At the end of the day, the most important thing in academic writing is clarity. If starting a sentence with but helps to clarify your point or make your writing more concise, then go for it! However, if it makes your sentence structure confusing or hard to follow, then it's best to rephrase. The key is to use but judiciously and with purpose.
For instance, imagine you're writing a paper on the benefits of meditation, and you say, "Meditation can reduce stress, but it's not a cure-all for anxiety." In this sentence, but helps to contrast two ideas and add nuance to your argument. It's a small word, but it makes a big difference in the clarity and impact of your writing.
In conclusion, starting a sentence with but in academic writing is not a sin, and it can actually be a valuable tool in your writing arsenal. By understanding the origins of the "no but" rule and the importance of clarity in writing, you can make informed decisions about when to use but and when to avoid it. So, go ahead and use but to start a sentence – your readers will thank you!
