It seems to me that in every case, the sentences are much clearer when the subject after the comma is explicitly stated. Repeating the verb creates a clear, satisfying parallel structure. This is not funny, but true. This is not funny but true. This is not funny, but it is true. Can you analyze JFKs "Ask not..." sentence?
But. surely you jest!😁 (Coming up, the use of emoticons in formal/proper written English with a side discussion of their total absence from formal/informal spoken English except through the use of a verbal descriptive inserted into a manual "air quote🤡"!)
It seems to me that in every case, the sentences are much clearer when the subject after the comma is explicitly stated. Repeating the verb creates a clear, satisfying parallel structure. This is not funny, but true. This is not funny but true. This is not funny, but it is true. Can you analyze JFKs "Ask not..." sentence?
But. surely you jest!😁 (Coming up, the use of emoticons in formal/proper written English with a side discussion of their total absence from formal/informal spoken English except through the use of a verbal descriptive inserted into a manual "air quote🤡"!)
I don’t get too upset at that usage.
It may not be a grammatical comma, but a choreographic comma. It signals the reader to hear a short pause. The “it is” is understood.
“He did not land on his butt, but on his elbow.” Oops, I did it again.
This article was about commas, but it remains to be seen if it could be better with abutting commas.