“But” at the Beginning of Sentences

Every elementary school student is taught never to start a sentence with but. But why? Teachers of young students often warn against beginning with but or and simply as a way of avoiding a verbal crutch. All mature writers develop an instinct for what tone they’re going for, who their audience is, and what kind of style their content demands. But there’s no universal rule against starting a sentence with the word “but.” This is part of a complete episode.