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Why is it bad to start a sentence with but?
There is nothing wrong with starting sentences with “and,” “but,” or other similar conjunctions. You may, however, encounter people who mistakenly believe that starting a sentence with a conjunction is an error, so consider your audience when deciding to structure your sentences this way.
Should you use the word but?
‘But’ is a conjunction used to introduce something contrasting with what has already been mentioned. This is fine, except when ‘but’ is used in complex situations where communication is sensitive. For example: in apologies, critique, and other nuanced personal communication.
Is using but in a sentence bad?
The Beginning of And/But in the Beginning Firstly, has it ever been wrong to begin a sentence with and or but? No, it has not. We have been breaking this rule all the way from the 9th century Old English Chronicle through the current day.
What is the effect of the word but?
We use but to link items which are the same grammatical type (coordinating conjunction). But is used to connect ideas that contrast.
What can I use instead of but?
synonyms for but
- although.
- however.
- nevertheless.
- on the other hand.
- still.
- though.
- yet.
Is but a negation?
Assuming that “not fast” is equivalent to “slow”, and that “not slow” is equivalent to “fast” (i.e., that there is no intermediate range of speeds that is neither fast nor slow), then for a logician or a mathematician the negation would be: “Either the processor is slow or the printer is fast.” So the negation of “but” …
Should a sentence start with but?
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. But it rained that day.
What does Dr Phil say about the word but?
In the words of talk show host and psychologist Dr. Phil McGraw, “BUT is a powerful word. It means forget everything I just said, I’m now going to tell you what I really mean.” When talking to yourself, you’re offering yourself either a jab that eats at your self-confidence or giving yourself an escape.
Should I use but however?
“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.
Is but an informal word?
The list is divided into sections of: verbs, transitions, emphasis words, abbreviations, and slang….Transitions – Informal & Formal.
| Informal | Formal |
|---|---|
| Plus/Also | Moreover/ Furthermore |
| But | However |
| So | Therefore/Thus |
| Also | In addition, Additionally |
Why do people avoid using the word ‘but’ in a sentence?
Most people avoid using ‘but’ as an attempt to avoid being negative… or to soften the delivery of a message. But, most often changing that one little word isn’t going to help much… especially if the actual structure / tone of the message is negative. The better solution is to use positive, benefit driven language.
Do you avoid the word ‘but’ in business writing?
I was teaching a business writing skills workshop a few weeks ago and a participant said she avoids the word ‘but’ at all cost and wanted my opinion… so… here it is. Most people avoid using ‘but’ as an attempt to avoid being negative… or to soften the delivery of a message.
What is the meaning of the word but?
The word BUT negates or cancels everything that goes before it. And is generally accepted as a signal that the really important part of the sentence is coming up. When you use it most people listening to you will give more attention and more weight to what you say after you say BUT. This tiny little word is widely misused…
When to use “as” instead of “because” in a sentence?
Instead of using “as” for the second meaning, use the word “because” or “since” to make the meaning clear. 8. “down” or “up” When used with a verb, these two words are usually unnecessary. For example, “He sat down on the dirty floor” should instead be “He sat on the dirty floor.”