Page 912 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing
P. 912
Do not use a comma if the FANBOYS connects verb to verb rather
than clause to clause. In other words, do not use a comma unless
there is a complete sentence on both sides of the FANBOYS.
Ernestine lay in a hammock and read a book.
Nick looked for his glasses but couldn’t find them.
Alberto couldn’t decide whether to sign up for biology in the fall
or wait until spring.
Practice 23-3 Using Commas to
Join Independent Clauses
Place commas before FANBOYS conjunctions that join two
independent clauses. One of the sentences does not need a comma.
1. The weeds were tall and the mower died whenever Helen
tried to cut through them.
2. The upholstery was worn and faded but the couch was still
comfortable.
3. Leo received a credit card in the mail but did not remember
requesting it.
4. Lorenzo was studying so he let the answering machine pick
up his calls.
