alytical practical grammar - Toronto Public Library

216 ~~NGLISH GRAMMAR,
CO~1MA.
989. The comma is generally used in d,ose parts of a sentence in whieh
a short pause is required, and to mark a connection next in closeness to
that which is unbroken.
SPECIAL RULES.
990. RULE I.-In a short, simple sentence, the comma is not used; as,
,I Hope is ueee,sary in every condition of life."
991. RULE 2.-When the logical subject of a verb is rendered long by
the addition of seTeral adjuncts, or other qualifying words, to the grammatical
su Lject, a comma is usually inserted before the "erb; as, "A
steady and nndivided atteution to one subject, is a sure mark of a superior
mind."
992. RULE S.-In compound sentences, the clauses or members are
usually separated by commas; as, "Crafty men contemn studies, simple
men admit'e them, and wise men use them." But when the clauses are
short, or closely connected, the comma is not used; as, .. ne.elatioll tells
118 how we may attain happiness."
993. RULE 4.-Two words of the same class, connected by a conjunc·
tiou expressed, do not admi t a comma Let ween them; as, "The earth and
the moon are planets."-'· He is a wise and prudent man."-" lIe catcltes
and arrests the hours,-"He acts prude/lily and vigorously." But when
the conjunction is uot expressed, a comma is inserted after each; as,
" Reason, virtue, ansWer one great aim." But, of two adjectives, the lnst
should not he separated by a comma from its noun; as, " He is a plain honest
man :" Nor enn two ndjecti ves be separated from each other by a com­
Illa when used together as a compound adjective j as, "A bright-red color."
994. RULE 5.-More than two word- of the same class connecte,\ by
conjunctions expressed or understood, have a comma after each; as,
" Poetry, music, aDd pAinting, are fine arts." But when the words connected
are adjectives, the last .hould not be separated from its noun by a
comma after it; as, " David was a 1vise, bralle, and prudent king."
995. RULE 6.-Words used in pairs tuke a comllla after each pair; as,
" Anarchy and confusion, poverty and distress, desolation and ruin, are the
consequ