Can You Really Start a Sentence With And? Don’t Believe Everything You’ve Been Told

Mon, 04 May 2026 06:18:17 +0000

Can You Really Start a Sentence With “And”?id Don’t Believe Everything You’ve Been Told For decades, writers, teachers, and linguists have told us that starting a sentence with “and” is grammatically incorrect—arguably an outdated rule limiting creativity. But is this restriction really valid? Or is it just misinformation holding back effective, natural communication? In this article, we’ll explore whether you can start a sentence with “and,” why the belief persists, and how smart sentence structure—including strategic “and” placement—can elevate your writing. ### The Conventional Rule: Reasons Behind the Myth Many grammar guides traditionally caution against beginning sentences with “and,” rooted in prescriptive linguistic standards. The belief stems from a focus on sequential connection and formal writing. Since “and” functions as a coordinating conjunction linking phrases and clauses, some educators argue its standalone use disrupts clarity and formal tone. However, this view is increasingly seen as oversimplified.