But - a sentence opener?

Question

How and when is it acceptable to open a sentence with the coordinating conjunction "but"?

For example: Sally didn't want to go to work, but she sadly went anyway. Sally didn't want to go to work. But she sadly went anyway.

How are they both correct?
And in what kind of clause is it suggested to use a comma or full stop.

I'm new to punctuation, and I'm finding it very difficult to get a detailed answer about the "but" ordeal

Clive · Accepted Answer

How and when is it acceptable to open a sentence with the coordinating conjunction "but"?

For example: Sally didn't want to go to work, but she sadly went anyway. Sally didn't want to go to work. But she sadly went anyway.

How are they both correct?
And in what kind of clause is it suggested to use a comma or full stop. This is a broad question. I suggest you write a few sentences for us to check for you.

I'm new to punctuation, and I'm finding it very difficult to get a detailed answer about the "but" ordeal

Broadly speaking, think about it this way. When you are learning English and English grammar, don't start a sentence with 'But'.
However, when you get to the point where your knowledge of English is excellent, then you can start a sentence with 'but' if you feel you have a strong reason to. A typical reason would be to emphasis the contrast that 'But' provides.
Consider -

eg She hurried. But she missed the bus. This is so trivial that a new sentence sounds a bit stupid (to me) here.

eg He loved her with all his heart. But he never told her. Sounds more striking. But don't do this all the time or it will lose its dramatic effect..

Some other thoughts.
In casual English, native speakers sometimes start with 'But'. And there are also plenty of poorly educated native speakers who have a poor grasp of English.

There are also some special non-clause structures where it is OK.
eg But for his seat belt, Tom would have been killed..

Clive

But - a sentence opener?

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