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I am wondering if there should be a comma before the word "except" in this sentence. The research I have done reveals that commas usually aren't used, but I think that it depends on the sentence. I cannot find a significant explanation as to when commas would be used or not. My instinct is that this situation would be the same as a comma before "because:" add a comma if necessary to avoid confusion. Is the sentence below correct?

"I have been the judge of hundreds of card tournaments, and I do not have any disciplinary actions on my record, except for two warnings that were given years ago."

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The word except in the sentence is a conjunction, therefore a comma is required before except, as stipulated in Comma Usage Rule 3b.

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  • That would be fine except that there are not two independent clauses here. Even if it's a separate clause - which looks moot - 'except for two warnings…' is not independent, It's clearly dependent on what went before. In what ay, precisely, does the comma change the meaning, plase?
    – Robbie Goodwin
    Jan 24, 2017 at 23:47

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