What are conjunctions?

Conjunctions are words such as and, but, and so that link ideas together in a sentence. They help readers understand the relationship between ideas. For example, but signals to the reader that there is contrast between 2 ideas, as in the classic:

• I did my homework but the dog ate it

Why should you avoid using conjunctions at the start of a sentence in academic writing?

It is not the case that we should avoid conjunctions in academic writing. They are needed. However, in some genres of writing, such as journalism, the conjunctions and, but, and so are used at the beginning of sentences:

• Taxes have been rising for the last two years. But now there is a switch in strategy and they are due to fall significantly
• Many have questioned the government´s strategy. SO, today, the Prime Minister will be outlining his response

This, however, is not what they are grammatically meant to do.

How can you avoid using conjunctions at the start of a sentence?

As stated above, it is not about avoiding conjunctions as we need them. However, it is important that we use them correctly, which means not beginning sentences with them. Instead, at the beginning of your sentences, use what we call conjunctive adverbs. This means replacing and, but, and so with an equivalent i.e. in addition, however, therefore. The sentences above would change accordingly:

• Taxes have been rising for the last two years. However, now there is a switch in strategy and they are due to fall significantly
• Many have questioned the government´s strategy. Therefore, today, the Prime Minister will be outlining his response