Take the 2-minute tour ×

"Don't worry, it won't hurt much."

Is the comma the correct punctuation mark to use after "Don't worry"? This seems to be the norm, but I feel like there almost two sentences there and that something more than a comma could be required. Though a full stop or a semicolon seems a bit much.

share|improve this question

2 Answers 2

up vote 3 down vote accepted

Technically, there should be a semi-colon or a colon instead of a comma.

(On the scale of things, outside of a paper for English class, I don't think many would notice or care.)

share|improve this answer
Can you share any source about your answer? please –  AbdulAziz Jun 2 '12 at 8:03
You use a semicolon to join two independent clauses. grammar.about.com/od/il/g/independterm.htm defines an independent clause. writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/Semicolons.html describes using a semicolon to join independent clauses. –  Jay Jun 4 '12 at 13:38

A comma is fine here, and neither a semicolon nor a full stop would be out of place as don't worry and it won't hurt much are both independent clauses. It's a matter of style.

As the link mentions, joining two independent clauses with a comma is considered a comma splice, but don't worry is... je ne sais quoi. For this particular sentence, I don't believe comma use makes for a splice.

If you want to use a comma, you could also say

Don't worry, because it won't hurt much.

share|improve this answer
Thanks for the link. I'm left wondering what the difference is between "Don't worry" and other independent clauses. –  David Oliver Jun 1 '12 at 15:02
While it's technically two independent clauses, I see it as more of an imperative supported by the second clause...the because is implied. –  JeffSahol Jun 1 '12 at 15:03
The more I think about this answer, the less confident I become! Well said, @JeffSahol. –  cornbread ninja 麵包忍者 Jun 1 '12 at 15:04
Isn't this a rather academic point? It would almost be certainly said rather than written, so punctuation wouldn't normally arise. If it is written, it would be in an informal context where readers would be unlikely to be concerned one way or the other. –  Barrie England Jun 1 '12 at 15:15
In other words, "♬ Don't worry, be happy ♬" –  JeffSahol Jun 1 '12 at 16:46

Your Answer


