Main Clauses

Where Does The Comma Go?
A Guide For The Perplexed

MAIN CLAUSES

MC1, CC MC2

Rule

Put a comma before a coordinating conjunction that joins two main clauses.

Test IF Both groups of words can stand by itself and make complete sense
and
They are joined by a coordinating conjunction

THEN Put a comma before the coordinating conjunction.

Examples:

Our fees are higher than theirs, but we do the job properly.
The day was bright and warm, and we left Duncan by noon.
He will arrive on Tuesday, or he won't get the contract.

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Test	IF	Both groups of words can stand by itself and make complete sense and They are joined by a coordinating conjunction
	*THEN*	Put a comma before the coordinating conjunction.