Here's the breakdown:
* Independent Clause: A complete sentence with a subject and verb, able to stand alone.
* Coordinating Conjunction: Words like "and," "or," "nor," "for," "yet," "so," and "but" that join equal elements.
Example:
* Incorrect: I went to the store, but I forgot my wallet.
* Correct: I went to the store, but I forgot my wallet.
Explanation:
* "I went to the store" is an independent clause.
* "I forgot my wallet" is another independent clause.
* "But" connects these two clauses, showing a contrast.
When you don't need a comma:
You don't need a comma before "but" if it's not connecting two independent clauses, like in these cases:
* Connecting phrases: "I wanted to go, but I was tired." (The second part isn't a complete sentence)
* Introducing a contrasting element: "I like the color, but not the design." (The "but" part is not a clause)