Yes. You can start a sentence with “but” in modern writing to show contrast, as long as you use it sparingly.
The rule
Yes. You can start a sentence with “but.” It’s grammatically acceptable and used by writers from the King James Bible onward. The rule against it is a myth.
Support
The Chicago Manual of Style, Merriam-Webster and Garner’s Modern English Usage all say it’s acceptable.
When to use
- To show contrast.
- To add rhythm or emphasis.
- Use it sparingly.
Avoid
Overuse, and make sure the sentence is complete.
Formal writing
Some teachers and editors prefer “however”. Follow your style guide.
Example
“I wanted to go. But it was raining.”
Other conjunctions
“And,” “so,” and “or” can also begin sentences.
The rule
Yes, you can start a sentence with “but”. It is grammatically acceptable in English. The common rule against starting sentences with conjunctions is a myth taught in school to stop young students from writing fragments. Major style authorities, such as the Chicago Manual of Style, Merriam-Webster and the Oxford English Dictionary, confirm that it is fine.
Support
Great writers have started sentences with “but” for centuries. The King James Bible has many sentences that begin with “But,” and Shakespeare, Dickens and Jane Austen used the form. Bryan Garner’s Modern English Usage says the idea that it is wrong is “a superstition”. Studies of published writing find that about 10% of sentences in good prose begin with a conjunction.
When to use
- To set up a contrast with the previous sentence for emphasis. “The plan looked good. But the numbers did not add up.”
- To create a short punchy sentence.
- To mirror speech in a conversational style.
- To introduce an objection or turn in the argument.
Avoid
- Overuse, which can make writing choppy. Aim for a few uses per page.
- Starting with “but” when a comma would connect the ideas more smoothly.
- Writing a fragment that cannot stand as a full sentence. “But because of the rain.” is a fragment.
Formal writing
In academic and legal writing, some instructors and editors still prefer “however” or “yet” at the start of a sentence. Check the style guide for your school or employer. In general, using “but” sparingly in formal writing is fine, and “however” often works better in the middle of a sentence after a comma, or at the start with a comma after it.
Example
“She wanted to leave early. But the meeting ran long.” This is clear and correct.
Other conjunctions
You can also begin sentences with “and”, “or”, “so”, “yet”, “for” and “nor”. The seven coordinating conjunctions are known by the mnemonic FANBOYS. “Because” and “although” can start a sentence only if followed by a complete idea.
Style guides and history of the rule
Starting a sentence with “but,” “and” or “so” is grammatically acceptable, and the belief that it is wrong is a myth taught in schools to discourage children from writing fragments. Style authorities such as Merriam-Webster, Garner’s Modern English Usage and the Chicago Manual of Style accept it. Writers like Jane Austen, the King James Bible and many modern authors used sentence initial conjunctions. Use it for emphasis or contrast when the sentence is short and the shift in thought is clear. Coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet and so, easily remembered as FANBOYS. Overuse makes writing choppy. In very formal academic or legal writing, some teachers and editors prefer “however” or “nevertheless” in place of an opening “but,” so check the required style guide.
Based on data from Merriam-Webster and the Chicago Manual of Style
