When introducing a clause the comma before the initialization. When introducing a clause the comma before the initialization.
When I introduct a clause like “I am hungry”, there was always a comma before the word “but” but, it doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. Has the grammar rule changed? Because the way I learned it in school was that it doesn’t take a comma when it’s followed by a word, but it takes a comma when it introduces a clause whether it was independent or not.
All of the following examples have a comma as in, “The plan caused
- nothing, but ruin” (Chris X. Kuper).
- Contrary to expectation; yet: She organized her work but only accomplished very little. I am tired but happy.
- Use Problem Used to indicate an exception: No one but she saw the prowler. (Photo: Dmihk)
- With the exception that; and except that. Often used with that: would have joined the band but he couldn’t spare the time; would have resisted but that they lacked courage.
- On the Other hand it never rains but rains. It never rains. Is this exactly true?
- Informal that. Is used after a negative: “There is no doubt but right will prevail.”
- I should know that a… not. When passed, there never is a tax law present, but someone will oppose it. Use after a negative or question.
- What Do the women wear?
How can I help my friends?
Two independent clauses are joined by a comma and together with a coordinating conjunction.
I told Mark that the alarm clock was rung, but I didn’t get up. As he was left with the alarm clock set, Mark woke up and called 911.
Do not put a comma before or after a coordinating conjunction that joins two verbs in the same
clause. Nelson is always complaining about not having any friends but is not a friendly person himself.
In other cases ‘but’ need not be separated by a
comma.
