I cannot think of how it would allowed, but I see it written in books very often. It is even written in a few textbooks of mine. Similarly, is "but" able to begin a sentence.
It seems to me that both these words would need a clause preceding it in the sentence; I may be wrong.
2007-01-03 09:21:44 · 8 answers · asked by Keith P 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
It is quite acceptable to begin a sentence with a conjunction, but not if it leads to an incomplete sentence.
"The rule against beginning a sentence with a conjunction is an old and pervasive one, and most people remember having been taught it in grade school. But very few usage writers have recommended avoiding the practice; most seem to think that it's fine, for effect, as long as it's not overdone. H.W. Fowler goes so far as to call the rule an "ungrammatical piece of nonsense." The rule is probably meant to prevent examples such as: "I have a cat. And a dog." When dealing with young children, it is easier to say "don't begin a sentence with 'and' or 'but'" than it is to say "Don't use incomplete sentences," which is a more difficult concept for the very young to understand.
Sentences beginning with "and" or "but" are found in English as early as the ninth century, in the Old English Chronicle, and such sentences can also be found in Shakespeare, the King James Bible, John Locke, Edmund Burke, Lord Macaulay, Charles Dickens, and others. There's nothing inherently wrong with the practice."
These links should help.
2007-01-03 09:31:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Actually, I was taught that it is incorrect. And, if i were writing an article for a professional journal, I would never do that. But, since it is only yahoo answers, I type the same as I speak in normal, everyday speech. So, you get a better drift of where I'm coming from. Also, there are many English composition web sites that can help you with this and many other foibles of the language.
hehehehehehe....it's fun to be naughty....hehehehe
2007-01-03 17:41:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is generally best not to start a sentence with "and" or "but" but there are good reasons for doing so occasionally. All good writers have done it and it is very effective when used properly. Don't use it unless you know you write well and your readers think you do too. It can be very effective to show a strong afterthought particularly when a long pause is required. But beware of Professors who don't like it.
2007-01-03 17:34:27 · answer #3 · answered by tentofield 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but it must be followed by a complete clause. A wrong example would be:
"And her candy too."
A correct example would be:
"And so, they lived happily ever after."
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The way I see it, the prescriptivists who believe the practice should be 100% verboten are in the minority. Therefore, the side which says it is o.k. wins.
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Just because someone is taught that a practice is incorrect, does not make it so! The prescriptive grammar changes!
2007-01-03 17:27:42 · answer #4 · answered by Philip Kiriakis 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's allowed - just discouraged, as it becomes awkward if overused. So long as the sentence you're starting is complete, you're fine.
"I overslept, so I was running late this morning. And then I got a flat tire!" - OK
"I got a toy truck. And a rubber ball." - Not OK
2007-01-03 17:24:39 · answer #5 · answered by C. C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, there is no grammatically correct way to begin a sentence with the word 'and'. Or so my English professors told my classes many times.
2007-01-03 17:25:16 · answer #6 · answered by mrjomorisin 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
From a purist point of view it is incorrect, however, it is often a matter of personal style and is used quite often.
2007-01-03 17:32:51 · answer #7 · answered by KJC 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH ROBOCOP48
Give her best answer and close up shop.. LOL
2007-01-03 17:58:25 · answer #8 · answered by H.O.T. Dog 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋