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Snarf Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

Comma before "not" vs. before "but"

I'm often unsure about whether to put a comma before "not" or to put it before "but" when both appear in the same sentence. For example:

"It would be better to have their hearts not only broken, but stomped on and torn to shreds, in order to knock some tact and sensitivity into them."

Is that okay? I definitely feel a pause before the "but" but not before the "not."

Thanks.
  

Top answer

Hi, I'm often unsure about whether to put a comma before "not" or to put it before "but" when both appear in the same sentence. " Is that okay? " There is definitely no reason to pause after 'not'.

— Clive

  • Hi, I'm often unsure about whether to put a comma before "not" or to put it before "but" when both appear in the same sentence.
  • " Is that okay?
  • " There is definitely no reason to pause after 'not'.
  • I wouldn't say a pause before the 'but' is wrong, but I wouldn't naturally pause there.
  • The 'not only .
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1 Answers
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Hi,

I'm often unsure about whether to put a comma before "not" or to put it before "but" when both appear in the same sentence. For example:

"It would be better to have their hearts not only broken, but stomped on and torn to shreds, in order to knock some tact and sensitivity into them."

Is that okay? I definitely feel a pause before the "but" but not before the "not."
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