Ben ([info]vespid_interest) wrote,
@ 2008-06-07 16:03:00
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grammar question
Am I required to put a comma in sentences like:

"I was going to go outside but it was too cold."

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[info]harimad
2008-06-07 11:39 pm UTC (link)
No.

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[info]equusregia
2008-06-08 12:08 am UTC (link)
Seconded.

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[info]vespid_interest
2008-06-08 01:32 am UTC (link)
Thanks.

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[info]bgivnin
2008-06-08 12:53 am UTC (link)
I disagree... I think the comma is necessary and if I was writing that sentence, I'd have added a comma.

See this page:

http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/commas.htm

This specifically:

Use a comma + a little conjunction (and, but, for, nor, yet, or, so) to connect two independent clauses, as in "He hit the ball well, but he ran toward third base."

Contending that the coordinating conjunction is adequate separation, some writers will leave out the comma in a sentence with short, balanced independent clauses (such as we see in the example just given). If there is ever any doubt, however, use the comma, as it is always correct in this situation.

/.02 cents

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[info]vespid_interest
2008-06-08 01:32 am UTC (link)
Phrases like "always correct" make me second guess my instinct not to put a comma there, but it feels better without one. It seems like it adds an artificial pause to the sentence.

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[info]equusregia
2008-06-08 01:35 am UTC (link)
If it makes you feel any better, Gloria Steinem says that commas are servile.

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[info]vespid_interest
2008-06-08 10:08 am UTC (link)
The cravenly comma. Look at it, groveling around in the subscript at the foot of genuine content. Not like the stately semicolon, chin-up and proud.

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[info]crouchback
2008-06-08 12:38 pm UTC (link)
I will give all my commas to the bicycling fish, if that's what she says.

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[info]bgivnin
2008-06-08 01:36 am UTC (link)
When I read it aloud, it sounds much better with the comma/pause in there than it does reading it straight through, but it's your call. :)

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[info]khedron
2008-06-08 02:32 am UTC (link)
I think the key for me in your question was, "Am I required".

Nope, not required, but, as you probably could tell from this sentence, I would've used one. =)

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[info]vespid_interest
2008-06-08 09:59 am UTC (link)
At *least* one! :)

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[info]equusregia
2008-06-08 12:11 pm UTC (link)
Well, they are free.

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