But it needs a comma

When to use a comma before the word "but"

 

Grammatical explanation

A comma should proceed a conjunction separating two independent clauses.

What it means

When you put a "but" between two phrases that could reasonably be made into two sentences, there should be a comma. 

He went to the store, but she went to the store.

equals

1. He went to the store. 2. She stayed home.

How to remember it

Use a comma only if the "but" has a noun (person, place, or thing) following it.

I hate turnips, but my mother insists on cooking them.

Also

The comma never goes after the "but."

Also Also

It works the same for "and" and "or" when they're used as conjunctions.