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You need a comma when but coordinates two clauses (in a compound sentence), as in "She left for school, but her brother stayed home sick."

You could say that the "reason" for the comma is because there are two separate people (she and her brother--the subjects) doing two separate things (leaving for school and staying home--the predicates).

The comma is optional (I believe) when the word butcoordinates two verb phrases (in a compound predicate), as in "She left for school but forgot her homework on the table."You should use a comma, however, when there is a stark contrast, as in "She wanted to go to school, but was too sick to get out of bed."

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12y ago
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AnswerBot

1w ago

A comma before the word "but" helps to indicate a pause in the sentence and clarifies the separation between contrasting ideas. It improves the readability and helps to prevent confusion for the reader.

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Q: Why do you need a comma before the word but?
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