Rule: Don’t start sentences with ‘And’ or ‘But’
Why this is a rule:
While your school teacher probably told you it was a bad idea, you won’t find this rule in a grammar book. There seems no basis for this traditional ‘rule’ – in grammar or logic – other than the tradition itself.
Why you should bust the rule:
‘And’ and ‘But’ have been used to begin sentences for centuries, I understand. Starting sentences with ‘And’ or ‘But’ can make your writing sound more stylish and punchy. And it’s more modern. But don’t overdo it – avoid repetition in your writing at all costs. Be certain it’s needed, and can’t be replaced by a comma or semicolon.
For example: Maurice didn’t look guilty, but John did. Or, Maurice didn’t look guilty. But John did. Notice the change of emphasis.
And or But can be used to effect in creating pace in a thriller, for instance, along with other short, sharp sentences. The following is from my book Smash the Code.
‘Get yourself out.’
‘The woman had no idea why this alien thought flashed through her mind. But her body obeyed. And sat up. She dragged herself free of the sharp bracken. Her body was unbroken.’
This style will have been in many books you’ve read. But you may not have noticed. And that’s a good thing.
Check for other blogs on Busting Writing Rules and Myths in CONTROVERSY CORNER.
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