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Been going back and forth on this one. Hoping my writer pals here can help me out. I know about using a comma before a coordinating conjunction that connects two independent clauses. I'm wondering about what to do if an introductory phrase that applies to both clauses is added to the beginning of the sentence. In such a case, do the clauses become dependent clauses and is the comma before the coordinating conjunction omitted? Such as in the preceding sentence--does "and" need a comma before it? Here's another sentence. (This sentence does not appear in my story--just a quickly thought up example sentence--not looking for feedback on the sentence separate from the grammar question above.)
By one o'clock, the new neighbors were all moved in, and they were barbecuing on the back deck.
Or
By one o'clock, the new neighbors were all moved in and they were barbecuing on the back deck.
Seems to me that the comma before the coordinating conjunction (and) shouldn't be there, as I want to say two things: (1) by one o'clock, the new neighbors were all moved in, and (2) by one o'clock, they were barbecuing on the back deck. With the comma before "and," I think it may appear that the coordinating conjuntion applies only to the first clause.
Thanks for any help on this.
Amy
By one o'clock, the new neighbors were all moved in, and they were barbecuing on the back deck.
Or
By one o'clock, the new neighbors were all moved in and they were barbecuing on the back deck.
Seems to me that the comma before the coordinating conjunction (and) shouldn't be there, as I want to say two things: (1) by one o'clock, the new neighbors were all moved in, and (2) by one o'clock, they were barbecuing on the back deck. With the comma before "and," I think it may appear that the coordinating conjuntion applies only to the first clause.
Thanks for any help on this.
Amy
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