Is it correct to start a sentence with AND?

It is generally considered incorrect to begin a sentence with the coordinating conjunction "and" if the sentence is expressing a complete thought. "And" is used to join two related clauses or phrases, so if the sentence begins with "and" it is not clear what it is being connected to. For example:

× And they ran away from home. (incorrect)

✓ They ran away from home. (correct)

✓ Tom saw them, and they ran away from home. (correct)

When "and" is used to connect elements within a sentence, such as in the example "Tom saw them, and they ran away from home", it is acceptable. However, if you wish to emphasize a statement or create a dramatic effect, it is sometimes acceptable to start a sentence with "and".

For example:

✓ And so, the adventure begins! (starts with "and" for dramatic effect)

✓ And it was on this day that I became a new person. (starts with "and" for dramatic effect)

It's important to use this technique sparingly and only when appropriate, as it should be used for special emphasis and not as a common grammatical rule.