however

>>"We can read and write, however, in English." This sentence is grammatically correct but is awkward. Instead of "however", an English speaker would place the emphasis on "can":

"My sister and I both took French, but we've forgotten all of it. We *can* read and write in English."<<

Thank you for your comment. I appreciate it.

eito, there is nothing wrong with that sentence. If a native French speaker, perhaps dismayed with my ability, asked me "Can you even read and write?!" I'd probably reply with the sentence you supplied.

What about so at the beginning of the sentence? I know you said bad form, but should I use a comma? Is it incorrect if I don't? I've seen it done in the Bible (the word so at the beginning of an independent clause without a comma). Haven't been able to find that construction anywhere else lately.