comma before 'but' [compound predicate]: talked tough, but was never

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undertuck

New Member
English
Hello folks! It's been years since I had a grammer class and could really use some help here. Is the following sentence grammatically correct, including punctuation?

Merdine talked tough and walked with a swagger, but was never a threat to anyone.

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
    • C

    Cagey

    post mod (English Only / Latin)
    California
    English - US
    Yes, welcome. :)

    I agree with everyone. It's fine.

    Just so you'll know for the future: You should always ask a specific question, about a word, for instance, or a point of grammar. It gives us a starting point for our discussion. In this case, it would make sure that we aren't missing the particular point that concerns you.

    What in this sentence did you have doubts about?

    (I'll change the title. ;))
     
    U

    undertuck

    New Member
    English
    e2efour said:
    Hello undertuck. Welcome to the forum?

    Your sentence is fine. But in what way do you have any problems with the grammar?
    Click to expand...


    Thanks for the reply. I actually thought the sentence was correct as well, my daughter is taking AP English and her teacher deducted two points for the comma. I know sometimes you don't need a comma, however, I thought it was appropriate in this case.
     
    U

    undertuck

    New Member
    English
    Cagey said:
    Yes, welcome. :)

    I agree with everyone. It's fine.

    Just so you'll know for the future: You should always ask a specific question, about a word, for instance, or a point of grammar. It gives us a starting point for our discussion. In this case, it would make sure that we aren't missing the particular point that concerns you.

    What in this sentence did you have doubts about?

    (I'll change the title. ;))
    Click to expand...

    Thanks, I am new to discussion boards so forgive me for being a novice. Funny about the title, I get carried away sometimes, I really can't believe I mispelled it. LOL
     
    J

    jackiechanbabe

    Senior Member
    USA
    English-USA
    If it had been "Merdine talked tough and walked with a swagger, but she was never a threat," I would say the comma is correct since you are connecting two independent clauses.

    Also, a comma is used with but when expressing contrast (example: Chinese is useful, but hard to learn)

    So I would think the comma is ok, but English is so versatile I can't say for sure. Any experts out there?
     
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