The answer is yes . It is perfectly acceptable to start sentences with the conjunctions and and but. However, it is slightly informal. If formality is your goal, choose more formal language.
| nevertheless yet | however though | although still | all the same be that as it may | but still despite that |
|---|
“But” is a conjunction, and “however” is a conjunctive adverb. Confused yet? Don’t be! Simply put, “but” would use a comma to split two sentences, while “however” would use a semicolon or full stop to split the same sentence.
| owns possesses | boasts has in keeping | holds maintains | carries controls | enjoys has possession of |
|---|
| I for one I myself | me, myself and I myself only |
|---|
Using but in a sentence generally serves to negate or distill all the positive statements you made before it . Sometimes we don’t even consciously register that when we hear the word but, our brains translate it into this: But = Here’s the catch...
The magic principle? Use “and” instead of “but.” When used to connect two phrases in a sentence, the word “but” essentially dismisses the first phrase altogether . This isn’t always an issue, but when it undoes praise, agreement, or an important point, it can start to become a problem.
There’s no rule against beginning a sentence with but . Sure, it’s a wise admonition from middle-school English teachers that novice writers avoid beginning a series of sentences with but. In July we went to Six Flags.
Cherish – I cherish my time with you.
This is stronger than the word ‘love’ in that it shows just how much you value spending time with them.
| lacks does not have | does not own does not possess | doesn’t have goes without | is insufficient in |
|---|
Leah is a relationships writer covering dating, friendships, family dynamics, and communication skills for healthier connections.