[Grammar] Imperative Sentences and Comma Rules

[vcolts]

1. Do I need to put a comma between two imperative sentences?

Ex. Take the water, and drink it when you are thristy.

2. If yes, then are imperative sentences treated as independent sentences?

3. How does the comma rules apply in the following case?

Case: Wear a red hat so I know it's you.

Do I need a comma before "so"?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Kondorosi]

1. Do I need to put a comma between two imperative sentences?

Ex. Take the water, and drink it when you are thristy.

The comma is correct. Two non-finite clauses are joined by the coordinating conjunction 'and'.

2. How does the comma rules apply in the following case?

Case: Wear a red hat so I know it's you.

Do I need a comma before "so"?

Thanks in advance.

'so' may function either as a coordinating conjunction or as a subordinator. When it introduces a clause that answers the question 'Why?', it links an dependent clause with a main clause. When it shows a consequence, it connects two independent clauses.

 

[vcolts]

I am getting mixed signals on this one.
Anybody else wanna take on 1 and 2?

I can see that as for 3, there is no comma necessary since both parts are essential.

 

[Kondorosi]

Case: Wear a red hat so I know it's you.

Do I need a comma before "so"?.

No. 'so' in this sentence is a subordinator that introduces an adverbial purpose clause.