Comma problems: ,but?

[Mad-ox]

hi,

Do we have to put comma before "but"?

eg.

I have learnt a lot, but I am not satisfied with myself.


m

[rewboss]

It's usually a good idea, but nobody will shoot you if you don't use it.

[Nikole]

Yes, you may, two independent clauses can be joined in the same way

[Mad-ox]

hi,

Neither of you was 100%. Am I compelled to use comma before but or not?

have a nice day,
m

[Coffa]

Originally Posted by Mad-ox

hi,
Neither of you was 100%. Am I compelled to use comma before but or not?
have a nice day,
m

No, you are not compelled to do so. I would personally, but it is not compulsory. If you have a comma problem, say the sentence aloud, and ask yourself whether you pause before the comma or not. If you don't, it should not be there.

In your sentence, some speakers would pause and others would not.

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by Mad-ox

hi,

Neither of you was 100%. Am I compelled to use comma before but or not?

have a nice day,
m

As others have told you, punctuation varies from person to person and style guide to style guide. That said, when "but" is used to connect two independent clauses, a comma before but is preferred by most guides unless the two clauses are very short. Then it is optional.

[Mad-ox]

hi,

Thanks to all of you!

m

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by Mad-ox

hi,

Thanks to all of you!

m

You're welcome, Mad-ox.

[BobK]

Originally Posted by Mad-ox

hi,
Do we have to put comma before "but"?
.
.
.

Trust me to introduce difficulties. The advice given so far applies when 'but' is used to contrast two thing: "Not A but B" and "Not A, but B" are both acceptable.

However, in this usage there's no option: "I have nothing but admiration for people like that."

b