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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Subjunctive

# 1 You peformed well but, should the board feel otherwise, I'll step in for you.

When 'should' follows 'but', it becomes awkward. So I thought I could place the comma just after 'but' for proper pause. Is it okay?

#2 He played tennis, hoping that a diversion could calm him.

Is this correct? Or, must it necessarily be: He played tennis and hoped that a diversion . . .
  

Top answer

#1. No, you should not place a comma right after the coordinating conjunction unless it is followed by a really parenthetical comment. The comma slows the flow.

— Mister Micawber

  • #1.
  • No, you should not place a comma right after the coordinating conjunction unless it is followed by a really parenthetical comment.
  • The comma slows the flow.
  • What you do need is a comma before it: You peformed well, but should the board feel otherwise, I'll step in for you .
  • #2.
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3 Answers
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#1. No, you should not place a comma right after the coordinating conjunction unless it is followed by a really parenthetical comment. The comma slows the flow. What you do need is a comma before it:

You peformed well, but should the board feel otherwise, I'll step in for you.

#2. Yours is OK, but I much prefer the 'and' version. Or you
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Thanks. I am a little confused about #1. In the same example, suppose we use 'if' instead of 'should' it would read: You performed well but, if the board feels otherwise, I'll step in for you. Are you saying in these instances, comma after conjunction is acceptable?
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No. The comma again comes before the coordinating conjunction, not after it:

...well, but if...

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