The "no but" rule originated from the idea that starting a sentence with a conjunction like but can make your writing seem informal or even lazy. In the past, academic writing was all about following strict rules and conventions, and starting a sentence with but was seen as a breach of those rules. However, times have changed, and so have the rules.
Today, many style guides, including the Chicago Manual of Style, say it's perfectly fine to start a sentence with but in academic writing. In fact, it can even be beneficial to use but to contrast two ideas or to add variety to your sentence structure. For example, "The new policy has been met with enthusiasm, but some critics argue it doesn't go far enough." This sentence is clear, concise, and easy to follow.
So, why should you care about whether you can start a sentence with but in academic writing? Well, for one, it can make your writing more engaging and readable. When you're writing a long essay or research paper, you want to keep your reader interested and invested in your argument. Using but to start a sentence can add a touch of personality to your writing and make it more relatable.
Sentence Starters Charts – Improve Sentence Structure in English
