Can someone explain?

When or when not to use a comma between a coordinating conjunction and two independent clauses?

Examples:

I walked my dog for a bit, but we didn't go too far.

Would it be considered correct without a comma?

And if not, why?

Is it optional?

Yes its optional and, in all honesty, flows better without it. Such a short sentence doesn't need a comma in this situation since it would make the sentence flow at a significantly slower pace. A good tool to judge whether or not a comma is appropriate in these situations is to simply read it aloud and see if a small pause is needed or if it can be just as easily read without one.

Lets eat, grandpa!

Lets eat grandpa!

Commas save lives. lol.

You don't need a comma next to "but" and since it's better to use only one comma and semicolon per sentence (except in lists) you are better off saving it for somewhere else.

Lets eat, grandpa!

Lets eat grandpa!

Commas save lives. lol.

TheNomad1375

.

Lets eat, grandpa!

Lets eat grandpa!

Commas save lives. lol.TheNomad1375

lololololol... priceless!

Lets eat, grandpa!

Lets eat grandpa!

Commas save lives. lol.

TheNomad1375

Pure comedy gold right there. :lol:

Lets eat, grandpa!

Lets eat grandpa!

Commas save lives. lol.

TheNomad1375

I'm going to quote this.

[QUOTE="TheNomad1375"]

Lets eat, grandpa!

Lets eat grandpa!

Commas save lives. lol.

THE_DRUGGIE

Pure comedy gold right there. :lol:

lol, I wish I was clever enough to had thought of it first. I just cant imagine what other things you can do with the absence of a comma.