or tone to the sentence. For example, "But, of course, she can't go on her own without a chaperone."
If someone asks you, "Can you start a sentence with but?" feel free to assure them that it's perfectly acceptable and that this 'rule' can be flexibly applied!
