--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: That it is a solecism to begin a sentence…" description: "\"That it is a solecism to begin a sentence with 'and' is a faintly lingering superstition. The OED gives examples ranging from the 10th to the 19th c.; ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d86/ernest-gowers-77166_bible_that-it-is-a-solecism-to-begin-a-sentenc_3090839.jpg" --- # That it is a solecism to begin a sentence with 'and' is a… ![“That it is a solecism to begin a sentence with 'and' is a faintly lingering superstition. The OED gives examples ranging from the 10th to the 19th c.; the Bible is full of them.” quote by Ernest Gowers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d86/ernest-gowers-77166_bible_that-it-is-a-solecism-to-begin-a-sentenc_3090839.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d86/ernest-gowers-77166_bible_that-it-is-a-solecism-to-begin-a-sentenc_3090839.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d86/ernest-gowers-77166_bible_that-it-is-a-solecism-to-begin-a-sentenc_3090839.jpg) > “That it is a solecism to begin a sentence with 'and' is a faintly lingering superstition. The OED gives examples ranging from the 10th to the 19th c.; the Bible is full of them.” Ernest Gowers ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Starting a sentence with “and” is a lingering myth, not a rule; many respected sources use it. **In simple terms:** It’s a myth that “and” can’t start a sentence. Key Takeaway Ignore the superstition and write naturally. Themes grammar style myths Mood reflective analytical Type prescriptive informative When to use this quote - writing essays - blog posts - academic papers - emails Key Concepts prescriptive rules language evolution Questions to Reflect On - Do you ever self‑censor based on this belief? - How might allowing “and” affect your tone? A Different Perspective Some formal contexts still discourage it for clarity. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Bible](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bible/) [Giving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving/) [Superstitions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/superstitions/) ## Related quotes > [To purposely concoct older characters of a sunny disposition would be as much of a solecism as deliberately fabricating arrhythmic blacks, spendthrift Jews, slacker…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/will-self/to-purposely-concoct-older-characters-of-a-sunny-disposition-would-be/) [Will Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/will-self/) > [A government without the power of defense! It is a solecism.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-q-wilson/a-government-without-the-power-of-defense-it-is-a-solecism/) [James Q. 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