Comma Question

Question

Hi,Should there be a comma in this sentence?"I understand that we’ve never been through this process before, but this result was surprising to me."

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Yes.
You need to pause briefly there when saying that, to allow the listener to grasp your meaning.

Clive

Anonymous · Answer

I don't think the "breath rule" is very official.  Can you please cite a source/rule?

Clive · Answer

Hi,

Any dictionary will tell you that a comma represents a pause. A breath is just my dramatic way of referring to a pause.

I'm simply offering you the same advice about commas that I teach my class. A comma in writing represents a pause in speaking, so all the complicated rules about commas are really just fancy ways of explaining why you should pause.

I find this approach works well with my students. I'm sorry that it doesn't suit you. Perhaps someone else will offer you the kind of information you want.

Let me just add this.

With the comma, the reader will parse the sentence this way.
( I understand that we’ve never been through this process before) , ( but this result was surprising to me. )

Without the comma, the reader may parse it this way.
I understand ( that we’ve never been through this process before, but this result was surprising to me. )

These are two different meanings.

Anyway, I hope you get an explanation you like better.
Clive

RandomGuy · Answer

AnonymousShould there be a comma in this sentence?

Yes.

AnonymousCan you please cite a source/rule?

It is true that in unusual instances a comma may be used expressly to prevent confusion or improve readability, but this is not such a case. The "official" rule states that a comma is required before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, or so) when it links two independent clauses.

Is this a satisfactory explanation?

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