Comma before or after but: how to use it correctly

Comma rules in the English language can affect the clarity and professionalism of your writing. A comma may be small, but it wields serious power, especially when it comes to a word like “but.” Using commas correctly can improve your structure and style, but how do I know when to put a comma in a sentence? The answer depends on the sentence—specifically, whether you are connecting independent clauses or inserting a stylistic pause. This article will help you understand where to use a comma with but, when not to use a comma, and why comma usage matters in a sentence. Whether you are learning the basic grammar rules, drafting an essay, or asking someone to write a paper for me, knowing how to use punctuation before conjunctions is a skill that you can master.

When to use a comma before “but”

If you are unsure whether to use a comma before or after but, you need to learn the basic rules of commas coordinating conjunctions. In short, you should always put a comma before “but” when it connects two independent clauses. In other words, a comma should be inserted if it links two full sentences that can stand alone. How do you know if you are dealing with an independent clause or a subordinate clause? If both parts of the sentence on either side of “but” have a subject and verb, you should always add a comma before “but.”

Examples (when to use a comma before “but”):

• I wanted to go outside, but it started to rain heavily. In this sentence, both clauses are independent and can fully stand alone. “I wanted to go outside” and “It started to rain” have a subject and a verb, so a comma should be inserted.
• She studied really hard, but she did not pass the exam the first time. The sentence has two full thoughts (“She studied really hard” and “She did not pass the exam the first time”) joined together, so a comma is necessary.
• He loves classical music, but his best friend prefers pop songs. Each clause in a sentence has a subject and a verb. Both clauses are full and independent, which means a comma is required to keep things clear and separate the two.

Exceptions (when not to use a comma before “but”):

• If “but” is followed by a dependent (subordinate) clause or a short phrase, the comma might not be necessary.

  She wanted to go to the party but had to work late. (Note that “had to work late” is a dependent clause without its own subject, so no comma is required in a sentence).

• In a short compound sentence, skipping the comma is not as strictly regulated and can be acceptable, especially in casual or informal writing.

  It’s pretty late but I’m not tired. (Here, you can see that both clauses are short and clear, and the writing is informal, so the sentence flows naturally without punctuation).

When not to use a comma before “but”

There are clear instances where a comma before “but” is not only unnecessary but also grammatically incorrect. Understanding this grammar rule is especially important for crafting formal writing tasks like term paper writing, where punctuation may impact your academic style and tone. A comma should never be used if “but” joins an independent and dependent clause.

• She wanted to excel in her academic studies but didn’t prepare for it. (Didn’t prepare for it lacks a subject, which makes a comma unnecessary).
• I was tired but exceptionally happy. (This sentence can be classified as a short compound with a shared structure, with the placement of the comma disrupting the flow of the text).
• We could leave now but maybe later is better. (Both clauses are not fully independent, so a comma is not needed).

Examples of incorrect and corrected usage:

❌He was financially challenged, but happy.

✅He was financially challenged but happy.

❌I cooked a delicious meal, but didn’t eat.

✅I cooked a delicious meal but didn’t eat.

❌The walk was tiring, but worth it.

✅The walk was tiring but worth it.

These are examples of short compound sentences where the comma is often skipped to maintain the natural flow of the sentence. If you are trying to complete your coursework efficiently and exceed your teacher’s expectations, mastering punctuation rules can make a huge difference.

The comma after “but”

Are there instances where a comma after “but” is required for the correct grammar? The short answer: sometimes, yes. The more specific answer will depend on the stylistic emphasis and clarity. A comma after “but” can be used to:

• Create a pause in writing. Commas can be used for dramatic pauses or to create a theatrical, climactic effect in writing.
• Separate elements. Sometimes, a comma can be used to separate certain introductory elements and achieve more clarity.
• To emphasize contrast. A comma can be used after “but” if your goal is to highlight contrast in complex independent sentences.

Examples in academic or formal writing:

• But, as recent studies have shown, this data was incorrect. (But introduces clarification in a sentence).
• But, despite having strong opposition, the candidate won the election. (Here, the comma is used for stylistic clarity).
• But, for all his flaws, he knows how to make an impression. (In this case, the comma is used to add nuance and analysis).

Common mistakes

Avoiding punctuation slip-ups ensures your writing stays professional. If you are trying to do your assignment correctly, pay attention to punctuation to improve your paper format. Here are the most common mistakes involving “but”:

1. Adding a comma before “but” when both clauses are independent.

   ❌I was excited, but couldn’t sleep.

   ✅I was excited but couldn't sleep.

2. Not using a comma when joining two full sentences.

   ❌She loves animals but he prefers silence.

   ✅She loves animals, but he prefers silence.

3. Adding a comma after “but” without a reason.

   ❌But, I think you entirely missed the point.

   ✅But I think you entirely missed the point.

4. Using “but” too often or having to begin a sentence with but every time you write.

   ❌But, despite all the protests, he won the campaign.

   ✅However, despite the drawbacks, they proceeded with the screening.

Repetition of “but” can signal a weak sentence structure. Consider restructuring your sentences completely or using “however” and “yet” for better tone and clarity.

Examples in academic writing

To make sure you use “but” correctly, we would like you to explore the most prominent examples of “but” in academic writing:

1. The outcome appeared promising, but further investigation revealed shortcomings.
2. The participants were carefully selected, but the results remained chaotic.
3. But, in contrast to his colleague’s opinion, he stayed consistent and flexible.
4. The model was lavished with praise for its simplicity, but criticized for lack of depth.

These examples are used to demonstrate how “but” can create nuance, contrast, enhance clarity, and highlight differences in writing.

Conclusion

So, how do you know when to put a comma with “but”? The takeaway on comma before or after but is simple: a comma should be used before “but” when two independent clauses are connected. When an independent clause is connected to a subordinate clause, the comma should be omitted. In rare cases, a comma is allowed to be put after “but.” Learning how to use a comma with “but” may seem like a small punctuation tweak, yet it can make a difference in academic writing and improve your paper’s general readability, style, and tone.