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Commas Should Not Separate the Subject from the Verb

Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 10:27 am
by Ed
Hi Writers,

Please do not insert commas into sentences where they will separate the subject from the verb. The friendly document at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/607/02/ offers some incorrect examples (number 12 on the list). Here are some more:

Incorrect: The new Sacha Baron Cohen movie, will be in theaters this month.
Incorrect: That roudy group of children, made a mess of the playroom.

Number 13 on the OWL document states: "Don't put a comma between the two verbs or verb phrases in a compound predicate."
This statement indicates that, when you have a subject taking two actions, you should not separate those actions (verbs) with commas.

Incorrect: Andrew loves summer, and hates winter. (Correct: Andrew loves summer and hates winter.)
Incorrect: The dog barked loudly, and scratched at the door. (Correct: The dog barked loudly and scratched at the door.)

Please review the section in this document that discusses comma misuse and apply the information to your own writing.

Thanks,
Ed