Meaning in this example ?
When the two independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction are nicely balanced or brief, many writers will omit the comma:
- Ulysses has a great jump shot but he isn't quick on his feet.
What do we mean specifically by 'nicely balanced' ? The first sentence reflecting the next ...a similarity?
For instance, in writing where the conjunction is moving on without a natural pause is the comma neccessary?
He puts on an act with that accent but really he speaks differently in private so it's strange hearing his voice on the radio.
Is it grammatically wrong to omit the comma here? The conjunctions are joining independent clauses but moving along fast enough to feel the comma isn't neccessary.
Top answer
The comma is necessary to aid the reader, who without it might not realize there is an independent clause coming. To omit it you need two short, balanced clauses, and I do mean short: He went out and she came in. The reader has to see the whole thing.
- The comma is necessary to aid the reader, who without it might not realize there is an independent clause coming.
- To omit it you need two short, balanced clauses, and I do mean short: He went out and she came in.
- The reader has to see the whole thing.
- You should omit it in such cases because it makes the sentence clunky, unless that's what you want.
- When in doubt, use it.
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The comma is necessary to aid the reader, who without it might not realize there is an independent clause coming. To omit it you need two short, balanced clauses, and I do mean short: He went out and she came in. The reader has to see the whole thing. You should omit it in such cases because it makes the sentence clunky, unless that's what you want.
When in doubt, use it. The reader does
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