Comma usage and conjunctions

[LadyAberlin]

I'm looking at first language lessons and trying to understand when to use commas. FLL has the dictation passage: You can go swimming, or you can use the computer. But it also has the same sentence without the comma earlier. So which one is correct and why? Also what is the comma rule being used in this sentence? I was tired, and I slept. I normally just decide on comma usage by listening where I pause, but the little girl I'm tutoring I think needs to know the rules.

[HayesW]

Compound sentence

 

It must have the comma in the middle to seperate the two sentences. Without it, it is a run-on sentence.

[Orthodox6]

During the Dinosaur Era (my era), the sentence would read,

 

"You may go swimming, or, you may use the computer."

 

commas flanking the word "or"

 

Equally acceptable, however, -- and probably more common -- would have been to omit all commas. This is a compound sentence, rather than a run-on [sentence].

 

also, use of the word "may", unless the speaker is assessing the presence or absence of the two skills, swimming and computer knowledge.

Edited September 9, 2009 by Orthodox6

[Trixie]

Both are correct. When the clauses are short and omitting the comma won't result in confusion, comma use is a matter of personal preference/style.

[Orthodox6]

Both are correct. When the clauses are short and omitting the comma won't result in confusion, comma use is a matter of personal preference/style.

 

Thank you for an answer briefer than my clumsy one !

 

(. . . still standing firm about that example's misuse of the word "can", though ! :tongue_smilie:)

[LadyAberlin]

Hey talk to Jessie about the misuse of the can:tongue_smilie:. I was only copying what was in the book.