A sheet conveying apparatus includes first and second conveying paths. The first conveying path is configured to receive a sheet from a device connected at an upstream side in a sheet conveying direction so as to transfer the sheet to a device connected at a downstream side in the sheet conveying direction. The second conveying path intersects with the first conveying path. A controller switches between a first operation mode and a second operation mode. In the first operation mode, the sheet is conveyed along the first conveying path, and in the second operation mode, the sheet is conveyed along the second conveying path. The controller controls a sheet conveying operation in the first operation mode or the second operation mode in accordance with the state of the sheet on the second conveying path.