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Anonymous Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

Comma needed here?

When a situation is getting me down, I know that it will be short-lived and make for an entertaining story later on.

Would a comma be appropriate after short-lived to make a pause suitable, or is this sentence fine as is?

Thanks, teachers!
  

Top answer

Strictly speaking, a comma should precede the and . In shorter compounds it can be dispensed with, but here I think you need it.

— Mister Micawber

  • Strictly speaking, a comma should precede the and .
  • In shorter compounds it can be dispensed with, but here I think you need it.
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4 Answers
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Strictly speaking, a comma should precede the and. In shorter compounds it can be dispensed with, but here I think you need it.
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Thank you, Mister M.

I think your response is givng the impression of contraction by the fact of you are using the phrase "strictly speaking" and "I think" in the same response to a particular question.

Anyway, why did you say a comma should precede the and, strictly speaking. Are there any rules of grammar you are basing your conclusion/recommendation on?

When a situ
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I see no reason for inserting a comma after "short-lived." Although I generally like commas, I believe that if you can avoid using one, do so.
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No, I have changed my mind-- the comma is not strictly needed before the and, since the conjunction does not introduce an independent clause. However, I would still use it because I would wish to emphasize the sequence of events: (1) it will be short-lived, and then (2) it will be entertaining. If the depressing situation is not short-lived, it will have no entertainment value. T
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