Comma Before a Coordinating Conjunction
Question
The hike was long and exhausting, but the view from the summit was worth every step.
Answer choices
- NO CHANGE
- but,
- ; but
A Correct answer: A) NO CHANGE
Both halves of this sentence are independent clauses — each could stand alone. When you join two independent clauses with a FANBOYS conjunction ("but"), you must put a comma before the conjunction. The original sentence is correct as written.
The other options either introduce a grammatical error or change the intended meaning. The ACT consistently rewards the most concise, grammatically correct option.
Read the sentence with each option substituted in. The version that preserves meaning while obeying the underlying rule is the correct answer; on the ACT, that is almost always the shortest option that still works.
The underlying rule
When two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so), a comma is required before the conjunction.
Why each wrong answer is wrong
- B) but,: This option either omits the required comma or uses a punctuation mark that does not pair with the coordinating conjunction "but."
- C) : This option either omits the required comma or uses a punctuation mark that does not pair with the coordinating conjunction "but."
- D) ; but: This option either omits the required comma or uses a punctuation mark that does not pair with the coordinating conjunction "but."
Study tip
Memorize "FANBOYS" — for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. When one of these joins two complete sentences, a comma comes before it. When it joins two phrases that are not both complete sentences, no comma.
More Medium Punctuation
- Comma Before a Coordinating ConjunctionThe hike was long and exhausting, but the view from the summit was worth every step
- Semicolons in a Complex ListThe conference featured speakers from Austin, Texas; Portland, Oregon, and Madison,
- Apostrophe with a Plural PossessiveThe students' projects were displayed in the auditorium for the science fair.
- Colon Before a ListThe recipe called for three simple ingredients, flour, butter, and salt.
- Commas Around a Nonessential PhraseMy oldest brother who lives in Toronto is flying down for the holidays.