It is perhaps a case of using a bad example, but that example doesn't need the comma because the two parts are closely related. It's just a short list of what two different people like.
When the independent clauses are not as closely related as that then the comma is (most often) necessary.
There are times when the use of a comma is a style choice and there isn't a right or wrong answer. I would argue that the example given is such a time.
The problem with the grammar and punctuation "rules" we are taught at school is that they are usually only half the story. It's easier to teach that it's "I before E except after C" than "I before E except after C in words that rhyme with "ee" because children will remember the shorter one more easily. The problem is that then people think there are more execptions than the "rule" and thus think that rules are pointless in English. I think a similar problem has happened with the guidelines surrounding the use of commas.
When the independent clauses are not as closely related as that then the comma is (most often) necessary.
There are times when the use of a comma is a style choice and there isn't a right or wrong answer. I would argue that the example given is such a time.
The problem with the grammar and punctuation "rules" we are taught at school is that they are usually only half the story. It's easier to teach that it's "I before E except after C" than "I before E except after C in words that rhyme with "ee" because children will remember the shorter one more easily. The problem is that then people think there are more execptions than the "rule" and thus think that rules are pointless in English. I think a similar problem has happened with the guidelines surrounding the use of commas.
Unless you want to argue that the two ideas aren't actually independent clauses, but I would disagree.
The use of "and" in the example sentence makes the comma necessary if the two clauses are both independent. Had he used a different joiner word (not a coordinating conjunction) instead, creating a dependent clause out of the 2nd one (such as in "I like owlbears although you like hobgoblins"), use of the comma would be incorrect.
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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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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