How do you use a comma with but rather?
To use “but rather,” a comma must be placed before the word “but.” This is because “but” is a conjunction and, with this particular construction, is only ever going to be used to connect two independent clauses in a sentence.
Is it correct to use but rather?
‘but rather’ is perfectly fine and a good alternative to: In Latin, when a group of males and females is combined, the neutral plural form is not used; rather the masculine is. ‘Rather’ is like ‘instead’; using ‘but’ allows it in one conjoined sentence rather than a separate one.
Can you begin a sentence with but?
There’s no rule against beginning a sentence with but. Sure, it’s a wise admonition from middle-school English teachers that novice writers avoid beginning a series of sentences with but. In July we went to Six Flags. But it rained that day.
How do you use but in a sentence?
But can be used in the following ways:
- As a conjunction (connecting two phrases or clauses): She’s 83 but she still goes swimming every day.
- As a preposition (followed by a noun): There’s been nothing but trouble since he came.
- As an adverb: We can but hope that things will improve.
Does a comma come before a but or after a but?
When do you put a comma before but? The comma goes before but when we’re joining two independent clauses. Examples: I ran to the store for fresh ginger root, but they didn’t have any. He wanted to adopt the dog, but he couldn’t afford to. She’s written to the governor, but she doesn’t expect a reply.
Does a comma always go before and in a series?
Serial Commas Perhaps no mark of punctuation ruffles feathers more than the serial comma (also called series comma, Oxford comma, and Harvard comma). This comma precedes the final item in a list or series, before the word and or or. With the exception of newspapers, most publications use the serial comma, because it helps writers avoid ambiguity.
Should a comma be used before and?
Comma Before And That Joins Two Independent Clauses. The word and is a conjunction, and when a conjunction joins two independent clauses, you should use a comma with it. The proper place for the comma is before the conjunction.
What is the correct way to use commas?
Use a comma to separate dates and addresses. Each of the elements in a date (weekday, month and day, and year) should be separated by a comma. Also use a comma to separate the elements in an address, or when referring to a city and state or country. Use a comma at the salutation and close of a letter.