Grrrrr! Always "So" and "And" in the Beginning of Sentences. What to do?
So I did this... And then happened that. So I opened... And it came.. So I
Familiar? I don't know if it is your problem but it is mine.
These two connectors "So" and "And" create such a nice flow of sentences but if they saturate the text... I think it's not so good either.
I almost hate it but unfortunately I have not figured out yet how to improve my written English.
The problem is especially in the beginning of sentences. It's easy to start sentences with So and And because they create a nice bridge from the previous thought to the new one.
So what I have tried to do (See! Here I have it again in the beginning) is that I have borrowed some other words to substitute them (therefore, also, etc.)
Also, I have studied how other native speakers write and even created a small database with different sentence openers.
But (This "but" in the beginning of a sentence is the third such word)... But I think the real problem is that the way I construct sentences in my mind is too much affected by the grammar rules of my mother language. And that's why (See! And again in the beginning) I am so heavily relying on these And's, So's, and But's.
I don't know. What do you think? Do you have this problem? And how do you solve it (See! "And" again.)?
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Just drop the bridge words. The period in the sentence creates the separation that you are looking to get.
The sentence structure creates the contrast for but, a comma creates a pause for adding information.
The conclusion to a thought usually will stand alone without you telling them that you are concluding the thought.
Just use a period.
Thank you very much for the your recommendations. And sorry for late reply (I was sick last week).
Sometimes, it's kind like I am going against my conscious, trying to do that. This is when you write in a foreign language - you feel like... Hey! If I drop the bridge word (and, or, but) the flow is not smooth enough.
I must get used to that. Your feedback was very valuable and thank you again for giving it, sir :)
I used to have this problem...
What I do know is go back through and re-read whatever it is I have written and every time I see And, So, or But at the beginning of a sentence, I read it with and without. If it makes sense and sounds good, then I leave it out. I still like using them here and there, just try not to over do it.
For instance, where you say, "So what I have tried to do" would sound just as good saying "What I have tried to do". Also, the sentence "But I think the real problem is" would sound great as "I think the real problem is".
Hope this helps... it takes time, but it can be done.
Good luck!
It helps, ma'am (sorry for late reply, I was sick last week). It helps a lot. I will remember your suggestion :)
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Yes, I often find myself in the same boat as you are. I'd offer advice here, but I think you've already gotten it from Labman and LGillespie...it's great advice for myself as well.
I have to reread my stuff constantly to make sure it's not full of and's, so's, and but's. Not to mention these (....) which have become another one I find myself adding way too often.
Thanks for sharing. Here I thought I was the only one with this problem.
Best wishes :) ~Sherry
Sorry for the late reply. I got sick last week and so was too weak.
Your feedback helped me a lot. By the way, I like (...) and use it also often. I try to use not too often but, in my opinion, they make my writings more colorful.
Not many people use them but I do. And I have found that some of the best copywriters in the world (Gary Halbert, Gary Bencivenga, to name the few) have used also. It's been encouraging. Because if the top-notch copywriters do it, it must be a right thing to do.
Thank you again :)
No worries! Hope you're feeling better...
I'd wondered about that as I notice some of my favorite copywriters use it often, so maybe it is the right thing to do.
Thanks for the reply and I agree, I think it (...) adds more to the writing myself. So, I'd have to say if they do it, maybe we should too.
Best wishes :) ~Sherry
I feel great now, only coughing...
I have understood that (...) don't really hurt if I use them. But great to hear from other people too. Thank you again :)