Comma

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sunu

#210006 Mon, 27 Mar 06 11:17 AM

A sentence beginning with a dependent clause usually requires a comma after the clause:

'If you wish to see a movie, let's leave now.'

When we begin with a dependent clause after a coordinating conjunction, do we use a comma at the beginning and end of the dependent clause to set it off as a dependent clause?

'I have finished lunch, and, if you wish to see a movie, let's leave now.'

Or do we just use one at the end of the dependent clause:

'I have finished lunch, and if you wish to see a movie, let's leave now.'

There would, of course, be no problem if the sentence read:

'I have finished lunch, and let's leave now if you wish to see a movie.'

sunu

Joined on Wed, Apr 13 2005

New Delhi, India

New Member (38)

Clauses, Commas

Goodman

#210129 Mon, 27 Mar 06 07:58 PM

Your posted question: 'I have finished lunch, and let's leave now if you wish to see a movie.'

I think the sentence is made to be more complicated than need be.

I would just put a period instead of a comma after {lunch} and eliminate the article{and}.

The whole sentence will be:

'I have finished lunch. Let's leave now if you wish to see a movie.'

Or 'I have finished lunch. If you wish to see a movie, let's leave now.'

The red and blue segments can be expressed with an inversion when the construct is involved with an “if” clause.

Goodman

Joined on Mon, Nov 7 2005

Calif. USA

Senior Member (3,247)

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Articles, Clauses, Commas

paco2004

#210136 Mon, 27 Mar 06 09:00 PM

"I have finished lunch, and if you wish to see a movie, let's leave now." I'll choose this one.

paco

paco2004

Joined on Wed, Nov 17 2004

Senior Member (4,095)

In Japan today even dogs are learning how to bow-wow in English.

Anonymous

#211270 Fri, 31 Mar 06 07:23 AM

Thanks, Paco.

So, essentially, we do not require a comma after the coordinating conjunction even if the following clause is dependent. Have I got it right?

I am going to the movies, and if you wish to join me, meet me at the cinema.

What I really want to know is whether this is an option or the correct option.

Would it be wrong to bung in a comma after the coordinating conjunction in this case?

Best,

Anonymous

Clauses, Commas

sunu

#211271 Fri, 31 Mar 06 07:26 AM

Thanks, Paco.

So, essentially, we do not require a comma after the coordinating conjunction even if the following clause is dependent. Have I got it right?

I am going to the movies, and if you wish to join me, meet me at the cinema.

What I really want to know is whether this is an option or the correct option.

Would it be wrong to bung in a comma after the coordinating conjunction in this case?

Best,

sunu

Clauses, Commas

Welkins2139

#211284 Fri, 31 Mar 06 08:40 AM

I am going to the movies, and if you wish to join me meet me at the cinema. ( no need comma )

with the comma, you create nonrestrcitve clause. i think " if you wish to join me " is essentianl to the sentence.

Welkins2139

Joined on Sun, Oct 9 2005

Full Member (414)

Determination, Dedication and Devotion!

Clauses, Commas

sunu

#211346 Fri, 31 Mar 06 01:38 PM

Where are you, Paco? Smile [:)]

sunu

Clive

#211409 Fri, 31 Mar 06 05:39 PM

Hi guys,

I am going to the movies, and if you wish to join me meet me at the cinema.

This is not a natural sentence. If you eliminate the subordinate clause, you get

I am going to the movies, and meet me at the cinema. This joining of an indicative and an imperative with 'and' is odd, to say the least. I'd strongly recommend replacing 'and' with 'so'.

Punctuation is certainly a lesser problem in such a sentence. However, if you want to improve the punctuation in the sentence as given, I would suggest

I am going to the movies and, if you wish to join me, meet me at the cinema.

Best wishes, Clive