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Is it necessary to put a comma before the conjunction and?

"How many pages will we write and how long?"

I remember reading somewhere that no matter structure of a sentence when question words (sorry, not sure on the terminology here), or the like, repeat multiple times and have no subject in the part, you've to separate them with a comma.

E.g.; how, how; when, when; then, then - and so on.

Wicdz
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  • Well in that particular example I certainly would put a comma. And my guess is that the more general answer to your question is going to be 'yes'. But to be certain about it I think you would need to give a few more examples of the sorts of sentences you envisage. – WS2 Feb 25 '15 at 20:41
  • The example doesn't coordinate too well. How many books did you buy and how much did they cost? doesn't need a comma, but some people would prefer one there. – Edwin Ashworth Feb 25 '15 at 21:21

1 Answers1

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A comma before and, but, or, or any of the other conjunctions FANBOYS is needed in two conditions
1. When we have three or more items in a series.

2.When "FANBOYS" is being used to coordinate two independent clauses.

In your case, I would say it's wrong to use a comma, because (and how long) is considered a dependent clause which is only could be understood by going to the independent clause (how many pages will you write).

Examples of using a comma before and

[Miguel took piano lessons for sixteen years], and [today he is an accomplished performer].

[The ice storm last week caused many tree limbs to fall on power lines], and [many people were without electricity for days].

Examples of not using a comma before and

Miguel took piano lessons for sixteen years and today is an accomplished performer.

The ice storm last week caused many tree limbs to fall on power lines and left many people without electricity for days.

I hope this is clear enough.

Mazen Draou
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