FANBOYS are words that you are not supposed to use at the beginning of a sentence. They consist of: - For - And - Nor - But - Or - Yet - So My friend taught me this trick, and it's helped me so much in my writing. Of course, like every rule, FANBOYS are made to be broken. But sparingly! You see that? I haven't used FANBOYS as the beginning of sentences, other than that. That's the point. Use them sparingly. It is not recommended to use FANBOYS at the beginning of sentences if you are writing an informal paper, such as an essay. But, in fiction, it's okay, as long as you use it sparingly. Just thought that I'd show you guys my trick. /CreakingSilence/
My writing workshop manager actually tells us that breaking this rule in the right places is actually very effective. But hey, you've gotta know the rules to break 'em, right?
Exactamundo! We occasionally run into the situation here where someone asks what the rule is in a particular situation, when some nob comes charging in with a rebel yell that rules are for the unimaginative. Invariably, these are the same folks who argue every point raised in a critique of their work, and point out examples of other authors who break the same rules. Well, guess what. These other published authors learned the rules, and decided when and why to break them. Maybe it was successful, maybe not. I've seen innovative published writing that works well, and I've seen some I wouldn't have on my shelves. But the ones who come in here ranting to forget rules and write whatever you want? I've not seen one yet who has written anything I would give a second look. Know the rules, and their reasons, before you break them. Only then can you predict the response the broken rules will evoke in the reader.
I'm not sure I see the trick. Are you refering to the mnemonic "FANBOYS"? Also, another word commonly included in this list is "because". Any thoughts on that?
http://www.getitwriteonline.com/archive/032601.htm So i see on another site (googled) There are always exceptions though.
I'd just like to point out that most of the people on this thread have started a sentence with the word 'but'. Yet I do not see a problem with this. Nor am I challenging anyone. So all I really wanted to say was, I like the irony... And that is all from me. Or so I believe.
I actually like using FANBOYS at the beginning of a sentence at times It adds style to the paragraph when used correctly and it tends to break up the usual "rule-by-rule" pattern that we're taught in school.
I tend to avoid the simple rules like FANBOYS. They oversimplify the issue, leaving many other conjunctions while beglecting when and why you may wish to break the rule. This rule, like many others, is made to be broken. But only with purpose and deliberation.
Oh, that's a great mnemonic! I'll have to remember that. Thanks for sharing. I will admit I break it from time to time, but not too much, and I think with good reson.
