comma with 'not only X but also' [conjunction]: have not only pitted

[rubes1]

In general, I would only put a comma before but if the sentence following the conjunction were a complete sentence. Here, however, I added a comma, because I felt it was necessary for clarity. What do you think? Is this incorrect? Should I remove the comma?

Thanks.

Consequently, confrontations have not only pitted the veteran elite against the new parties and groups, but also set the new groups against themselves.

 

[majlo]

I don't know why but I wouldn't remove the comma.

< Non-working link removed. Cagey, moderator >

 

[Carrie2]

I think your comma's fine. You've used it for clarity, as you say, between clauses in a long sentence. Fine.

 

[rubes1]

Thanks for your confirmation guys.

 

[petereid]

I'd certainly use a comma like that.

 

[rubes1]

Ok, I have another one for your judgement:

"This accounts for the scores of attacks not only against... but also against the intellectual strata..."

I am tempted to stick a comma in before "but"!

 

[Carrie2]

Sure, if it's similar to your 1st example...