Punctuation and Dependent Clauses: but

Introduction

Welcome to the ESL HELP! Desk, where all activities and exercises are authentic English, from learners of English. Check out our many aspects of our website, including our blog, our Vocabulary lessons, and our Library, by clicking on the many links above.

Is this a sentence?

But I think this is being dishonest.

 Follow below as we discuss sentence fragments and complex sentences.

To view the prior lesson, Punctuation, Sentence Fragments, Complex Sentences: when, before, after, click here.

Fragments Beginning with...

 

In each example below, the main or independent clause has been underlined and the dependent (or subordinate) clause has been attached to the main clause.

...but...

Dependent Clauses That Begin with 'although'

The common subordinate conjunction but introduces a dependent (or subordinate) clause. 

Sentence fragments that begin with the subordinate conjunctions but are unacceptable in writing and infrequent in conversation.   

WORD ORDER

You must begin the sentence with the main clause.

  • Some people think this is a small matter but I think it is being dishonest.

  • My village didn't even have electricity but much graffiti was written on walls, saying that our leader was a great leader.

PUNCTUATION

Generally, no comma is used after the main clause, although a writer may choose to use a comma to add a natural pause and to place an emphasis on the but (and subordinate) phrase.

Contrast These

Contrast these sentences.

Here's your checklist:

  • The sentence begins with the main clause.

  • The subordinate clause beginning with but follows the main clause and is attached to it.

  • A comma may be used to add a natural pause after the main clause.

Study the following sentences, one which uses a comma before but and one which doesn't:

  • Each school day in Pakistan begins with fifteen minutes of prayer, no matter what a person's religion, but most people are Muslim.

  • He had been in love with Marie but had never had the courage to tell her.

Next...  Problems Using but and although Together in a Sentence

In our NEXT LESSON:  Fragments and Complex Sentences : Problems with Using but and although Together.

All material is copyrighted, Software for Students.  Copying for PERSONAL USE ONLY. All others must contact Software for Students for permission to use in schools or other educational institutions.