Is it appropriate to start a sentence with 'and'? We like to do it in my language. It emphasizes that the action in the sentence is a continuation of the previous. And it makes the flow of ideas more softer.
And they lived in paradise. And they were naked but not ashamed.
In my language if I start a sentence with 'and' I can omit the object. Because it is clear that the action happens with the previous object. Can I do it in English?
He called me. And said that he would be late.
Googling "start sentence with and or but" shows many links saying that this is perfectly acceptable, despite assertions to the contrary. This is a nice explanation:
There is a persistent belief that it is improper to begin a sentence with And, but this prohibition has been cheerfully ignored by standard authors from Anglo-Saxon times onwards. An initial And is a useful aid to writers as the narrative continues. - From The New Fowler's Modern English Usage
While it's considered a bit informal, it's perfectly acceptable.
