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Joined: 8/13/2011
Posts: 272
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In short, I'm having a problem with 'but'.
I know that when you write 'but', you're supposed to have a comma before it. ie:
'I know, but'
However, whenever I write 'I can't help, but' it feels wrong. Are my instincts getting in my way or is this something I'm doing wrong?
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Joined: 8/21/2011
Posts: 394
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Hi, Timothy,
Follow this rule: If the group of words following the word "but" is independent (that is, you can make it stand as a separate sentence), then you need the comma. If the group of words can't stand as a separate sentence, then no comma.
"I can't help it, but I think I have to do something." (I can't help it. I think I have to do something.)
versus
"I can't help but do something." (There really is no way to separate that into two complete sentences.)
Hope this helps.
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Joined: 8/13/2011
Posts: 272
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Yep, that explains it. Thanks.
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