Introductory phrases also set the stage for the main action of the sentence, but they are not complete clauses. Diagnostic tests are now chargeable. Most of the time, you don't need a comma after "but"including when you start a sentence with it. The rule is that you can't start a sentence with "because" as it should only be used to join the main clause with a dependent clause. This sentence has two clauses: "If you are hungry" is the dependent clause; it has a subject and a verb, but cannot stand alone. I am going to start this topic today and will keep coming back to it over the next weeks. Obviously, it can't go before "or," since "or" is the first word in the sentence. Instead, you have to set up an adverbial phrase with "during," such as "during school time" or "during the winter.". In no way do I see these practices enhancing a writer's expression; some writers love to hide behind poor punctuation, calling it their style. use a comma before a vocative at the end of the sentence. The question is what to do with an element that begins a second sentence after an and or but ( or, nor). (2) When 'Then' is used in a sequence, like 'First, . Items in the series may consist of a word, clause, or . If you are using the day-month-year format, however, commas are unnecessary. In function, it is similar to the words after and although, and the phrases as if, and in order that all words that can begin sentences without a problem. I know of these two arguments: (1) An introductory element is followed by a comma. One of the most persistent complications is starting a line of thought with a conjunction, like but, so, and, or, or yet. Where does the comma go in this sentence? But, 'but' also has some limitations. By Merriam-Webster's definition, a conjunction joins . Because we use so many sentence structures, it is important to understand how grammar helps to improve communication. You insert a comma when the two halves of your sentence can stand alone. Think of it at the beginning of a sentence as marking an . Yes, it's fine to begin a sentence that way. But,And ,Because English grammer teachers said dont use them,i found it ok on net and learned to write from my father who is an expert. The comma is important because however is a conjunctive adverb that can be used in two different ways: it can join main clauses and it can modify a clause.. Do this when you want to emphasize the connection between two sentences. When you don't need a comma before "but" When starting a sentence with a dependent clause, add a comma after it. When "then" is used as an adverb at the beginning of the sentence, however, a comma should be introduced following it. Many writers learn early in their education that they must never begin a sentence with a conjunction. Although I am still awaiting his reply. You will use a comma when you begin a parenthetical pause, as Lincoln did with his "in a larger sense.". Rule - Use a comma after phrases of more than three words that begin a sentence. A sentence beginning with either "and" or "but" affects me just as negatively as the omission of a comma that joins two sentences, both such common practices on the CNN website and others. use sequential transitions, and conclude your argument in an interesting way! Examples: "I only have just enough in the bank to pick up some bread and eggs. In fact, starting a sentence with "however" is a clear way to link a new sentence to the previous sentence, which is the primary function of a conjunctive adverb like "however." The loathing for starting a sentence with "however" causes lots of writers to use a comma before "however" and then write a new sentence. I agree that the generally-accepted correct comma usage is A. There've been some cases in my own writing where I find sentences that seem to work without the comma after the introductory word, but I've yet to find an exception to the general rule of the Purdue OWL.. Yet don't feel that there aren't allowances for creativity. There are 10 sentences per page. Each sentence is defined by the use of independent and dependent clauses, conjunctions, and subordinators. 2. And, we also need to place a comma before "if" when it introduces a parenthetical remark either halfway . I thought a comma would be better while starting a sentence with a conjunction. Conclusion. Although our subscriber asked specifically about starting sentences with and or but, any of the seven coordinating conjunctions may start a sentence. Answer (1 of 7): I'm not sure where you're imagining the comma would go. It's grammatically fine to start a sentence with and, but, or any other coordinating conjunction. Community programs are ending. Yes, that was another conjunction starting a sentence. "You can cook rice" is the independent clause; it forms a complete sentence and can stand alone. Even if a sentence begins with an introductory "but," there's no need for a comma unless it's immediately followed by an interrupter. Conversely, use a shorter en dash to indicate a range of numbers, like 10-15. Examples of when you should and shouldn't use a comma before but in a sentence The dog is young, but well trained. George Washington vs. Abraham Lincoln 2. Or in translating the Hebrew Bible.) I would go for a walk but for the rain. The best way to start a sentence with a preposition is in an introductory phrase. Let's take a closer look at how to use also correctly, both at the beginning of a sentence and in the middle of one. By themselves, "because I was happy". When to Use Commas After Introductory Prepositional Phrases. Stack Exchange Network. There is no logical reason to avoid starting sentences with so, but it is good to know that, stylistically, some formal writers or public speakers may advise against it. Therefore, you shouldn't use a comma before but. first creates a grammatically incomplete thought like a sentence fragment. yet. A comma before "if" is necessary when it comes after an introductory remark at the beginning of a sentence. Answer: Not according to many high school English teachers. "Because" is actually a conjunction, and it is used most of the time by writers to link two simple sentences. Never put a comma after a conjunction: a comma is a "disjunction", and defeats the purpose of the conjunction. While or can be used at the start of a sentence like all conjunctions it is, admittedly, a little harder to use than most. It simply wouldn't make sense to do this. The bottom line is though, it's never truly off limits. So, I won't be buying any frozen . Coordinating conjunctions join words, phrases, and clauses that are balanced as logical equals: Mary and I went to the meeting. Farrukh Afzal on June 17, 2010 8:06 am. Let me know now if you are not sure about this. Can we start a sentence with' as well as'? Yes, you can! . Beginning a sentence with the word isn't wrong, but many writers avoid starting a sentence with this word anyway. Examine this example: If you are hungry, you can cook rice. Visit Stack Exchange Tour Start here for quick overview the site Help Center Detailed answers. But that doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't do it. 2 An Introductory Phrase. 1. Where does the comma go in a list of three things? punctuation Share Improve this question It might be right for your blog posts, whereas more formal coordinating conjunctions like "additionally" or "however" might read better in a white paper. Removing redundancies and inflated phrases is a good way to start, but if all the words in the sentence are essential, try to split it up into shorter sentences. October 26 2016. The word is perfectly fine to start with, as long as it can form one sentence that is complete and makes sense. The long-enduring rule has been that using a coordinating conjunction to begin a sentence implies a preceding clause to which the sentence should be connected, leaving an incomplete sentence or fragment. Otherwise, you end up with a fragmented sentence. 'But' can be used to introduce a sentence, start a new paragraph, or connect opposing ideas within one complete sentence. Examples: Comma after "but" Karen nodded, but, unsurprisingly, she wasn't paying attention. Generally no, not simply because the sentence starts with "or." Of course, there are non-or-relate. At the start of a sentence, add a comma after a sentence adverb to signal that it modifies not the word that follows but the entire sentence that follows. Starting a Sentence With an If-clause. Use commas to separate independent clauses when they are joined by any of these seven coordinating conjunctions: and, but, for, or, nor, so, yet Example: I love vanilla ice cream, but my brother prefers chocolate Use commas after introductory a) clauses, b) phrases, or c) words that come before the main clause The word, because is a subordinating conjunction; meaning, it introduces subordinating clauses. And over. Look at the words after but: for the rain. But as there is no actual rule that says you can't put yet at the beginning of a sentence, go . Here are the three rules for using commas with vocatives: use a comma after a vocative at the start of the sentence. Anyone concerned about it can easily avoid it when producing edited writing. October 26, 2016. Can you start a sentence with but without a comma? And over. You will be liberated! use a comma before and after a vocative in the middle of the sentence. Then we present the results of Z in section 4. [joins two subjects] That being said, some people consider this to be improper, so don't be surprised if you have a teacher or boss that takes you to task over this "mistake." Margie Wakeman Wells February 19, 2014 The Comma, The Semicolon 2 Comments. Finding the perfect words can be tricky, but what's more important than 'perfect' words are 'different' words. Sadly, current policies to address . You can start sentences with and. When you exercise your new writing muscles and use conjunctions to start sentences, make certain you do not put a comma immediately after the conjunction.