Sentence non-starters

Sentence Non-starters

Do NOT start sentences with these words:

• and, but, so, or

These words are meant to connect ideas together.  They come in the middle of sentences, not at the beginning.

Instead:

• Combine the sentences with a comma.
• Use “reconnecting words.”  (However, Therefore, Otherwise, In addition)
• Delete the coordinator (and, but, so, or)

For example:

• I bought a new computer.  But it didn’t work.   (INCORRECT)
• I bought a new computer, but it didn’t work.  (Okay)
• I bought a new computer.  However, it didn’t work.  (Okay)
• I bought a new computer; however, it didn’t work (Also okay)
• I bought a new computer.  It didn’t work.  (Okay)

See also:

English Punctuation

Punctuation:  Commas and Periods

Connectors and Reconnectors

Coordinators

Subordinators

Conjunctions and Linking Words

Connecting Words