Commas Should Not Separate the Subject from the Verb
Posted: Tue Jun 30, 2009 10:27 am
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
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