H11: No Comma Between Compound Elements that are not Clauses

H11: No Comma Between Compound Elements that are not Clauses: Don’t put a comma between compound elements that don’t form a compound sentence.  See D, E, and F here: https://www.chapman.edu/wilkinson/english/_files/wc-commaconj.pdf

 

Only use a comma if there is an independent clause on both sides of the conjunction, as with H1.

Olivia ran up to where the puppy lived, and banged on the door.  (Incorrect)

Olivia ran up to where the puppy lived and banged on the door.  (Correct)

 

The puppy jumped all over her, but didn’t leave any slobber. (Incorrect)

The puppy jumped all over her but didn’t leave any slobber. (Correct)

 

 

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