Punctuation, Conjunction
In what conditions a comma should be used before a conjunction?
I read somewhere that in compound sentences, when a dependent and an independent clause are connected it would be proper to use a comma before a conjunction. Is it true?
3 answers 
Rahul,
I think Lewis's answer may have confused everyone. You asked about an independent clause attached to a dependent clause. That is not a compound sentence and no comma is required with the conjunction.
Lewis responded with examples of two independent clauses. As Lewis demonstrates, to join two independent clauses, a comma + conjunction is required.
Sorry to jump in, but a casual reader may be confused by the "subject disagreement" between question and answer.
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answered Apr 19 '12 at 15:19
Jeff Pribyl
Grammarly Fellow
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I'm sorry to confuse you.A dependent clause + An independent clause = Complex.I asked about compound = independent clause + independent clause
add commentWould this be correct:
The boy threw the ball: The dog chased after it.
(full colon, Capitalized first word of following independent clause)?
I think yes, but I defer to the experts.
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answered Apr 19 '12 at 15:48
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No, colons are not used to link independent clauses. Colons are used before a list. Semicolons (;) may be used in place of a comma + conjunction.
Glad I learned before I used it!
add commentIn fact, the comma is not always needed when two independent clauses are joined by "and" -- this only applies to "and," not to other conjuctions.
The reason a comma is required (you MUST use a comma) in this sentence is to prevent possible misreading.
"The boy threw the ball and the dog" . . . huh! . . . oh, and the dog "chased after it."
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answered Sep 25 '12 at 21:12
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Please read it so:
I read somewhere that in compound sentences, when two independent clause are connected with a conjunction, it would be proper to use a comma before a conjunction. Is it true?
I regret the inconvenience caused!
– Rahul Gupta – Apr 21 '12 at 09:10 add comment