Comments on: Grammar Lesson of the Day: And

By: PLKrakauer

PLKrakauer — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 09:52:36 +0000

“And” by definition is a conjunction. Logically, the role of a conjunction is to connect two parts. When one starts a sentence with a conjunction one is effectively trying connect it to a previous sentence or concept. When the “and” provides the connective role in a new sentence, there is more likely an error in punctuation which separates the two sections of the compound sentence with a perriod rather than connecting them with a comma. When the concept expressed in the new sentence is too distinct from that of the preceeding sentence to qualify for a compound structure, the errant “and” is more nearly serving the purpose of an interjection or something of the nature of “so”, “hence”, “anyway”, or “well”. It is what it does. If it doesn’t conjunct, it’s not a conjunction.

By: jason taylor

jason taylor — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 16:48:08 +0000

One of the rules of gramatical rules is that they are for amateurs. Professional rhetoricians know when to keep them and when to break them.

By: pentamom

pentamom — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 14:56:17 +0000

Off the main point, but I think notwithstanding is one of the most wonderful words in the English language. It’s best used sparingly — twice in a decade is probably the right limit for a fairly prolific professional writer. But there’s just a strange beauty in that word.

By: Jess

Jess — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 21:46:32 +0000

All I can say is: And why not?

By: jd wakt

jd wakt — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 18:23:57 +0000

From the movie “Finding Forrester.” i always loved this exchange. Seems on point.

Forrester: Paragraph three starts…with a conjunction, “and.” You should never start a sentence with a conjunction.
Jamal: Sure you can.
Forrester: No, it’s a firm rule.
Jamal: No, it was a firm rule. Sometimes using a conjunction at the start of a sentence makes it stand out. And that may be what the writer’s trying to do.
Forrester: And what is the risk?
Jamal: Well the risk is doing it too much. It’s a distraction. And it could give your piece a run-on feeling. But for the most part, the rule on using “and” or “but” at the start of a sentence is pretty shaky. Even though it’s still taught by too many professors. Some of the best writers have ignored that rule for years, including you.