"But" isn't always a conjunction; it also functions as a preposition meaning "except." For example: "Everyone me has paid" [3]. In these cases, it typically does not require commas [5]. 4. Technical and Niche Uses
Discussing burnout, early retirement plans, or job transitions [24, 30]. 2. The Grammar Guide: Rules and "Rules" "But" isn't always a conjunction; it also functions
Only use a comma after "but" if it is followed by an "interrupter"—a non-essential phrase like "of course" or "in my opinion" [6, 10]. On platforms like Reddit and Facebook
Explaining difficult family dynamics or seeking emotional support [27]. Technical and Niche Uses Discussing burnout
Developers often post about the "but then it works anyway" phenomenon, where deployment stages throw errors but still successfully go live [32].
Used to describe "specification-driven development" where the system validates code as it is generated—a shift from learning syntax to developing judgment [31].
On platforms like Reddit and Facebook, users frequently start their writing with the phrase [24]. This serves as a social convention to manage reader expectations when sharing complex personal situations, such as: