Can you start a sentence with ‘and’ or ‘but’?

How “and” and “but” function in everyday sentences

“And” and “but” are coordinating conjunctions, with the former used to connect thoughts or ideas and the latter used to contrast ideas or introduce a conflicting notion. Here are examples of how you can use these coordinating conjunctions:

• The sandwiches at that deli are delicious, and cheap.
• Our baseball team won the last game and the championship.
• Mary likes to go out for dinner but she doesn’t eat meat.
• I’ll go to the concert, but I won’t stay for the afterparty.

The pattern with these sentences is that “and” and “but” are in the middle of the sentence, combining sentence phrases and clauses. This is the traditional usage of these conjunctions, where they link clauses instead of beginning them. When certain grammar traditionalists mention how to use “and” or “but” in a sentence, this is what they refer to.

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Using “and” or “but” as emphasis

Traditionally, starting a sentence with “and” was frowned upon in formal writing. However, starting a sentence with “and” or “but” creates impact and emphasis, conveying a sense of drama.

• And then, everything changed.

Here, starting with “and” emphasizes a sudden shift, drawing the reader’s attention to what might happen next.

Similarly, “but” is used at the beginning of sentences to emphasize subsequent information:

• But there was one problem: it was too late.

Starting this sentence with “but” highlights a potential conflict or contradiction from what was introduced beforehand.

You can use “and” or “but” with other sentences preceding it, to emphasize a point or a shifting contradiction:

• At first, the mansion felt warm and inviting. But there was a chill in the air that I couldn’t place.
• The blind date was handsome and kind, she told me. And he had a really good job.

In the first example above, using “but” adds a dramatic shift in tone and character, going from warm and inviting to mysterious. In the second, the sentence beginning with “and” provides further emphasis on the blind date’s positive attributes.

How language evolves to accept new rules

Language evolves to suit communication needs, and modern writing often embraces a more conversational style, aiming for clarity and engagement. Starting sentences with “and” or “but” has become a tool that writers can wield to add drama for emphasis or contradiction—while also keeping their writing more relatable and accessible.

Starting a sentence with “and” or “but” should serve a clear function: emphasize a point, create a transition, or add a stylistic flair. While it’s acceptable to start sentences with “and” or “but,” moderation is key. Overusing these conjunctions at the beginning of sentences might disrupt the flow or diminish their impact.

No matter what audience you’re aiming toward, always prioritize clarity and coherence in your writing. For more ways to do exactly that, brush up on grammar skills that include avoiding circular arguments or remembering compound nouns.