Comma before/with 'but'

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hanuman_2000

#53916 Sat, 06 Nov 04 11:15 AM

Sir,

The orchestra rehearses on Tuesday, but the chorus rehearses on Wednesday.

There is a comma before the word "but".Sometimes it is not used. this is a very confusing.

Can you please clear it,when should I use comma and when no comma.

Thanks.

hanuman_2000

Joined on Thu, Aug 12 2004

INDIA

Contributing Member (1,613)

Commas

asdf

#53987 Sun, 07 Nov 04 12:12 AM

If the group of words following the but is independent (it can stand as a complete sentence), the comma is used.

I went out yesterday, but I got lost.
I went out yesterday but got lost.

asdf

Joined on Sun, Oct 29 2006

Junior Member (70)

The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug.

Commas

Casi

#54016 Sun, 07 Nov 04 09:19 AM

Re: Somtimes [a comma] is not used.

It's often the case that a writer will leave out the comma if s/he feels the coordinating conjunction is adequate separation, especially if it's a sentence with "short, balanced independent clauses (such as we see in the example just given). If there is ever any doubt, however, use the comma, as it is always correct in this situation."

Source: www.ccc.commnet.ed

Casi

Joined on Sat, Sep 25 2004

Regular Member (547)

Clauses, Commas