Punctuation in Review

Some grammar rules (and embarrassing mistakes!) transcend the uniqueness of different regions and style guides. This new International Grammar section by OnlineBookClub.org ultimately identifies those rules thus providing a simple, flexible rule-set, respecting the differences between regions and style guides. You can feel free to ask general questions about spelling and grammar. You can also provide example sentences for other members to proofread and inform you of any grammar mistakes.

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RGraf
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Punctuation in Review

Post by RGraf »

Per the instructions on the review scorecard page, I was to post my question here. It was noted in a review I submitted that a comma belonged before "but" in this sentence: So much of it reminded me of the world today but with a more sinister edge to it.

I do not think that is right as the clause after "but" is not independent. It is not a complete sentence.
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Post by jgraney8 »

RGraf wrote: 21 Sep 2018, 15:03 Per the instructions on the review scorecard page, I was to post my question here. It was noted in a review I submitted that a comma belonged before "but" in this sentence: So much of it reminded me of the world today but with a more sinister edge to it.

I do not think that is right as the clause after "but" is not independent. It is not a complete sentence.
You are correct. The comma rule calls for a comma before but when but is a coordinating conjunction. A coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses. The two phrases after but do not include a verb nor a subject since both are prepositional phrases - with a more sinister edge and to it. For more about but with commas, which you don't seem to need, you can go to https://www.grammarly.com/blog/comma-before-but/.
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Post by gali »

RGraf wrote: 21 Sep 2018, 15:03 Per the instructions on the review scorecard page, I was to post my question here. It was noted in a review I submitted that a comma belonged before "but" in this sentence: So much of it reminded me of the world today but with a more sinister edge to it.

I do not think that is right as the clause after "but" is not independent. It is not a complete sentence.
You have the option to appeal that via your RT page.
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Post by Melekwe Anthony »

It's up to you.
The use of punctuations general has always been up to the user and the voice he/she uses to write.
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Post by MrsCatInTheHat »

Melekwe Anthony wrote: 25 Sep 2018, 17:44 It's up to you.
The use of punctuations general has always been up to the user and the voice he/she uses to write.
I can see that you are new here. In reviews, editors do look at punctuation and mark off for punctuation that does not follow grammar guidelines. In the case above, it looks like the editor may have erred, but it's not up to the user to just use whatever punctuation that they want to...
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Post by HollandBlue »

I think putting the comma before 'but' would emphasize the statement following it. Also, you started the sentence with 'So', maybe that's why the editor feels there should be a comma. If you read the sentence aloud, there is a pause before the 'but', and that also suggests the need for a comma. Technically, the rule is as you state, but I think that the editor has a point.
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Post by inaramid »

jgraney8 wrote: 21 Sep 2018, 21:20
RGraf wrote: 21 Sep 2018, 15:03 Per the instructions on the review scorecard page, I was to post my question here. It was noted in a review I submitted that a comma belonged before "but" in this sentence: So much of it reminded me of the world today but with a more sinister edge to it.

I do not think that is right as the clause after "but" is not independent. It is not a complete sentence.
You are correct. The comma rule calls for a comma before but when but is a coordinating conjunction. A coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses. The two phrases after but do not include a verb nor a subject since both are prepositional phrases - with a more sinister edge and to it. For more about but with commas, which you don't seem to need, you can go to https://www.grammarly.com/blog/comma-before-but/.
:ditto:
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