33a. Between two words, phrases, or subordinate clauses

33aDo not use a comma with a coordinating conjunction that joins only two words, phrases, or subordinate clauses.

Though a comma should be used before a coordinating conjunction joining independent clauses (see 32a) or with a series of three or more elements (see 32c), these rules should not be extended to other compound word groups.

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The coordinating conjunction and links two verbs in a compound predicate: discovered and came.

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The coordinating conjunction but links two subordinate clauses, each beginning with that.