Do You Put a Comma Before or After But? [Your Easy Guide]

Great question. Love where your head’s at. 

You can put a comma before but to connect two independent clauses, meaning they contain a subject and a verb. You may also see a comma after but as a literary device used to insert a quick aside or emphasize a point. 

If your eyes start to glaze over at the sight of 'two independent clauses', don't worry. We'll make this easy.

In this article, we'll go over when to use a comma with but, when not to, when to use it after but, and even some Easter eggs, so let's get after it. 

Do you put a comma before but?

The typical instance where a comma is used before but is when there are two independent clauses that are related somehow but not sequential.

This means the but is used to connect two different thoughts that could work as their own standalone sentences. 

These independent clauses can have different subjects or share a piece of info with no subject. 

Grammar Rules for Placing a Comma Before But

English grammar can be rough.

It's one of those things most of us can listen for and know what's right but maybe aren't 100% sure of the exact rules.

A comma can be a device to help avoid confusion when it falls after words like “but” or “yet” as a way to indicate the contrast between the independent clauses.

Commas are also great at joining two complete sentences together with coordinating conjunctions.

The most common of these conjunctions are 'and', 'but', and 'or'.

For example, “I went to the store yesterday, but I can't remember what I bought.”

Or another example: “I love reading, but it is difficult for me”.

Here we should use a comma before the word 'but' because it is used like an adverbial phrase modifying the verb in this sentence.

What is a comma splice and how to avoid them?

This is the unsavory event where 2 different sentences and therefore ideas are separated with only a comma. 

The comma is used to separate two independent clauses that are not joined by a coordinating conjunction.

As long as the two clauses are joined by a period, semicolon, or colon, the comma is omitted.

Side note:

Now, of course, this would only stand out to the 'grammar police' but is something to consider.

See what I did there? I used a pair of commas.

Usually an extra comma adds clunk to a sentence, but it can help on occasion.

Issues of Comma Usage Before But

Keep in mind there are always exceptions and at times the comma before a "but" is optional.

It is often a matter of style preference whether to use a comma before the word 'but'.

What is copyediting if not deciding these kinds of things like comma usage in your style guide.

For instance, the sentence:

"I'd like to go out for a walk, but it's raining."

Can also be written as:

"I would like to go out for a walk but it's raining."

But simple rules do exist in some specific cases and the general basic rule of thumb stands.

One comma rule is that when you're connecting an independent clause to a dependent clause, the comma is unnecessary. 

For example 'We had a great day at the zoo but it was really hot.'

Do you put comma after but?

If you put a comma before and after "but," some people find it more formal writing.

But adding a comma after a but is great if you want to add emphasis on the contrast of the sentence.

For example, in the sentence:

"He didn't eat anything but he drank coffee."

Most people will put a comma before and after "but" because they want to emphasize that he did not eat anything and only drank coffee.

When you use a subordinate clause in this way you are adding context to the situation.

When do you use 'but' in a sentence?

"But" is often used in a sentence to signal contrast and basically go against what was said before.

It can also work as a sentence connector to start off the second half of the sentence.

If you use but in this way, please do proceed with caution though.

If you sprinkle in a but in the middle of a sentence it can disavow everything that came before it.

For instance:

• 'You look beautiful but...'

• 'I love you but...'

• 'I'm not racist but...'

• 'The food is good but...'
  
  

As you can imagine these kinds of sentences can be very dangerous. 

Beginning a sentence with but

But is one of the most versatile words in the English language.

Don't be fooled by your third-grade English teacher. 

You can certainly start a sentence with 'but' just like you can start a sentence with rather.

'But' can be used to introduce a sentence, start a new paragraph, or connect opposing ideas within one complete sentence.

But, 'but' also has some limitations.

When to put a comma after but at the beginning of a sentence

If you do decide to start a sentence with but before a comma in this way it's best to use it sparingly.

Remember that the comma is the equivalent of a short pause in a sentence like those used for emphasis. 

There are only so many times you can take a break in the literary action.

Especially to express contrasting thoughts in rapid succession before you begin confusing readers and your entire article appears redundant or half-baked. 

Some Writing Tips on When to Use Commas in Sentences

1. Commas are used to separate items in a list.
2. Commas can be used to set off appositive phrases - the device used to insert a name or a quick bio of a sentence's subject to give extra context.
3. Commas can be used to set off non-essential clauses and phrases.
4. The comma indicates a break in sentence structure.
5. Remember that a comma is not always needed, and it is often omitted for efficiency.

What are some comma rules?

Comma usage is a tricky topic for many people, and it can be difficult to remember all the punctuation rules and guidelines.

Here are some of the most commonly used comma rules:

• When listing three or more items, use a 'serial comma' after each one except the last item.

• I.e. 'I like apples, oranges, and grapes.'

• You should use a comma before introductory phrases with a conjunction (and, but, or) that introduces an independent clause.

• I.e. 'Times are tough, but there is still hope.'

• If there is no conjunction between independent clauses it's better to use a semicolon or period.

• I.e. 'Ted Chiang's books are amazing; they are full of great ideas.' 'Ted Chiang's books are amazing. They are full of great ideas.' 

Commas before and after but

There you have it. We have gone over some of the comma rules surrounding but.

And in the interest going the extra mile we've also discussed the correct use of but and commas in general.

Hope it's been as fun for you as it has been for me.

And if you'd like to find out how to become a freelance writer with no experience, we've got you covered!

Until next time, wish you all the best.