When not starts a contrasting phrase then you should proceed it with a comma. Plus, it looks so much tidier. I think OP is having a problem with the lack of parallelism in the phrase. Green Tea; 1 2. Two clauses that typically need a comma between them are an independent clause (a clause that could be its own stand-alone sentence) and a dependent clause, which cannot stand alone. In this case, commas indicate pauses. If so, then no comma: Did you use an dependent adverbial clause before an independent clause? Where Does The Name “Winter” Come From? Where Does The Name “Saturday” Come From? if you are using it to mark a shift of thought in the middle of a sentence like in the example:  But it’s not needed at the end of the sentence: Brackets vs. Parentheses: How to Use Them. 1.) If so, add a comma like we did in this example: Did you use a relative pronoun like who, whom, which, what (or one of their compounds -ever or -soever) with a clause that is essential for identification? David, you are indeed correct about not putting a comma between the two parts of correlative conjunctions. If comma usage is one of the banes of your writing existence, then this handout is for you. Compare: Only if the framework is intuitive, but not otherwise, can we proceed with formalizing and exploring its variations. The length of a sentence does not determine whether you need a comma. Do not put a space before a comma. Just be wary of those “Oxford or not” debates. These are the words that can connect two independent clauses. Redefine your inbox with Dictionary.com updates! We could also say healthy, strong man.. Yes, you often add a comma. The trick is knowing how to properly use commas and conjunctions together. Â. You usually put a comma before and when it’s connecting two independent clauses. Rule #2: Use a Comma After an Introductory Word or Phrase. If so, leave out the commas, as we did in this example: before an independent clause? If so, add a comma like we did in this example: ) with a clause that is essential for identification? Punctuation rules are not always fun to study and learn. In the example of my sandwich, not using the Oxford comma implies that I like two different types of sandwiches. It may seem strange, since the comma isn't technically part of the quote, but it's the rule. Commas separate parts of a sentence into logical elements. to link two independent clauses? MYTH: You should add a comma wherever you pause. is a word that is used to refer back to a previously mentioned noun. You’ve probably heard a lot of things about the comma and may have questions about when to use a comma. Consider: 1.) The only time such pairs should get a comma is if both parts contain independent clauses—Not only was Rico confused, but he was also excited. The descriptions in a sentence may be longer than one word. For example: I first saw him in Paris, where I lived in the early sixties. That means that if the only comma your sentence is going to have is the one you put in after the initial conjunction, you should remove it. After all, you know what a comma is: the punctuation used to mark a division in a sentence, like the separation of words, phrases, a clause, or a sequence. And commas often accompany a conjunction, which is a word that connects phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., and, because, but, and however) or any other words or expressions that provide a similar function (e.g., in any case). 10 Tips For Writing A Meaningful Holiday Card, Words You Need To Know To Watch The Classic Holiday Movies. There are seven total: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, and so. Harry Joy Harry Joy. Commas have no meaning, but they help us to see the structure and therefore the meaning of the sentence. That is essential for identification are the words that can connect two independent clauses after all that, do! 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