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It may offend the stipulations of Latin prose composition to begin a sentence with a conjunction, but it is perfectly good English to do so. If the conjunction but can begin an independent clause it can begin a sentence.
Another View
With no Academy of American English, the idea of "proper grammar" can be elusive. To answer this question directly assumes the premise that one should indeed not begin a sentence with a conjunction.
The answer, assuming this premise, would be something like this: If your professor or boss recommends against it, then don't begin a sentence with a (coordinating) conjunction.
The question then becomes, "What is the grammatical foundation for the proscription?"
The reason for the proscription is to avoid sentence fragments. A sentence must be able to stand sensibly on its own.
If you look at the sentence, "But I stayed at home" we see a sentence that is not sensible on its own. If you consider the sentence, "I stayed at home" you will notice the sentence is not in context any more than the first example sentence, but it is a sensible sentence.
Many people will explain that beginning a sentence with a coordinating conjunction adds emphasis. This can be accomplished using an EM dash--but few people take advantage of the tools in their tool box. The exclamation mark is also a well know, if under utilized method of adding emphasis. The semicolon too deserves more attention than it receives when separating independent clauses that are closely related.
The next time you see a sentence beginning with a coordinating conjunction, ask yourself if it deserved emphasis. More often than not, the author simply doesn't seem comfortable writing a compound or complex sentence.
If you look around the web, you will likely find more sources saying it is OK than those that say it is not proper grammar. You may then decide it is much easier to side with the former. Remember that citation and style refer to usage, but questions of grammar are posed out of the need to understand the rules of grammar.
These rules would dictate that you not begin a sentence with a coordinating conjunction.
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When should one use 'who's' or 'whose' in a sentence?
Who's is a conjunction, so it should be used when making a sentence using the phrase "who is". The term "whose" is using the word who in the possessive tense.
Catching fish is one of the oldest pastimes is a preposition conjunction verb or adverb?
In the sentence, "Catching fish is one of the oldest pastimes.":the preposition = of;the verb = is (a linking verb).There is no conjunction or adverb in the sentence.
What is a conjunction sentence?
A conjunction is a word that links two nouns (boys and girls; cake and ice cream) or connects two independent clauses: The new coach has an excellent reputation and I expect him to help the team win many games. So, a conjunction sentence is probably one that contains a conjunction: some common conjunctions are "and," "or" and "but." Here's another example: The students can take their quiz today, or they can take it tomorrow.
What is a coordinating conjunction?
A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance in a sentence. Common coordinating conjunctions include "and," "but," "or," "nor," "for," "so," and "yet".
Can you start a sentence with a prepostiton?
It is allowed to start a sentence with a preposition. One such sentence might be: "Over the clouds flew the airplane, and no one saw it at all from below."
Catching fish is one of the oldest pastimes is this sentence a conjunction?
An entire sentence can't be a conjunction, and there is no conjunction in that sentence.
Do you begin sentences with and?
Do I begin sentences with "and?" Sometimes. SHOULD one begin sentences with "and?" No. And is a conjunction, which is meant to connect words, phrases, or clauses together. It is not supposed to START a sentence.
Where is the conjunction in this sentence Catching fish is one of the oldest pastimes?
There is no conjunction in the sentence, "Catching fish is one of the oldest pastimes."
When should one use 'who's' or 'whose' in a sentence?
Who's is a conjunction, so it should be used when making a sentence using the phrase "who is". The term "whose" is using the word who in the possessive tense.
When is it correct to start a sentence with the word And?
The conjunction AND is used first in a sentence where the sentence preceding it was truncated, or stopped, and there are details to add on the identical topic. It is usually done where putting everything in one long sentence is not possible or desirable. The second sentence should, of necessity, continue the same line of thought and not branch off further, as this can make the AND superfluous.
What is the conjunction in this sentence you were late for the biology class and you missed the test?
The grammatical conjunction in this sentence is and. A conjunction is used to connect phrases, sentences, clauses, or words. A conjunction is typically one word but there are a few short phrases that also serve as conjunctions.
Catching fish is one of the oldest pastimes is a preposition conjunction verb or adverb?
In the sentence, "Catching fish is one of the oldest pastimes.":the preposition = of;the verb = is (a linking verb).There is no conjunction or adverb in the sentence.
How can you start a topic sentence about snow?
you all should get the xbox one.
When do you use where in a sentence?
Where may be used as a noun, adverb, or conjunction. "Where are you from?" (noun) "Where is the telephone?" (adverb) "I decide to go where no one could find me." (conjunction)
Is coordinating conjunction in a complex sentence?
It can be, but it doesn't have to be. They are always a part of Compound sentences, because a coordinating conjunction joins one independent clause to another.
what is a compound, complex, and simple sentence?
Compound — two main clauses joined by a conjunction. Simple — one main clause on its own. Complex — one main clause and one subordinate clause joined by a conjunction.
Can you start a sentence with 'No'?
No, you cannot start a sentence with "no" unless you need to do so. No reason exists not to start a sentence with that word, as you can see. No one will care if you do start a sentence with it.
