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Subject:Re: Usage of a the word "BUT" From:"Parks, Beverly" <ParksB -at- EMH1 -dot- HQISEC -dot- ARMY -dot- MIL> Date:Wed, 26 Nov 1997 08:16:13 -0700
In the example you gave, there should not be a comma because both
clauses are not independent. However, if you added the word "it" at the
beginning of the second clause, then the comma is necessary. Plus, I'd
move "only" to the right a few words:
"This sub-directory is easily accessible by all employees, but it can be
updated only by the Administrator."
If the independent clauses are short and not likely to be misread, you
can usually omit the comma.
Bev Parks
parksb -at- emh1 -dot- hqisec -dot- army -dot- mil
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Parker, Cassandra M. (EXCH) [SMTP:CMPARKER -at- INTERMEDIA -dot- COM]
>Sent: Wednesday, November 26, 1997 7:47 AM
>
>A quick question, what is the proper usage of a comma before the word
>"but"? I have seen it used correctly and incorrectly equally.
>
>One example is below and was used with and without the comma before the
>word "but"
>
> A. "This sub-directory is easily accessible by all employees,
> but can only be updated by the Administrator."
>
> B. "This sub-directory is easily accessible by all employees
> but can only be updated by the Administrator."
>
>
