Comma with Contrasting Expressions (Even Though, Never, Rather, Though Not)
The Comma
Rulebase Summary
Use a comma to set off contrasting expressions introduced by 'even though,' 'never,' 'rather,' 'though,' 'though not,' 'not,' or similar words. If 'rather than' comes at the end of the sentence, no comma is necessary.
Examples
A. He was present at the signing though not in the room itself.
A. He was present at the signing, though not in the room itself.
Comma before contrasting expression 'though not.'
A. The damage was caused by water not by fire.
A. The damage was caused by water, not by fire.
Comma before 'not' introducing a contrast.
Transcript Notes
Contrasting elements are elliptical — they shorten a full statement into a fragment beginning with 'not,' 'never,' 'seldom,' or 'rather.' The phrase 'rather than' is a phrasal preposition (not a contrasting element) and is not separated by a comma. If the sentence continues after the contrasting element, the contrasting element is surrounded with commas. When a coordinate conjunction links the contrasting element to the word it contrasts with, no comma or other punctuation is used.
Style Guide References (5)
Morson's
BGGP
BGGP
BGGP
BGGP