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Snarf Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

The "Or" Comma

I often wonder whether a comma should go before "or" or not. Take these two examples:

"We could have gone swimming, or went for a drive."

"Go watch a movie, or whatever else it is you'd like to do."

Are they better with our without the comma before "or?"

Thanks.
  

Top answer

We could have gone swimming or gone for a drive. Go watch a movie, or whatever else it is you'd like to do. Generally, no comma is needed when and or or joins a dependent clause.

— RandomGuy

  • We could have gone swimming or gone for a drive.
  • Go watch a movie, or whatever else it is you'd like to do.
  • Generally, no comma is needed when and or or joins a dependent clause.
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5 Answers
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We could have gone swimming or gone for a drive.
Go watch a movie, or whatever else it is you'd like to do.


Generally, no comma is needed when and or or joins a dependent clause.
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See, I'm confused. Why would example two require a comma, but not example one? Aren't they the same type of sentence?
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The or in the first sentence joins a short phrase, gone for a drive. It doesn't call for a comma in my book. Although I noted that generally dependent clauses joined by or don't need a comma, I would make an exception for your second sentence. I just feel there should be a break there.
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OK, let me ask you about a tricky little spin on that second example that you feel needs a comma: Let's say the person cut him/herself off, paused, and didn't want to continue, but ended the sentence with "you know," as if you to say, "you know what it is you need to do." Like so:

"Go watch a movie, or...you know."

Would you still say that the comma belongs there before "or," ev
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SnarfWould you still say that the comma belongs there before "or," even though the sentence is shorter now?
Yes. To me, it would be awkward without one.
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