2006-11-27 02:56:50 · 34 answers · asked by Des does it for the ladies 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
There's a set of 'iron rules' that teachers drum into kids so that they can turn out very basic prose. The people who got stuck at that stage have only functional literacy, but as they move on in life they start to think that Mrs Bloggs in Mixed Infants was actually Jane-bloody-Austen and that as the recipient of her golden rules they know what's right and what's 'incorrect'. They like to say 'commence' instead of 'begin' or 'start', 'however' instead of 'but', and 'incorrect' instead of 'wrong' - all because they think it makes them sound educated. If you are unlucky enough to have one of them for a boss or teacher, then don't bother starting a sentence with 'but', 'and' or 'because'. Because they will positively slaver with pompous pride as they strike it out and write 'no!!' and 'grammar!!'.
But if you have a better educated audience, then go right ahead. Your writing will be all the better for it.
2006-11-27 12:43:21 · answer #1 · answered by judipod 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Not really. It is an unessary word. Like "and" - one does not start a sentence with that either. But speech and writing does evolve, and what is not acceptable today could be completely reversed in the future.
2006-11-27 03:54:09 · answer #2 · answered by ALAN B 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not if you are obeying grammar rules, but if you are tying to write modern Booker prize fiction, which will be written from a colloquial viewpoint, it can become acceptable. Also with the example above, if someone starts speaking with the word, that is acceptable.
2006-11-27 03:14:04 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
But=nevertheless, however
However and nevertheless can start a sentence even a paragragh.
It is clumsy and a lack of style to start a sentence with "but"
2006-11-27 04:56:09 · answer #4 · answered by justpristine 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It depends what you are writing. If you are writing an essay, then no, don't start a sentence with a but. However, if you are writing a novel it is acceptable.
2006-11-27 04:41:00 · answer #5 · answered by Kari 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes
not grammatically correct, but grammar's evolving all the time. i've seen 'but' and other connectives been use in fiction and non-fiction literature and from reputable sources. how many times have you heard a person in speech start with 'but', 'and' or 'however'? i wouldn't worry about it, unless you're writing a say, a government document
EDIT: people are saying 'however' is acceptable. when i was in school they said it wasn't. see what i mean?
2006-11-27 03:11:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Why would you need to start a sentence with "but"? Drop the "but" and continue with the rest of your sentence. The time to use "but" is in the middle of a compound sentence (with a comma coming before the "but".)
2006-11-27 03:02:15 · answer #7 · answered by Jake 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Not really, but I will start a sentence with it if I want to stress something or if the sentence is casual.
-MM
2006-11-27 03:32:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you want to, but it isn't regarded as an educated way to write a sentence.If you are in an exam or work situation you will be marked down or criticised.
2006-11-27 12:11:34 · answer #9 · answered by Birdman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
rarely, but on occasion its acceptable. Depends on the context and previous sentance. using the sentance:
"But for the onslaught of the Luftfafer, Britain would have won the war in 1944" could be used depending on the previous sentances.
2006-11-27 03:00:40 · answer #10 · answered by aziz m 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋