Do you have sentences that begin with coordinating conjunctions?
Words such as "and", "but", "so", "or", "yet", "for", "nor" are coordinating conjunctions that link independent clauses together:
I want to get a job as a lifeguard this summer, so I signed up for lifeguard training at the community center.
I'm not a very strong swimmer, yet I still have hope that if I practice hard, I will make the swim team.
Sentences can also begin with coordinating conjunctions, as in this example:
But if I don't make the swim team, I won't be too disappointed.
However, when too many sentences begin with coordinating conjunctions, your writing will appear fragmented and sound choppy. In general, it is best to use linking words to join independent clauses within a sentence rather than using them to begin sentences. For example:
Original:
Many people believe that we should have a school dress code. But I don't. And, I have good reasons to back my opinion. Fashion is a great way for kids to express themselves. So wearing uniforms would force students to express their individuality in other ways. But these ways might be more rebellious than simply wearing a short skirt or baseball cap. School uniforms are also expensive. And some families can't afford to shell out lots of money for new clothes at the beginning of each year. Yet the school board insists that a school dress code would lead to better grades and fewer discipline problems. But where's the evidence? The school board has not presented any studies to back up their plan. Nor has the school principal. So, before the decision is made, more research must be done.
Improved:
Although many people believe that we should have a school dress code, I have good reasons to explain why I don't support the idea. Fashion is a great way for kids to express themselves. Wearing uniforms would force students to express their individuality in other ways which might be more rebellious than simply wearing a short skirt or baseball cap. School uniforms are also expensive, and some families can't afford to shell out lots of money for new clothes at the beginning of each year. The school board insists that a school dress code would lead to better grades and fewer discipline problems, but where's the evidence? Neither the school board nor the school principal has presented any studies to back up their plan. Before the decision is made, more research must be done.