Comma to End a Long Subject
The subject of a sentence can comprise a
list of things. (This is known as a 'compound
subject'.) Sometimes, the subject is made up of so many elements that some writers like to end the list with a comma to group them together.
Example:
A clean driving licence, the ability to operate under pressure and 5 years'
experience in marketing, are the only criteria stipulated by the selection
panel.
("A clean driving licence, the ability to operate under pressure and 5 years'
experience in marketing" is the compound subject of this sentence. The verb is
"are".)
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SUBJECT?
The subject of a sentence is the person or thing that is performing the verb in the sentence. (Verbs are doing words like
'to dance' and 'to sit' - see lesson Verbs.)
Balloons rose out of the stadium.
(The word 'Balloons' is the subject of this sentence. They are performing the
verb - in this case, the verb 'to rise'.)
David Baker is a real gentleman.
('David Baker' is the subject of this sentence. He is performing the verb - in this case, it is the verb
'to be'.)
The man next door saw that stray dog again.
('The man next door' - subject / 'to see' - the verb)
Jack and Simon are in the swimming pool.
('Jack and Simon' - subject / 'to be' - the verb)
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FROWNED UPON
Be aware that ending a long compound subject with a comma is not popular with some grammarians. It is not wrong, but
it is best avoided.
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