Re: A sentence can't start with 'But'



Tony Cooper wrote:
>
> On Sat, 31 Dec 2005 04:28:20 GMT, "Purl Gurl" <purlgurl@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> wrote:
>
> >cyberdude wrote:
> >
> >(snipped)
> >
> >> Is it really true that we can't write by beginning with "but"? But we
> >> can find plenty of sentences starting with "but" on the internet.
> >
> >Correct. You "should" not begin a sentence with a conjunction such
> >as "but" nor "and" unless....
> >
> >My unless is you may begin a sentence with a conjunction when writing
> >causerie or song lyrics. Causerie is generic for prose, poetry and poems,
> >for this specific topic context.
> >
> >Some story telling and stylistic writings, you may also use conjunctions
> >to begin a sentence. For some "excitement" sentences, this is ok,
> >
> >"But! Mom will ground me for a week if I go with you!"
> >
> >There is no strict rule on this. A good guideline is avoid beginning a sentence
> >with a conjunction, unless an artistic writing.
> >
> >Be sure to note there are many conjunctions which are perfectly acceptable
> >to use to begin a sentence, and are used very frequently.
> >
> >Have a look at "conjunct" to discover conjunctions which are ok to use
> >to begin a sentence; although, however, so, additionally and secondly.
> >
> >However! Never use firstly secondly thirdly for any reason. Ugly UGLY words!
> >
> >If you are tempted to use but or and to begin a sentence, open your thesaurus
> >and find a better, more acceptable, more context related conjunction.
> >
>
> Absolute nonsense.
>
I doubt you needed a thesaurus for that retort. But quite good,
nevertheless.


> But, you have never been one to exceed our
> expectations. And, I really don't like that comma in the sentence
>
I was once told that "but yet" shouldn't be used because it was
"redundant". I didn't and still don't buy that claim, although I'm not
sure I can explain what "but yet" gives you that "but" or "yet" alone
don't. It might just be a mild mauve to each seperate singlet's black or
white.



--
He and Evie soon fell into a conversation of the "No, I didn't; yes, you
did" type--conversation which, though fascinating to those who are
engaged in it, neither desires nor deserves the attention of others.
-+E.M. Forster, "Howards End"
.

Relevant Pages

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  • Re: A sentence cant start with But
    ... Purl Gurl wrote: ... You "should" not begin a sentence with a conjunction such ... Causerie is generic for prose, poetry and poems, ... > Some story telling and stylistic writings, ...
    (alt.usage.english)