But times change, language moves forward and maybe, just maybe, that old rule needs another look.
Where this rule came from
Teachers didn't make up this rule just to torture students. The practice of avoiding sentence-initial "and" started with 19th-century school teachers trying to stop students from writing like they talked. They worried students would write endless strings of sentences starting with "and," mimicking natural speech patterns.
This teaching strategy morphed into a supposed grammar rule, passed down through generations of English classes. Many style guides picked it up, turning a well-intentioned teaching tool into what seemed like an unbreakable law of writing.
What grammar experts say
Modern grammar experts and style guides take a different view. The Chicago Manual of Style, AP Stylebook and other authorities all agree that starting sentences with coordinating conjunctions like "and" is perfectly acceptable. They recognise it as a legitimate stylistic choice that's been used by skilled writers for centuries.
Writers from Charles Dickens to Ernest Hemingway regularly started sentences with "and." Shakespeare did it. The King James Bible does it. These aren't examples of breaking rules, and they're proof that this "rule" was never really a rule at all.
When it works best
Starting sentences with "and" adds emphasis and builds momentum. Think of each sentence as a stepping stone. Sometimes you want those stones spaced evenly, and sometimes you want them to flow together quickly. "And" at the start of a sentence can create that faster flow.
This technique works especially well in:
- Narrative writing that builds tension
- Marketing copy that needs energy
- Informal content that aims for a conversational tone
- Situations where you want to stress connection between ideas
- Moments when you need to emphasize an additional point
Just like any writing technique, it can be overdone. Use it sparingly for maximum impact.
Breaking it down by writing style
When it comes to creative writing, starting with a sentence with “and” …
- Adds dramatic emphasis
- Creates rhythm and pacing
- Helps develop voice
- Works well in dialogue
- Builds suspense
Business writing comes with its own considerations. While formal reports and legal documents might skip sentence-initial "and," less formal business communication often benefits from a more natural writing style.
Academic writing generally stays more conservative, though this varies by field and publication. Scientific papers rarely start sentences with "and," while humanities writing might embrace it for stylistic effect.
Common concerns about starting a sentence with “and”
Writers worry that starting with "and" looks unprofessional or shows poor grammar. Some fear their writing won't be taken seriously. Others struggle to break free from that early teaching that branded it as wrong.
These concerns make sense given how the rule was taught, but they're based on outdated ideas about proper writing. Modern readers care more about clarity and effectiveness than rigid adherence to questionable grammar rules.
Making it work
If you’re starting a sentence with "and", make it purposeful. Ask yourself if it adds something to your writing, be it emphasis, flow or style. Does it make your point clearer or your writing more engaging?
Consider your audience and medium too. A blog post might use more sentence-initial "ands" than a white paper. Social media practically demands this kind of conversational writing, while academic papers might use it more judiciously.
Alternative approaches to starting a sentence with “and”
Starting a sentence with “and” can be a good way to begin a conversation, but it’s not always the go-to option for conversational and other types of writing. Sometimes other transitions work better. You might want:
- Moreover
- Additionally
- Furthermore
- Also
- Besides
- In addition
Each creates a slightly different effect, so choose based on your specific needs and writing style. Moreover, do what feels natural in that moment. See what we did there?
Breaking down the myths
Years of English teachers weren't completely wrong. It’s that they oversimplified things. Starting every sentence with "and" would make for poor writing. But using it occasionally, with purpose and skill, can strengthen your work.
Think of writing rules as tools rather than laws. They exist to help us communicate effectively, not to restrict our expression. When breaking a rule serves communication better than following it, break that rule.
Moving forward with “and”
Grammar evolves with language use. What counted as proper writing a century ago might sound stiff and awkward today. Understanding this helps us make better choices about when to follow traditional rules and when to bend them.
Write with purpose, not fear. If starting a sentence with "and" makes your writing stronger, do it. Your readers care more about clear, engaging writing than strict adherence to outdated rules.
Looking at great examples
Writers who master the “and” technique use it to create specific effects. Ernest Hemingway used sentence-initial "and" to build rhythm and emphasise connection between ideas. Contemporary writers use it to create a more conversational tone that connects with modern readers.
Study how skilled writers deploy this technique. Notice when it works, when it doesn't and how frequency affects impact. Learning from others helps develop judgment about when and how to use it effectively.
“And”?
Starting sentences with "and" isn't grammatically wrong. It's a stylistic choice that can add more to your writing. Use it purposefully, consider your audience and trust your judgment. Writing rules should serve communication, not hinder it.
Good writing comes from understanding rules well enough to know when breaking them serves your purpose better than following them. And sometimes, starting a sentence with "and" does exactly that.
