Comma (,) + but + independent clause?

Question

Hi, experts. Hope you are all fine.Do you need a comma before 'but' when it precedes an independent clause, not matter how long a clause/sentence it follows? For example, do we need a comma here?He not only feels happy or excited about the deal but throws a party. Thanks.It is forbidden here, by the way.getitwriteonline .com/archive/020204whencommabfand.htm

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Little GirlHe not only feels happy or excited about the deal but throws a party.

This is not a good example of what you want to know.
The pattern is: not only/ but also. Not only did he feel happy and excitd about....but he also threw a party.
This pattern usually doesn't require a comma.

CalifJim · Answer

Little GirlDo you need a comma before 'but' when it precedes an independent clause,

Yes, and it doesn't matter how long the clauses are. Nevertheless, some writers don't observe the rule. They leave out the comma if the whole sentence is short.

Little GirlFor example, do we need a comma here? He not only feels happy or excited about the deal but throws a party.

That's a bad example because 'throws a party' is not an independent clause. It has no subject. In this case you don't need a comma because you don't have the kind of sentence that requires it. (The sentence is faulty in other ways that have nothing to do with your question, but I see someone else has already mentioned that.)

CJ

Comma (,) + but + independent clause?

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