Can You Start a Sentence With “And?” (Grammar, Rules, Examples)

Can you start a sentence with “and?” Most individuals believe there is a “rule” of grammar that states that sentences cannot begin with the word “and“. This is true for the word “and“, and other conjunctions as well, like “but”, for instance. In reality, such a rule has no basis.

So, the question arises, “Can you start a sentence with “and”? Yes, it’s possible.

“And” and its use in grammar

It should be noted that the word “and” is called a conjunction in grammar. Conjunction, in the truest sense, is a word used to join two sentences.

Nonetheless, the use of the word “and” to begin a sentence may be applicable too. “And” is one of the words in English that is among the most commonly used. It serves as one of the seven coordinating conjunctions. These are used to link complex sentences in English. Regular use of the word “and”, as we know it, is made when two independent clauses link with each other:

• Tom has a dog, and I have a cat.
• My mother knits sweaters for winter, and I bake puddings.

So, invariably, the same question that is asked again is, “Can you start a sentence with “and”? in spite of what some “rule makers” of grammar may state, a lot of style guides encourage writers to use the word “and” at the beginning of a sentence.

When can you start a sentence with “and”?

There may be a range of circumstances in which “and” is used to begin a sentence. In case a point has to be made, stressed upon, or emphasized, “and” is used to create the effect of drama. Note the following sentences:

• They tried every stunt, tip, and strategy in the book. And they lost the match!
• The painting has shades of red, blue, and yellow and this makes it look colorful. And it is painted by Souza!

Consider a caveat

While there may be a debate in any writer’s mind whether anyone can start a sentence with “and”, there are some considerations. It is important to note that a sentence that is complete contains a subject and a predicate.

Any group of words that does not have both these, is considered a fragment of a sentence and not a whole sentence.

Sentence fragments are often used, but these are grammatical mistakes. Errors in grammar occur when “and” is used in a sentence fragment.

Note the examples below:

• This is a complete sentence – The forest was eerie and dark. And I think I saw someone flying on a broom!
• This is a fragment of a sentence – The play has several famous actors. And some who are not known.

Examples of sentences starting with “And”

In the following examples, the use of “and” to start a sentence is shown:

• You can feel afraid sometimes. And that is alright.
• My friend is a true survivor. And she inspires others to work hard.
• The presenter announced another postponement of the news. And the response was what everyone expected.

Use “And” with care

It is possible to use “and” at the beginning of a sentence, provided it is used with special care. Furthermore, it is not used repeatedly at the start of a sentence, so limited use is permitted in most texts, with certain unspoken rules attached.

Other subordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS)

Here are the other subordinating conjunctions in the English language:

Sources

1. Can a Sentence Start with ‘And’? | Words “Not” to Start Sentences With | Merriam-Webster
2. Can You Start a Sentence with a Conjunction? | Grammarly
3. Starting a Sentence with “And” or “But” – Should You Do It? (prowritingaid.com)
4. Can You Start A Sentence With “And”? | Thesaurus.com