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I've seen times where a comma is used before a conjunction even though the conjunction isn't connecting two independent clauses. Is that allowed to emphasizes in writing? I've seen it a lot, but I haven't found a clear definitive answer, so I don't dare use it in my own writing.

Example: He wanted to do this, but feared the consequences.

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  • Use commas optionally to help your reader. Dropping the repeated subject in your sentence, keep the commas to break up chunks (the technical term) for your reader: "I've seen it a lot, but [I] haven't found a clear definitive answer, so [I] don't dare use it in my own writing." – Yosef Baskin Apr 7 at 17:22
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    Punctuation has little to do with grammar; it is a style issue, and styles differ. – Cascabel Apr 7 at 17:28