Is it acceptable to begin a sentence with ‘But’?

Please enlighten me

Hi Grinder.

I think it's okay to begin a sentence with 'but' ... unless you're being tested on you grammar!

Ani

I do it all the time. And I start sentences with 'and' too.

If you're not sure about using it, try a few alternatives then read them out aloud. If 'but' sounds more natural than using six other words to achieve the same result, then use it.

Dee.

I agree with what has already been said.

I am a great beleiver in reading my work aloud to myself it really does help spotthe rough patches.

In speech perfectly acceptable, In poetry equally acceptable in general narrative I think I would try and find an alternative. But some times you cant.

Cheers everyone, I'm glad I got that one cleared up.

I'd say that unless you were doing a degree in the english language, then it's your work and write what you like. I use all sort of things I shouldn't, especially in dialogue if it fits in with the character. After all, how many of us really do speak the queen's english? Thankfully not many of us!!
Sue

The word 'and' is a very specific conjunctive and is defined as a 'joining word'. It's use to start a sentence should be avoided. 'But' is also a conjunctive and while the use of 'but' to start a sentence may not be an example of 'correct or good English' (as Ani and Sue have pointed out, this will fail you in any testing of grammar) it is one of those words where its 'correct' use is being challenged.

I think it may emerge as an acceptable first word but never as an example of 'good English'.

Len

Yes.

A former English teacher's answer: Yes. I don't know where/when the fussy supposed-rule slipped into common consciousness (it certainly wasn't around in the 18th century). But it's perfectly find to begin a sentence with 'but'.

-- Smith

But it's not perfectly fine to spell 'fine' with a 'd'.