Clarifying the Comma: Independent Clauses & Compound Predicates

Early in my career, a potential employer asked me what the most common error I saw in editing was. I replied, “Commas. No one knows how to use them.” 

Over the years my answer has remained the same. Comma rules are numerous and complicated. There are plenty of exceptions, and not all the rules are governed by grammar or usage. Some rules are simply a matter of style. Love it or hate it, Eats, Shoots & Leaves is popular for a reason.

Here’s an example of the confounding comma: A fellow edit...