Can You Start a Sentence with “And”?

March 31, 2025 | Blog, Learning Center

The short answer is yes—you can start a sentence with “and.” Despite a persistent myth that this is grammatically incorrect, this usage is widely accepted in modern English. Starting a sentence with “and” can be an effective stylistic choice, adding emphasis or creating a natural flow between ideas. However, like all writing tools, it should be used thoughtfully.

This article explores the rules and nuances behind starting a sentence with “and” and provides examples to help you use it correctly and effectively.

Debunking the Myth: Why Starting a Sentence with “And” Isn’t Wrong

The belief that starting a sentence with “and” is incorrect stems from outdated grammar traditions. Early 20th-century teachers often discouraged the practice to prevent sentence fragments in student writing. However, this advice was never a strict grammatical rule; it was more about enforcing clarity and coherence.

Modern grammar guides, including The Chicago Manual of Style and Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage, confirm that starting a sentence with “and” is entirely acceptable when done correctly.

When It’s Appropriate to Start a Sentence with “And”

To Add Emphasis

Starting a sentence with “and” can emphasize a connection or draw attention to an important point.

Example:

“She had worked tirelessly on the project. And it showed.”

To Maintain Flow in Informal Writing

In conversational or informal writing, starting with “and” creates a natural flow.

Example:

“With dawning horror, she realized what she had done. And she knew her life would never be the same again.”

To Break Up Complex Ideas

When a sentence becomes too long or overloaded, breaking it into two sentences can improve readability. Starting the second sentence with “and” ensures the ideas remain connected.

Example:

“The product manager coordinated with the engineering, marketing, and customer support teams to finalize the launch strategy, resolve technical issues, and ensure a smooth rollout. And they achieved all this while staying within budget.”

When to Avoid Starting with “And”

While starting a sentence with “and” is grammatically correct, it’s not always the best choice. Here are situations where it might be inappropriate:

In Formal Writing

Academic papers, legal documents, and other highly formal contexts typically require a more traditional tone. In these cases, using “and” to start a sentence might be too informal.

Too Frequently

Overusing “and” at the beginning of sentences can make your writing feel repetitive or unpolished. Use it only when it genuinely enhances the message.

Without a Complete Sentence

Make sure the sentence following “and” is a complete sentence, not a fragment.

Examples of Proper Usage

In Creative Writing

“The clock struck midnight. And with the final toll, the town was plunged into darkness.”

In Personal Essays

“I knew the risks. And yet, I couldn’t say no to the opportunity.”

In Marketing Copy

“Our team is committed to quality. And we deliver on our promises every time.”

How to Use “And” Effectively

Read Aloud for Flow

When starting a sentence with “and,” read it aloud. Does it sound natural? Does it enhance the flow?

Consider Alternatives

Sometimes, “and” can be replaced with another transition word or phrase, such as “Additionally,” “Furthermore,” or “Moreover.”

Example:

Instead of: “And the company saw a rise in profits.”

Try: “Additionally, the company saw a rise in profits.”

In many cases, the “and” can be deleted entirely.

Example:

Instead of: “And the results were clear.”

Try: “The results were clear.”

Use Sparingly in Formal Writing

In formal writing, it may be more appropriate to rephrase the sentence to avoid starting with “and” :

Instead of: “And they failed to meet expectations.”

Try: “As a result, they failed to meet expectations.”

Conclusion

Starting a sentence with “and” is not grammatically incorrect. It’s a stylistic choice that can add emphasis, improve flow, or maintain connections between ideas. However, like any writing tool, it should be used thoughtfully and in moderation.

When in doubt, read your sentence aloud or consult a trusted editor to ensure it fits your writing’s tone and purpose. Need help refining your work? Get a quote for our editing services.