Caia Posted May 1, 2009 Share Posted May 1, 2009 Is this the current comma rule that most teachers/professors are going to require for writing assignments? Use a comma before the conjunction when it joins independent clauses or sentences. Exception to this rule: IF you are using the conjunction and and If either one of the sentences contains four words or less, do not use a comma. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyJudyJudy Posted May 1, 2009 Share Posted May 1, 2009 I was never taught nor have I ever taught the exception to the rule. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staci in MO Posted May 1, 2009 Share Posted May 1, 2009 I think Rod and Staff teaches that. Elements of Style teaches a similar exception: you don't need the conjunction if the clauses are short (e.g., Man proposes, God disposes). I have no idea what would be expected in a grading situation. I would probably err on the side of caution and use the comma. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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