The English word "and"

Question

Is it ok to start a sentence with the word "and"? Some of my students are challenging that using "and" at the beginning of a sentence is incorrect.

Do you mean that they are saying that using and at the beginning of a sentence is incorrect? Or do you mean that they are challenging some rule forbidding it, and therefore are saying that it is not incorrect? — John Lawler, Apr 07 '15 at 16:58
See also Should we not start sentences with And, But, So, or Because — Hellion, Apr 07 '15 at 17:36
It used not to be alright. At school in Britain, in the 1950s it was heavily discouraged, and attracted the teacher's red pen. But it has become acceptable in recent decades. — WS2, Apr 07 '15 at 18:45
"Some of my students are challenging that using "and" at the beginning of a sentence is incorrect." And why would that be? — Hot Licks, Apr 07 '15 at 19:00

score 3 · Answer 1 · answered Apr 07 '15 at 16:58

3

It is fine to use "and" or any conjunction in the beginning of a sentence .

Example: I Don't believe in ghosts! And I will stick to this belief until you show me one!

answered Apr 07 '15 at 16:58

Balush

53

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Apr 07 '15 at 18:53

1

It is absolutely okay for someone to use "And" at the beginning of a sentence, so long as he/she has a good handle of the cadence of the English language.

answered Apr 07 '15 at 18:53

PudgeTheDog

26

The English word "and"

2 Answers2