The subordinating conjunction “though” (and its formal cousin “although”) can be a bit tricky for writers. 

Although there is some disagreement, when a dependent clause (such as the preceding) occurs at the start of a sentence, a comma separates it from the independent clause that follows. 

The uncertainty arises when that same dependent clause appears later in the sentence, possibly in the middle or at the end. Introduced by a subordinating conjunction rather than a coordinating conjunction such as “and,” which would require a comma, this dependent clause may or may not strictly call for one.

Most authorities seem to think that it should reflect the level of contrast that is intended, i.e., to what extent can the second part be seen as negative while the first is positive or vice versa. For those who allow that a comma may be appropriate, it is the strength of this contrast that seems to determine whether such punctuation applies.


“Although” and “even though” do both
Subordinate and join
Contrasting thoughts to main idea;
For strength of difference, coin.

With comma taken in exchange,
“Though” tells of contrast great,
While “even though” will oft not work
Unless emphatic state.

But then a comma it demands,
Such labor never free;
Akin to “though,” and like “although,” 
Much contrast is the key.

Expect a subject and a verb
In construct coming next:
“The message shared was deep and true,
Although ‘twas brief in text.”

Across no contrast or just mild,
A payment is withheld:
“She likes an ice-cream sandwich soft
Although it tends to melt.”

No comma there was warranted,
But look at this instead:
 “Outside it's snowing, even though
The day is bright, sun fed.” 

Since “even though” inherently
Emphatic contrast brings,
It rates a comma usually,
Regardless what it sings.

The word this week is “just.”

​
Though born as righteous, morally upright,
A contrary course its life hath gone.
“Precisely,”  “exactly,” new meanings that came,
Decayed with age; no longer were strong.

Unjust it was, this life of “just,”
To “almost exactly,” diminished and sad.
“With tiny-bit difference, enough yet to note,”
And now on to “barely” and “merely,” a fad.

Examples here: “She's just turned twelve,”
And “Give me just a little bit more.”
“I'm just a regular Joe, you know.”
“She wants him just as friend, no more.”

So adjective, adverb, whatever the role,
As frequent pal this “just” will serve.
No goal ahead to wed or to bed,
Instead a glory remembered, preferred.

Perhaps, one day “just so” and “fair”
Will make a resurgence, such usage now rare;
If only reminding of change not to care
Or granting the wish that true “justice” may bear.

​

​Here's a simple word that has several different meanings depending on context. For those of us who like to write, it's a relief knowing that the rules for accompanying commas are not nearly as numerous!


With meanings multitudinous,
It stars in many spheres;
Yet humble is this tiny word
That's known as “with” to peers.

It merely serves in front of nouns,
A link for items prior,
While in this prepositional role,
Conspiring to inspire.

It fills with awe all those who see
The subtly varied sense
Conveyed in ways for granted took
Regardless of one's lens.

At times it says “in company of,”
Or “as a complement to,”
Or “using,” “given,” like “despite,”
And “of ingredient,” too.

Then “in possession of” no less
Than “in the manner of”
Along with “an associate of”
Are synonyms enough.

“He walks with Liz, who smiles with glee
And sprightly with new shoes.
They go well with her frock, you see,
While made with silk in twos.

For those who write with pen and ink
And think of comma's place
(Perhaps a tutor still with school,
Who stands with book at grace),
 
It's known that “with” no comma takes
Unless in rare estate,
At sentence mid or near the end 
For nonessential fate.”

Let's toast this word so versatile,
Though yet in letters short.
Let's drink to speech unlimited,
With nary a drunken snort.


*The key:
He walks with Liz… (“in company of”)
Who smiles with glee… (“in the manner of”)
And sprightly with new shoes… (“in possession of”)
They go well with her frock… (“as a complement to”)
While made with silk… (“of ingredient”)
For those who write with pen and ink… (“using”)
Perhaps a tutor still with school… (“an associate of”)
Who stands with book… (“in possession of”)
​With meanings multitudinous… ("given")
With nary a drunken snort… (nonessential phrase at end of sentence; separated by a comma)

The word rather is common in everyday situations, having several meanings and applications that native English speakers take for granted. In writing, however, using rather causes some concern because of uncertainty regarding the placement of associated commas. The main thing to remember is that “rather” almost never takes a comma, but when it does, the comma is most often one of a pair that serves to set something apart and make it nonessential (hence, parenthetical) to the core meaning of the sentence. Finding rather attached to a single comma is rather rare.  

When rather's not essential,
Two commas separate it;
And comma unilateral
Is never there permitted.

It's parenthetically
Diverting us with data
That's not required really,
A smoothish operator.

“One doesn't wish to linger
But, rather, keep on going.
The time to rest is yonder
When past the area daring.”

A single comma seldom
With safety is abounding,
And “rather” feels more winsome 
With commas—two—attending.

So, “rather,” almost certain,
Eschews a single comma,
Unless conjunctive curtain
It hangs before the comma.

In being conjunctive adverb, 
Connective function serving,
It joins two parts that contrast
Across a stop or such thing;

A semicolon often,
The bridge for many takers,
To “rather” then will shunt them,
Suggesting comma spacer.

“Let's not hold on to doubting
Forever; rather, let us 
Advance with faith, asserting
That grace removes all onus.”

But when a simple adverb,
With meaning only “fairly,”
Or when it tells of preference,
Degree, or if exactly,

Or “rather than“ in complex
(With words between or after),
No comma leads and ushers
That “rather” in its barter.

“I'd rather peel an apple
Than juice a yellow lemon;
Get flavor rather subtle,
Not rather tempt a demon.”

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