Using “and” to conjoin two phrases or sentences can make your writing clunky and long-winded and redundant, and it can cause your readers' eyes to glaze over what would otherwise be two separate and powerful sentences. And starting sentences with “and” usually undermines the sentence itself. And it's unnecessary.
See what I mean?
How much cleaner is this? 👇
Using “and” to conjoin two phrases or sentences can make your writing clunky. It can cause your readers' eyes to glaze over what would otherwise be two separate, powerful sentences. Starting sentences with “and” usually undermines the sentence itself. It's unnecessary.
When I served as the content editor at my previous marketing agency, deleting “and” was one of the most common edits I made.
Same goes for all the coordinating conjunctions (remember “FANBOYS”?):
I understand the desire to sound conversational. When we talk, we certainly use “and,” “but,” and “so” to string our sentences along.
Online, though, you want your sentences to be as short and punchy as possible. You're writing for skimmers here.
I'm not saying you can never start sentences with a conjunction. Sometimes, conjunctions are a seamless way to transition from one sentence to the next. (That's why they exist, after all.)
Generally, though, you don't need them.
Bottom line: “And” can be a crutch. Next time you write it (or any other conjunction), challenge yourself to remove it. Your writing will almost certainly be stronger.
With a wink,
Sarah 😘
