Should you start a sentence with the word but?

While it's generally considered good practice to avoid starting a sentence with "but," it's not strictly grammatically incorrect. Here's why:

* It's a conjunction: "But" is a coordinating conjunction, linking words, phrases, or clauses.

* Emphasis: Starting a sentence with "but" can create emphasis and a stronger contrast between the two parts of the sentence.

However, overuse can make your writing sound choppy or informal.

Here are some things to consider:

* Context: Is the tone formal or informal?

* Clarity: Does the sentence flow smoothly and convey your meaning clearly?

* Variety: Do you use other sentence structures to avoid monotony?

Here's an example:

* Formal: "The project was challenging, but we successfully completed it."

* Informal: "But we did it! The project was a success."

In general, it's good to be aware of the stylistic implications of starting a sentence with "but" and use it judiciously for the best effect.