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Reaver Posted 20 years ago
Grammar
Commas in compound sentences where the second clause has an implied subject
Thanks in advance for your help. Maybe it's the lack of sleep, but I'm over thinking commas in compound sentences where the second clause has an implied subject.
Which is correct?
a) The doctor finished the shot, and removed the restraining wires.
or
b) The doctor finished the shot and removed the restraining wires.
c) The shapes refused to come together, and became lost in a numbing darkness
or
d) The shapes refused to come together and became lost in a numbing darkness
And what if we change the coordinating conjunction?
e) She could taste blood in her mouth, but could not feel the right side of her face.
or
f) She could taste blood in her mouth but could not feel the right side of her face.
Which is correct?
a) The doctor finished the shot, and removed the restraining wires.
or
b) The doctor finished the shot and removed the restraining wires.
c) The shapes refused to come together, and became lost in a numbing darkness
or
d) The shapes refused to come together and became lost in a numbing darkness
And what if we change the coordinating conjunction?
e) She could taste blood in her mouth, but could not feel the right side of her face.
or
f) She could taste blood in her mouth but could not feel the right side of her face.
Top answer
Hi, I'd suggest no comma in these examples. A comma would be OK if, in the writer's judgement, one or both of the clauses gets so long that a comma helps the reader to find the meaning, but sometimes in such cases it's also better to repeat the subject as a pronoun. Best wishes, Clive
- Hi, I'd suggest no comma in these examples.
- A comma would be OK if, in the writer's judgement, one or both of the clauses gets so long that a comma helps the reader to find the meaning, but sometimes in such cases it's also better to repeat the subject as a pronoun.
- Best wishes, Clive
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22 Answers
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Hi,
I'd suggest no comma in these examples. A comma would be OK if, in the writer's judgement, one or both of the clauses gets so long that a comma helps the reader to find the meaning, but sometimes in such cases it's also better to repeat the subject as a pronoun.
Best wishes, Clive
I'd suggest no comma in these examples. A comma would be OK if, in the writer's judgement, one or both of the clauses gets so long that a comma helps the reader to find the meaning, but sometimes in such cases it's also better to repeat the subject as a pronoun.
Best wishes, Clive
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Again, pardon the lack of sleep. I guess I'm having trouble with the underlying rule on this one. Isn't a clause with an implied subject still considered independent?
I know this should have a comma:
The doctor finished the shot, and then he removed the restraining wires.
But, I'm having trouble understanding why this one doesn't need a comma:
I know this should have a comma:
The doctor finished the shot, and then he removed the restraining wires.
But, I'm having trouble understanding why this one doesn't need a comma:
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Hi Reaver,
I know this should have a comma: Why do you think it needs a comma?
The doctor finished the shot, and then he removed the restraining wires.
Best wishes, Clive
I know this should have a comma: Why do you think it needs a comma?
The doctor finished the shot, and then he removed the restraining wires.
Best wishes, Clive
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I guess I'm starting from the assumption that when you join two independent clauses with a conjunction, you need a comma to separate them. I guess it boils down to this question. Is it a compound sentence with a conjunction (requiring a comma) or is it a simple sentence with a compound verb (no comma)
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The passage in question is part of a disjointed narrative from a character passing in and out of consciousness. AP style would remove the commas that separate the bold phrases, but I'm torn. The commas, in this case, seem to convey a specific pacing. They also speak to the character's addled state of mind.
Drawing the corner of her lip inward, she could taste salty
Drawing the corner of her lip inward, she could taste salty
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Hi,
When I look at your paragraph, I think the commas are fine, and I agree with your reasoning about pacing, etc.
However, I don't agree with the idea that when you join two independent clauses with a conjunction, you need a comma to separate them. These both seem fine to me:
Tom loves Mary and he wants to marry her.
T
When I look at your paragraph, I think the commas are fine, and I agree with your reasoning about pacing, etc.
However, I don't agree with the idea that when you join two independent clauses with a conjunction, you need a comma to separate them. These both seem fine to me:
Tom loves Mary and he wants to marry her.
T
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Thanks for looking at the paragraph. I really appreciate your input. As for the independent clause issue, you are correct. I have found several grammar and style manuals that emphatically state that you must have a comma in that situation. But, upon further digging, I've found just as many that say you don't (AP included). My strict adherence to that rule is undoubtedly a stylist
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The comma is not required in any of the sentences. Particularly in the instance of the word 'and', which equates the two actions, there is no sublimation, so there is no requirement for a comma. However, if there were a series of actions, as in:
The shapes refused to come together, repelled each other at each attempt, and finally became lost in a numbing darkness.
it is
The shapes refused to come together, repelled each other at each attempt, and finally became lost in a numbing darkness.
it is
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0 The correct answers are b, d and f. Although each of these sentences contains a pair of dependent clauses, the comma is superfluous because the subject of both clauses is the same. The comma would be required if the subjects were different. 02 br
02 br
00 For example, 0-
02 br
00 For example, 0-
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