"but"

[yrl]

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in my personal statement, i start like 2 sentences with "But." a couple people have already commented on it and told me i need to change it asap. is it really that bad/informal? will the admissions people who read it think i need a english lesson?
i just feel like "but" gives my sentence an effect that "however" doesn't.

 

[Vicviper]

It doesn't really matter, it's a stylistic thing. If you don't like however, use the word though. But, more formal than But, however, less than however, so go with though. 😉

 

[takedailyfiber]

I had an English professor who said to never start sentences with "but" or "however."

Yes, starting a sentence with "but" is typically pretty informal, and I feel like there's always a better alternative. I'd see if you could reword the sentence.

 

[MrBeans]

Depends upon the circumstances and nature of your essay.

Sometimes "but" is useful in catching the readers attention by suggesting a negative only to take your thought to a more dynamic/positive perspective.