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  #1 (permalink)  
Old 29-Sep-2006, 16:24
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Default Comma problems: ,but?

hi,

Do we have to put comma before "but"?

eg.

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


m
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Old 29-Sep-2006, 17:09
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Default Re: Comma problems: ,but?

It's usually a good idea, but nobody will shoot you if you don't use it.
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Old 29-Sep-2006, 19:52
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Smile Re: Comma problems: ,but?

Yes, you may, two independent clauses can be joined in the same way
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Old 30-Sep-2006, 08:23
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Default Re: Comma problems: ,but?

hi,

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

have a nice day,
m
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Old 30-Sep-2006, 10:49
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Default Re: Comma problems: ,but?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mad-ox View Post
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.
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Old 30-Sep-2006, 15:04
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Default Re: Comma problems: ,but?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mad-ox View Post
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.
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Old 01-Oct-2006, 04:58
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Default Re: Comma problems: ,but?

hi,

Thanks to all of you!

m
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Old 01-Oct-2006, 17:33
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Default Re: Comma problems: ,but?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mad-ox View Post
hi,

Thanks to all of you!

m

You're welcome, Mad-ox.
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Old 02-Oct-2006, 13:56
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Default Re: Comma problems: ,but?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mad-ox View Post
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
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