2007-03-20 07:18:19 · 29 answers · asked by Defaucumberg 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
No it isn't.
'and' is a conjunction:
A conjunction is a word that joins two clauses, phrases or words together. By this rigid definition, it's not hard to see why some people think they can't be used to start a sentence. Some conjunctions are and, but, or, nor, yet, so and for, and our language has evolved enough to accommodate them at various points in a sentence. Just try not to end a sentence with one ... unless it's absolutely necessary
2007-03-20 07:21:21 · answer #1 · answered by thumberlina 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
And you have reason to question about "and"?. :-)
A conjunction is a word that joins two clauses, phrases or words together. Same use as "furthermore". , etc, etc.
Fine.
The phrase that is to be followed by "And" or "furthermore"
does not have to be written.
"And now a word from our sponsor." and the TV show moves along.
or
"And I want to thank you for welcoming me" a speaker responding to a nice introduction
or Shakespeare
And thus I search it with a sovereign kiss.
The notion that and should not be used at the beginning of a sentence arose from too literal an understanding of the "joining" function of conjunctions. The same objection is also raised with regard to but. If initial and is overdone, the effect is of poor style, but it is not a matter of grammatical correctness. Using and at the beginning of a sentence often can be an effective way of drawing attention to what follows: "You can't get away with this," he threatened. And we knew he meant it.
Common in book titles and some poetry.
2007-03-20 08:36:33 · answer #2 · answered by cruisingyeti 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not usually, english teachers will throw a fit. Although most great authors understand that language "rules" are there to be bent and, occasionally, broken. HG Wells started a whole book with And as the first word.
It's a no-no for journalists, legal eagles, business-types, english teachers and pedants of every measure...... but for any decent writer it's perfectly ok. In fact show me a great writer that DOESN'T break rules like this.
If you stuck uncompromisingly to the correct grammar throughout a novel you'd likely end up with an extremely sterile read. Who wants a ripping yarn to read like a legal form?
When someone tells you not to start a sentence with a conjunction, say "But I already have!"
2007-03-20 07:47:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whatever anyone may say it is totally incorrect to start a sentence with a conjunction unless it is in the following sentence. And (the word - a noun) is a conjunction and is used to join phrases together in the same way as but (the word - a noun). Therefore it can only be used correctly within a sentence.
2007-03-20 07:45:27 · answer #4 · answered by adrianblue7 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even though "and" is a conjunction, it may be used to start a sentence to signal a transition. According to the site listed below, there is a persistent belief that it is improper to begin a sentence with "And," but this prohibition has been cheerfully ignored by standard authors from Anglo-Saxon times onwards. An initial "And" is a useful aid to writers as the narrative continues.
The same is true with the conjunction but. A sentence beginning with and or but will tend to draw attention to itself and its transitional function. Writers should examine such sentences with two questions in mind: (1) would the sentence and paragraph function just as well without the initial conjunction? (2) should the sentence in question be connected to the previous sentence? If the initial conjunction still seems appropriate, use it.
2007-03-20 07:43:44 · answer #5 · answered by Lillian L 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do you mean in English? as they speak English in more countries than just England (Wales, Ireland, Scotland, America, Canada, Australia etc.)
I can think of two ways in which and can be at the beginning of a sentence.
And is a word which is usually used at the beginning of a sentence.
John decided never to turn around again, to walk on into the sunset. And he did.
It can be used in these two situations quite easily. It is not, however recommended in schools otherwise kids would start doing this:
And we went to the zoo. And we saw the monkeys.
This is why it's discouraged and thought of as incorrect to do so.
2007-03-20 07:30:07 · answer #6 · answered by Carrie S 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, it's grammatically incorrect to start a sentence with ANY conjunction.
But....as with all things, it's OK to break the rules for effect (provided that you know the rules in the first place).
My advice is, if you're writing something for an English exam, don't do it, because you're demonstrating (hopefully) your knowledge of grammar.
2007-03-20 11:18:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it is not correct. However, as it is in the English language, every rule has an exception. When writing a creative, informative, descriptive (etc) piece, it is acceptable if doing so brings additional force or focus to the statement as desired by the author.
2007-03-20 07:40:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is not grammatically correct, but it has crept into common usage and has become acceptable, at least informally.
That's one of the things about the English language, it's constantly changing - which doesn't make it any easier for foreigners to learn.
2007-03-20 07:29:11 · answer #9 · answered by champer 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is never correct to start a sentence with 'and' or 'but'--anywhere. However, many authors do this to highlight a particular sentence or thought.
2007-03-20 08:08:59 · answer #10 · answered by Holiday Magic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋