Should I always use a comma before "nevertheless"? Why or why not?

Answer by  smartinez (55)

"Nevertheless" suggests a shift in tone, meaning, or direction of a sentence, often making it necessary to pause and begin the new direction of the context of the sentence. A comma is commonly placed before, and after, the phrase "nevertheless. " Omitting a comma before "nevertheless" can be a stylistic choice.

Answer by  Phil97 (569)

Nevertheless should always have a comma before it, if it is in the sentence's independent clause; if it joins two independent clauses, it should have a period or a semi-colon.