Is comma necessary?

0 The comma is neither obligatory nor optional. It is incorrect to insert a comma here. 0-

1b01i00but 02i02b00 is a coordinating conjunction, and has to be precded by a comma.02br
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00The two clauses in the sentence are joined together with the word "but". This is a 01i00coordinating conjunction02i00. It is used to join two independent clauses which are equally important. 01font0

0Anon, I'm sorry, but you are incorrect. 02br
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00Inchoateknowledge's post is entirely correct. Some people believe it's absolutely required, but as Inchoateknowledge's post points out, others omit it if the independent clauses are very brief. But it is wrong to say that it is incorrect.0-

0 01blockquote

01cite10Grammar Geek12cite10Inchoateknowledge's post is entirely correct. Some people believe it's absolutely required, but as Inchoateknowledge's post points out, others omit it if the independent clauses are very brief. But it is wrong to say that it is incorrect.12br
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10Hi Barbara0

0I would put it in, yes. I don't think these clauses are so short that they qualify for the exemption to omit it. But I recognize that there is room for opinion on this - it's not cut-and-dried.0-

0Barbara02br
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00Thanks.0-

0 01blockquote

01cite10Yoong Liat12cite10He has a decayed 11b10tooth,12b10 but he is afraid to see a dentist.12br
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10Is the comma after 'tooth' optional or obligatory?12br
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11b01font00Long-time general rule regarding this

0 Thanks, Philip. So the pronoun plays a decisive part in the inclusion of the comma. 0-

0 01blockquote

01cite10Yoong Liat12cite10Thanks, Philip. So the pronoun plays a decisive part in the inclusion of the comma.12blockquote

11b01font00That's what I learned in school, and I still think it makes sense. The comma replaces a period, thus avoinding two short sentences.02font02

0What you've said makes sense. It's logical. Thanks, once again.0-