Rule 1: When the word “rather” starts a non-defining expression, you should always put a comma before it.
- Correct: He didn’t want to offend you but, rather, be honest about his feelings.
- Incorrect: He didn’t want to offend you but rather be honest about his feelings.
Rule 2: Do not use a comma before the term “rather than” because it usually links two parts of a sentence that you require for the meaning.
- Correct: She would enjoy visiting England rather than going to Spain again.
- Incorrect: She would enjoy visiting England, rather than going to Spain again.
Rule 3: Do not use a comma when “rather” is a conjunctive adverb that refers to something in the previous sentence.
- Correct: David could have got a promotion; rather, he decided to quit and travel the world.
- Incorrect: David could have got a promotion, rather, he decided to quit and travel the world.
In the rest of the article, you can read more about how to use commas correctly with the term “rather.” We’ll provide you with more example sentences that should clear out any doubts.
When to Use a Comma Before “Rather”
Rule 1 tells you when you need to use a comma with the term “rather.”
Rule 1: Use a comma before “rather” when it is the first word in a non-essential part of a sentence.
It can appear as a single word or as part of a short phrase. However, if you can remove it, then it needs a comma before it.
- She didn’t say you were fired but, rather, that your job doesn’t exist anymore.
- He said that he, rather apprehensively, would be helping with the painting.
When to Avoid a Comma Before “Rather”
Rules 2 and 3 state when you shouldn’t use a comma before “rather.”
Rule 2: You shouldn’t use a comma before “rather than” when it connects two parts of a sentence that are not both independent.
- She said that rather than go to the beach we should go to the mountains.
- We think we should train the current employees rather than hire new ones.
You can also split the term “rather than,” in which case there are no commas.
- I would rather eat fish than meat this evening.
- He said he would rather stay at home than return to the office.
However, if the term “rather than” is part of a non-essential clause, you should use a comma.
- They said that they, rather than me, would be attending the conference.
Rule 3: You shouldn’t use a comma before “rather” when you use it as an adverb to refer to something in the previous sentence.
In these cases, you should either start a new sentence or use a semicolon before “rather.”
- Incorrect: John and Mary could have bought an apartment, rather, they decided to buy a house.
- Correct: John and Mary could have bought an apartment; rather, they decided to buy a house.
- Correct: John and Mary could have bought an apartment. Rather, they decided to buy a house.
Conclusion
You should always use a comma before “rather” when it is a non-essential word or part of a non-essential phrase. You shouldn’t put a comma before “rather” when it refers to the previous half of the sentence or with the term “rather than.”