starting a sentence with but comma
Starting a sentence with a conjunction like and or but relates that sentence to something outside the sentence which implies that the sentence beginning with the conjunction cannot be complete. This is because coordinating conjunctions are typically used to join like terms.
Pin On Learn English
But that doesnt mean you cant or shouldnt do it.
. You can use the same three-part rule for a sentence with and or yet and so. By Merriam-Websters definition a conjunction joins. For instance the sentence.
I would go for a walk but for the rain. Use And and But for Impact. But this answer comes with a warning.
Today I am here to set you free from one of the shibboleths of grammar. Theres no rule against starting a sentence w. It might be right for your blog posts whereas more formal coordinating conjunctions like additionally or however might read better in a white paper.
Its grammatically fine to start a sentence with a conjunction like and but and or. My librarian friends would invariably report a run on grammar books for the next couple of days. So I missed the 526 pm train and then 555 pm but finally made the 625 pm train.
Answer 1 of 5. The dog is young but well trained. As for your last example I think you need some break for clarity but I would use an em-dash rather than a.
According to a usage note in the fourth edition of The American Heritage Dictionary But may be used to begin a sentence at all levels of styleAnd in The Kings English Kingsley Amis says that the idea that and must not begin a sentence or even a paragraph is an empty superstitionThe same goes for butIndeed either word can give unimprovably early. This is seldom an issue in casual colloquial usage. Dont put a comma after the word but at the beginning of a sentence.
Dont use a comma before the conjunction when the second clause cant stand alone. The dog is young but well trained. It is totally fine to use a coordinating conjunction to launch an independent clause a group of words with a subject and a verb that could stand alone as a sentence.
Suppose we take two sentences. A dependent clause needs the other clause to work as a sentence. Commas with Introductory Phrases.
You will be liberated. Dont use that comma. According to editors and.
October 26 2016. There is some leeway with prepositional phrases. The Chicago Manual of Style discourages the use of commas following and or but even if these words start a sentence or act adverbially.
Often the appositive provides additional information about the noun or helps to distinguish it in some way. Use a comma after the conjunction when it is followed by an interruption. Residual discomfort with violating the rule against starting a sentence with a conjunction people who are insecure are more likely to grasp at a misuse as a solution.
Therefore you shouldnt use a comma before but. I would accept the assignment but I have too many. The bottom line is though its never truly off limits.
Usually we put a comma before the word but when it connects two clauses. Grammar is boring but necessary. If you could remove the appositive without changing the meaning of the sentence it is said to be nonessential and.
The flow of dialogue story or narrative adequately relates the components for the. Commas almost always follow phrases at the beginning of sentences. You do not need a comma if the sentence is short and sweet.
Here are a few more examples of when you should and shouldnt use a comma before but in a sentence. Many grammar buffs will slap you on the hand with a ruler for starting sentences with a conjunctionto them placing the conjunction but and yet etc first creates a grammatically incomplete thought like a sentence fragment. This means use a comma after a participial phrase an absolute phrase an infinitive phrase and a prepositional phrase.
The answer is simple. These phrases are where the. For me the word so is a conjunctive adverb like thereforeSo I would use a comma in both instances.
By Merriam-Websters definition a conjunction joins together clauses phrases words or sentencesThis proves that it actually is okay to use but at the beginning of a sentence. But other guides might have a different suggestion. Instead you have to set up an adverbial phrase with during such as during school time or during the winter.
This is really a style issue. The idea that you shouldnt begin a sentence with a conjunction is one of those rules that really isnt along with some others youve probably heard like never split an infinitive and dont end a sentence with a. I suspect there are two causes.
Compare this with sentences where the conjunction appears in the middle rather than at the start. Get your sentences off to a strong start. All modern style guides support using words like and but and or at the start of sentences.
There is no reason you should ever place a comma directly after during. For years I offered 100 in cash to any student who could find the Dont start a sentence with but rule in a grammar book from a reputable publisher. Putting a comma after the first word often feels like a hiccup.
In general you should put a comma before the word but when the word connects two independent clauses. Using a comma instead of a period warns the reader that theres more to come gently introducing the next thought taking away the. I have seen a general increase in the frequency of this CONJcomma construction over the last ten years largely in business writing.
Use a comma before the conjunction when the sentence halves can stand alone. Grammar is boring but necessary. Use the comma to separate the phrase from the independent clause.
The short answer is yes. For example Fowlers Modern English Usage would say yes. That rules out starting sentences with either and or but when writing.
However for most people a sentence that starts with such a conjunction still looks a little nonconformist. Despite frantic efforts to claim the money no student ever. Theres already been one post about the Dont start a sentence with but urban legend.
The Quick And Dirty. An appositive is a word or phrase that refers to the same thing as another noun in the same sentence. Obviously it has to be two independent clauses which functions without the phrases.
If you type comma and but into Google the search engine will give you some autosuggestions including comma after but at beginning of sentence and is there a comma before or after but. As such you can do what you feel is best or be consistent with a reputable style guide. There is nothing grammatically wrong with starting a sentence with a conjunction like but and or or.
Comma with an Appositive. The use of and or but at the start of a sentence sometimes brings a sense of informality. It simply wouldnt make sense to do this.
An independent clause can function on its own without the rest of the phrase. At school we were taught you should never ever under any circumstances start a sentence with a conjunction.
Comma Rules 8 Rules For Using Commas Correctly Eslbuzz Learning English Essay Writing Skills English Writing Skills Teaching Writing
How To Use Because And Example Sentences Table Of Contents Using Becauseexample Sentences Using English Grammar English Vocabulary Words English Speaking Book
English How To Use Whereas Although Either Or But Definition And Examples Whereas Whereas Li Learn English Learn English Grammar Learn English Vocabulary
3 Teacher Chicks Commas Commas Commas Classroom Writing Ela Writing Writing Instruction
When And How To Use Commas Writing Lessons Elementary Writing Essay Writing Skills
A White Bus Comma Rule Comma Rules Sentences Commas
English Uses Whereas And While Definition And Examples While And Whereas Are English Speaking Book English Vocabulary Words Learning English Vocabulary Words
When To Use Comma Essay Writing Skills Learn English Grammar Comma Rules
42 Daily Use English Sentences It S Very Thoughtful Of You It S Up To You It S None Of You Business Stop Ma English Sentences English Words Learn English Words
Though Comma Or No Comma Writing Tips Conjunctions Sentences
Comma When To Use A Comma With Important Comma Rules 7esl Comma Rules Coordinate Adjectives When To Use Commas
How To Use Commas A Summary English Writing Skills English Writing Teaching Writing
How To Use Commas With Not Only But Also How To Speak Spanish Conjunctions Commas
Adding Fanboys And Commas To Compound Sentences Task Cards Compound Sentences Task Cards Writing Mini Lessons
Http Grammar Ccc Commnet Edu Grammar Cgi Shl Quiz Pl Fragments Quiz Htm Sentence Fragments Grammar Worksheets Sentences
Comma Usage Before If Not Commas Sentences Meant To Be
Comma Before Which When To Put A Comma Before Which 7esl Confusing Words Commas Prepositional Phrases
When To Use And Not Use An Em Dash Good Grammar Punctuation Marks Grammar Tips
13 Ways To Say But Synonym Words For But Although Although Means In Spite Of Something It Can Be Used English Vocabulary Words Learn English English Words