The short answer is yes; there is nothing grammatically wrong with starting a sentence with a conjunction like but, and, or or.
College essays should have an informal tone. It's okay to write a fragment. Sometimes, fragments can even be powerful. It's okay to start a sentence with “but.” We know your English teacher likely told you in fifth grade that you should never start a sentence with “but.” BUT, on college essays, you sure can!
There's no rule against beginning a sentence with but.
Answer: It is completely acceptable to begin a sentence with the words and, but, and or. Conjunction words like these join together sentences, clauses, or phrases. Other times, it might be better to use a different word, such as, however.
Start with an attention grabber. The very first sentence of your essay should be the “hook” or “grabber.” This sentence “hooks” readers or “grabs” their attention, making them want to read more. This first sentence should provide rich details, engage a reader's curiosity, or otherwise stand out from the rest.
This essay discusses … … is explored … … is defined … The definition of … will be given … is briefly outlined … … is explored … The issue focused on …. … is demonstrated ... … is included …
Avoid long, dense sentences—start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader's curiosity. The hook should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of the topic you're writing about and why it's interesting. Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.
Do not begin a sentence with however or a similar unimportant word. Do not begin a sentence with “also” or “likewise.” Or never begins a sentence, paragraph, or chapter. Never begin a sentence—or a clause—with also.
“But” is a conjunction. According to sources including Merriam-Webster, conjunction is used to join words, phrases, clauses, and sentences. Because of this, it is perfectly proper to use “but” to begin a sentence that continues an idea expressed in the previous one.
'Contrary to what your high school English teacher told you, there's no reason not to begin a sentence with but or and; in fact, these words often make a sentence more forceful and graceful. They are almost always better than beginning with however or additionally.
Even if a sentence begins with an introductory “but,” there's no need for a comma unless it's immediately followed by an interrupter.
“But” is a conjunction (i.e., a linking word) used to introduce a contrast. For example, we could use it in a sentence expressing contrasting opinions about Queen guitarist Brian May and his hairdo: I like Brian May, but I find his hair ridiculous. I like Brian May, yet I find his hair ridiculous.
Don't try to 'wow' the reader with grandiose statements or pithy quotes that broadly relate to your topic. The trouble with such trite openings is that they do not focus your reader. Rhetorical questions are also a bad choice for a first sentence.
Other Conjunctions
For example, we might use it in a sentence expressing contrasting opinions about Queen guitarist Brian May: I like Brian May, but I find his hair ridiculous. One option to reduce repetition of 'but' in writing is to use the word 'yet': I like Brian May, yet I find his hair ridiculous.
In conclusion, the use of so to start a sentence or a question reply strikes some people as odd, and sometimes carries negative connotations, but people use it in spontaneous speech all the time, making it likely to slowly gain acceptance as people hear it more.
Yes, it's quite common to start a sentence with a preposition, and there's no reason not to do so. For example, the sentence “To many, she was a hero” is perfectly grammatical. It could also be rephrased as “She was a hero to many,” but there's no particular reason to do so.
Nevertheless. Nevertheless is a much more formal way of saying but.
'But' Statements in Communication are Risky
It can really change the way we think about ourselves and how we communicate with others. Simply used, the word 'But' negates whatever precedes it and can create a sense of defensiveness. Saying the word 'And' instead creates more effective and non-defensive conversation.
Again, look at this list of common subordinating words. Used at the beginning of a sentence, these words signal to you that a sentence opener follows: After, Although, As, Because, Before, If, Since, Unless, Until, When, While.
Start with the chase. A good hook might also be a question or a claim—anything that will elicit an emotional response from a reader. Think about it this way: a good opening sentence is the thing you don't think you can say, but you still want to say. Like, “This book will change your life.”
Posing a question, defining the key term, giving a brief anecdote, using a playful joke or emotional appeal, or pulling out an interesting fact are just a few approaches you can take. Use imagery, details, and sensory information to connect with the reader if you can.