Commas
Moderators: Celeste Stewart, Ed, Constant
Commas
My last article has been rejected, but I'm having trouble understanding the reason given. It said, "Commas are often not needed before the use of and in simple compound sentences. Ex.: If I use "and" once here (no comma) and if I use it once there I don't need a comma." I don't know if it's just because I haven't had any coffee today, but I don't understand what it means. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!
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Celeste Stewart
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Re: Commas
I think he means that following sentence would not need commas as I've placed them below:
"If I use "and" once here, and if I use it once there, I don't need a comma." (Overly punctuated)
"If I use "and" once here and if I use it once there, I don't need a comma." (Comma before "and" removed. I kept the comma after the "if/then" portion of the sentence because you typically punctuate if/then constructions).
On the other hand, if the sentence is longer and more complex, it would need a comma before the second "and" (if the clause following "and" is an independent one).
For example, here's a more complex sentence:
I went to the store where the staff is known for being super-friendly, and I was surprised to find that the manager was extremely rude to both the customers and his staff. (The second part is an independent clause so it needs a comma).
I went to the store where the staff is known for being super-friendly and was surprised to find that the manager was extremely rude to both the customers and his staff. (There's no comma needed because the second part of the sentence is dependent on the first).
"If I use "and" once here, and if I use it once there, I don't need a comma." (Overly punctuated)
"If I use "and" once here and if I use it once there, I don't need a comma." (Comma before "and" removed. I kept the comma after the "if/then" portion of the sentence because you typically punctuate if/then constructions).
On the other hand, if the sentence is longer and more complex, it would need a comma before the second "and" (if the clause following "and" is an independent one).
For example, here's a more complex sentence:
I went to the store where the staff is known for being super-friendly, and I was surprised to find that the manager was extremely rude to both the customers and his staff. (The second part is an independent clause so it needs a comma).
I went to the store where the staff is known for being super-friendly and was surprised to find that the manager was extremely rude to both the customers and his staff. (There's no comma needed because the second part of the sentence is dependent on the first).
Re: Commas
Ah k, it makes sense now. Thanks, Celeste! I love how detailed your answers are =)