Separating verbs with the same suubject

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Anonymous  #445658  Sat, 24 Nov 07 01:55 AM
I know that a comma does not need to be used in a compound sentence when the verbs use the same subject, but what happens when the subject is only implied?

Sandy borrowed two boxes of CDs on Tuesday, returning them on Friday.

Would this sentence need a comma after Tuesday?


  
Grammar Geek  #445674  Sat, 24 Nov 07 04:57 AM
Yes.
  
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Philip  #446221  Sun, 25 Nov 07 10:47 PM

 Anonymous wrote:
I know that a comma does not need to be used in a compound sentence when the verbs use the same subject, but what happens when the subject is only implied?

Sandy borrowed two boxes of CDs on Tuesday, returning them on Friday.

Would this sentence need a comma after Tuesday?


I agree with the answer given by G.G.  However, there is a slight error in your question.

A compound sentence is one which has two subjects and two verbs.  If the subject of the first clause is the same as the subject of the second clause (and the subject is repeated), you need the comma.  [He wants to go to the movie, but he also wants to stay at home to watch the football game.]

 If the subject is not repeated, you have a compound verb, not a compound sentence. [He wants to go the movie but also wants to stay at home to watch the football game.]

  
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Anonymous  #447142  Tue, 27 Nov 07 11:37 PM
Ah, thanks. That clears things up.
  
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