Question

Is the comma in the following sentence unnecessary? Why or why not?

"Seals live in California, but also can be found in the Pacific Northwest."
O Yes, because you always place a comma after a conjunction such as "but"
O No, because neither clause is independent.
O No, because the second clause is dependent.
O Yes, because both clauses are independent.

Answer 1

The comma in the sentence is necessary because it separates two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.

Step-by-step explanation:

No, the comma in the sentence 'Seals live in California, but also can be found in the Pacific Northwest' is necessary. The comma is needed because the sentence has two independent clauses joined by the coordinating conjunction 'but.' When two independent clauses are joined by a coordinating conjunction, a comma should be placed before the conjunction. In this case, the comma separates the two independent clauses and helps to clarify the relationship between them.

Learn more about the use of commas in compound sentences