Suppose you have two independent clauses conjoined: "I like owlbears, and you like hobgoblins." The comma is necessary, of course.
But suppose the sentence were more like this: "Suppose I like owlbears(,) and you like hobgoblins."
Here I would say the subject is the implied "you", the verb "suppose", and the entire clause "I like owlbears and you like hobgoblins" is the object of the verb. Having said that, I do still think you need the comma between "owlbears" and "and", since they are still independent clauses, whatever function they are serving in the overall sentence.
Or this: "Suppose that I like owlbears(,) and you like hobgoblins."
Same as above only it reads slightly better, and I would actually have heard an implied "that" after suppose in the first sentence.
Or this: "Suppose that I like owlbears(,) and that you like hobgoblins."
This is the only place where I do not think you need a comma, since "that you like hobgoblins" is no longer an independent clause. Then "that I like owlbears" and "that you like hobgoblins" form a list of things that you should suppose, and you wouldn't separate the items in a list of 2 with commas. In other words, you wouldn't say, "I like the colors green, and blue."
Although I wonder if for the sake of parallelism that 2nd "that" is implied as well, meaning you shouldn't use a comma for any of the 3 examples?
If you are from Betelgeuse, please have one of your Earth friends read what I've written before you respond. Or try concentrating harder.
"The trophy problem has become extreme."
"The trophy problem has become extreme."
I cast Summon Grammar Nazi.
23/04/2010 02:24:27 AM
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I think the first 2 are OK either way, but the third is wrong (essential clause). *NM*
23/04/2010 03:44:10 AM
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I like owlbears and you, like hobgoblins.
23/04/2010 03:59:31 AM
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I imagine someone speaking in a Tonto voice, with the sentence structured like that. *NM*
06/05/2010 03:07:39 AM
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Actually, you don't need the comma in your first sentence.
23/04/2010 08:37:42 AM
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Mmm, yes he does.
23/04/2010 03:38:06 PM
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Depends on the independent clauses.
23/04/2010 04:58:27 PM
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Not in American English, it doesn't.
23/04/2010 05:13:15 PM
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I actually like the "that" but I'm not Bekah.
23/04/2010 03:01:37 PM
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Depending on the inflection used...
23/04/2010 03:26:26 PM
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Fair point; so is knowing to whom you speak.
23/04/2010 04:04:30 PM
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except that is an improper use of a semicolon.
23/04/2010 04:24:00 PM
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If a comma is appropriate in the original supposition, then the semicolon is necessary here.
23/04/2010 11:24:20 PM
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but
24/04/2010 03:03:22 AM
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I believe it's treated like one. The comma takes the place of the verb. *NM*
24/04/2010 03:23:38 PM
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Re: Fair point; so is knowing to whom you speak.
23/04/2010 06:33:58 PM
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Your pro-elf anti-hobgoblin prejudice has been obvious for some time, Marge.
28/04/2010 02:41:41 AM
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Hobgoblins killed my elf friend.
28/04/2010 01:40:22 PM
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Jesus built my hotrod.
04/05/2010 05:38:02 PM
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I think my friend was perfectly justified...
04/05/2010 06:40:05 PM
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So the truth comes out: Nothing more than interspecies homophobia.
04/05/2010 06:57:56 PM
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Dude. You know sisters are off limits.
05/05/2010 01:22:49 PM
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So, what, they're supposed to die old maids?
06/05/2010 02:57:46 PM
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Of course not.
07/05/2010 02:07:36 PM
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Apologies for the delay.
18/10/2011 02:48:00 PM
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Necromancy is generally frowned upon.
18/10/2011 03:00:05 PM
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I was unaware of your response until yesterday, and wanted to acknowledge it.
18/10/2011 03:14:12 PM
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Dude, WTF! This thread is like a year and a half old
18/10/2011 08:58:14 PM
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No need for commas in either of the lats 3 examples. *NM*
23/04/2010 03:02:38 PM
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You have Latvian lats? It's a sort of worthless currency for trading purposes. *NM*
23/04/2010 04:46:07 PM
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Re: I cast Summon Grammar Nazi.
23/04/2010 03:45:31 PM
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I tap three mana and cast Cancel. *NM*
23/04/2010 05:26:17 PM
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It won't work, the only way to banish the Grammar Nazi is with Text Messages
23/04/2010 11:41:51 PM
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You get...300 exposition points, a scroll of open/close quotes, and a direct object. *NM*
24/04/2010 02:32:48 AM
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Apparently someone also cast Necromancy (Resurrect Deceased Thread). *NM*
18/10/2011 07:30:02 PM
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