The position of the comma in relation to the word “but” is directly related to the function it plays in the sentence.
The comma precedes the "but" when it indicates opposition of ideas or addition. However, it is used after the "but" when he introduces interspersed sentences.
Examples:
- I wanted to call my boyfriend, but it's late.
- He didn't travel, but he didn't stay home either.
- But, according to Marina, the doorman tried to ask for help.
Check the explanations below and find out when the use of a comma before the “but” is mandatory, when it is optional and when the “but” cannot be preceded by a comma.
Opposition of ideas: mandatory use of the comma before the "but"
Whenever the “but” is used to indicate opposition of ideas, it must be preceded by a comma.
Examples:
- I would love to travel abroad, but I don't have the money for that.
- Paula's dream is to be a flight attendant, but she doesn't speak any other languages.
- There were few students in the room, but everyone was extremely attentive.
- They study at the best school in the region, but they are not dedicated students.
- I would like to practice synchronized swimming, but I don't know how to swim.
When used to indicate opposition, the "but" is classified as an adversative conjunction.
Adversative conjunctions are responsible for establishing an idea of opposition, contrast, reservation or compensation between two terms of the same clause or between clauses.
Other examples of adversative conjunctions: however, however, however, however, etc.
To learn more about adversative conjunctions, see also: Adversative conjunctions.
Addition idea: optional use of the comma before the "but"
When the “but” indicates the idea of addition, the use of a comma is optional.
This happens whenever it is used in structures that have a connotation of addition, addition, additive value, as is the case of “but also”.
Examples:
- He not only washed the dishes, he also laid out the laundry on the clothesline. or He not only washed the dishes but also laid out the laundry on the clothesline.
- Most prefer summer, but there are also those who like winter. or Most prefer summer, but there are also those who like winter.
- They are very similar to their father, but they also inherited many characteristics from their mother. or They are very similar to their father but also inherited many characteristics from their mother.
- She's smart, but also a little lazy. or She's smart but also a little lazy.
- The explanation was not only clear but complete. or The explanation was not only clear but complete.
Interspersed sentences: use of comma after "but"
When the "but" is used at the beginning of a sentence to intersperse and link different clauses, the clause that follows it must be delimited by commas.
Examples:
- But, as I had already said, that was to be expected.
- But, according to him, the director was already aware of the case.
- But, replied the teacher, he was always a great student.
- But despite everything she's done, he has no resentment back then.
- But, she said, it was not possible to wait for them.
Exercises on using the comma with the "but"
1. Check the correct alternative regarding the use of the comma.
a) But, he said he would be late.
b) I was very tired, but I decided to go.
c) She not only helped me financially but also psychologically.
d) He wanted to travel but had no money.
Correct alternative: c) She not only helped me financially but also psychologically.
a) WRONG. When the "but" occurs at the beginning of a sentence, it is only followed by a comma when being is used to insert sentences.
b) WRONG. A comma is not used before and after the "but" simultaneously, that is, "but" is not used between commas.
c) CORRECT. The "but" in the phrase is an adversative conjunction and, therefore, indicates opposing ideas between the clauses. When exercising this function, it must be preceded by a comma.
d) WRONG. The phrase has two sentences that express opposing ideas. In this case, the "but" is an adversative conjunction and, therefore, must be preceded by a comma.
2. Note the sentences below and check the option where the comma must be used.
a) We brought a cake, but we forgot the knife to cut it.
b) He said he wanted to come, but he also didn't give any confirmation.
c) I don't like him, but I will attend the event.
d) But, was the delivery made?
Correct alternative: a) We brought a cake, but we forgot the knife to cut it.
a) CORRECT. When the "but" indicates the existence of opposing ideas, it is an adversative conjunction. Whenever this occurs, the use of a comma before the "but" is mandatory.
b) WRONG. "but also" has an additive value, that is, it is indicating addition. When this occurs, the use of a comma before "but" is optional.
c) WRONG. A comma is not used before and after the "but" simultaneously, that is, "but" is not used between commas.
d) WRONG. The "but" used at the beginning of a sentence should only be followed by a comma when inserting sentences.
3. Note the sentences below and check the option where the use of comma is optional.
a) I wanted to go to the show, but I don't have money for the ticket.
b) But, she said, her father was wrong anyway.
c) They paid not only for the drinks at the party, but also for the snacks.
d) I went to Natalia's work, but she had already left.
Correct alternative: c) They paid not only for the party drinks, but also the snacks.
a) WRONG. The use of the comma is mandatory, as the "but" of this sentence is an adversative conjunction, that is, it indicates opposing ideas.
b) WRONG. In the sentence of this alternative, the use of "but" is mandatory, as it is used at the beginning of a sentence, interspersing sentences.
c) CORRECT. When the "but" has an additive value, that is, it indicates addition, the use of the comma before it is optional.
d) WRONG. In alternative d), the "but" is an adversative conjunction. For this reason, the use of comma is mandatory.
4. Note the sentences below and check the box where the comma should not be used.
a) But, according to him, John still liked her.
b) I studied not only English and Spanish, but also Italian.
c) But, that's not what I said.
d) I was going to bake a cake, but I don't have all the ingredients.
Correct alternative: c) But, that's not what I said.
a) WRONG. The use of the comma is mandatory in this alternative, as the "but" is used at the beginning of the sentence and has the function of inserting sentences.
b) WRONG. The "but" of this sentence is an adversative conjunction. This makes the use of the comma mandatory.
c) CORRECT. A comma is only used after the "but" at the beginning of a sentence when it is used to insert sentences.
d) WRONG. The use of the comma is mandatory in the sentence of alternative d), since the "but" has the function of an adversative conjunction.
Complement your studies by consulting the following texts:
- Comma Uses
- Comma before the "and"
- Punctuation marks