Comma help, pretty please...

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Should there be or not be a comma after the word "be" in this sentence. My brain is fried and I just can't determine. Thanks!


Everything was like it used to be, except 100,000 men were dead for no good reason.

(in reference to the Seven Years War that my dd decided to include in her composition)

 

[sksjasams]

I'm not an expert, but it looks perfect to me. When you say the words, there is a natural pause there. I think the comma is correct.

 

[mhsjax]

Looks good to me, but I tend to over commatize. (my new word for the day)

 

[FlightlessDuck]

"Except" is a conjunction joining two complete thoughts: "Everything was like it used to be" and "100,000 men were dead for no good reason".

A comma can be used before a conjunction to join two thoughts, but isn't necessary in all instances.

So, yes, you can. But you can get away without the comma, too.

 

[monkeybug]

Your brain is fried? When I read the thread title I thought someone was in a coma!
I need a nap!

 

[snykymom]

If you're interested in punctuation (and even if you're not!) a fabulous book to read is Eats Shoots and Leaves (or, if you prefer, Eats, Shoots, and Leaves). Very funny.

 

[kaytieeldr]

A comma, or a dash. I can present your question to a grammar user group in which I participate, but I probably won't have an answer for you until Friday

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

A comma, or a dash. I can present your question to a grammar user group in which I participate, but I probably won't have an answer for you until Friday

That would be great!

We homeschool...so that works.

Though my daughter was thrilled with the it can go or stay rule. She opted to let it stay just so she could say that I was wrong. If it needs to go, then I can make her erase it while saying "neener, neener, I was right." Okay-I wouldn't do that, but I might be thinking it.




I think I may get (or maybe I already have it in a box somewhere ) Eats, Shoots, Leaves. Concepts tend to stick with me when explained through parody/comedy.

After too many comma splices in school, I learned to write in such a way that the comma decision would not have to be made. The trick is to not make it look like you were trying to avoid a comma.

*If there are too many commas in this post, I sincerely apologize. I have comma surplus disorder.

 

[si-am]

Technically, that comma doesn't need to be there. It sounds okay because it seems like it's there for dramatic purposes. (A natural pause).

If it were me, I'd rewrite the sentence, putting the subordinate clause first: "Except for the fact that 100,000 men were dead for no good reason, everything was like it used to be."

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Technically, that comma doesn't need to be there. It sounds okay because it seems like it's there for dramatic purposes. (A natural pause).

If it were me, I'd rewrite the sentence, putting the subordinate clause first: "Except for the fact that 100,000 men were dead for no good reason, everything was like it used to be."

I'm restraining myself. She is 5th grade and if I start making all the sentences better as you have done, it won't look like a 5th grader wrote it. (if that makes any sense)

How would folks proofread their kid's paper without being tempted to write it as they would do it? I am having a tough time with that.

I do help her along--like if she uses a word or phrase too many times.

 

[kaytieeldr]

That would be great!

We homeschool...so that works

Done. We can be a particular bunch, so I'll edit out any editing and just let you know the comma consensus.

I did just want to point out, even the edited version in this thread that purports to eliminate the comma... simply moves it . No matter how it's structured, the sentence does appear to need a comma!

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

In your sentence, "except" is acting as a coordinating conjunction. As used, "except" means "but." "But" is one of the 7 coordinating conjunctions.

Using a comma before a coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses is always correct. You can eliminate the comma if the two independent clauses are short and well-balanced. I would say that your sentence is a bit long to go without the comma.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Done. We can be a particular bunch, so I'll edit out any editing and just let you know the comma consensus.

I did just want to point out, even the edited version in this thread that purports to eliminate the comma... simply moves it . No matter how it's structured, the sentence does appear to need a comma!

Thanks.

Just remember--it is a 5th grader we are talking about. So it doesn't have to be structured for a dissertation or anything. The words are staying. We just need a verdict on punctuation.

I'm thinking now it may require the comma as well after reading all of the comments. It seems all of her copy work is paying off.

Nuttylawprofessor--that makes sense. Thanks!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Oh, I understand completely! That's why I'm going to report only the comma comments . They'll dissect the sentence to a much greater degree than necessary; nuttylawprofessor already did a great job supporting the comma as is.

 

[kaytieeldr]

And the consensus is...

The comma is correct! One person did rewrite the sentence in a way that the comma wasn't needed, but the statement had less of an impact.

Just so you know, with ome glaring exception , the participants in that UG are all geniuses.

 

[si-am]

In your sentence, "except" is acting as a coordinating conjunction. As used, "except" means "but." "But" is one of the 7 coordinating conjunctions.

Using a comma before a coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses is always correct. You can eliminate the comma if the two independent clauses are short and well-balanced. I would say that your sentence is a bit long to go without the comma.

BUT.... 'except' is not an official coordinating conjunction. It can pretend to act as 'but' but it is not 'but'. Therefore, the comma really shouldn't be there.

 

[Lionqueen2]

Technically, that comma doesn't need to be there. It sounds okay because it seems like it's there for dramatic purposes. (A natural pause).

If it were me, I'd rewrite the sentence, putting the subordinate clause first: "Except for the fact that 100,000 men were dead for no good reason, everything was like it used to be."QUOTE]

This would be my choice for writing the sentence. There is a smoother flow to the thought.