No comma between compound items (subjects, objects, verbs)

This is one of the most common errors involving commas on the ACT, and its one thats very easy to identify and fix. A compound item is simply two nouns or verbs joined by the word and. The rule is that you never need a comma before the and. If the grammatical terminology makes you too nervous, theres also a great  shortcut:  comma + and = period, and if you plug in a period, you won’t have two full sentences. Since the period isnt correct, â€Å"comma + and†Ã‚  isnt correct either. Compound Subject Errors Incorrect:  The cover, and the binding of the old book are beginning to disintegrate. Period replaces comma + and: The cover. The binding of the old book are beginning to disintegrate. Correct: The cover and the binding of the old book are beginning to disintegrate. Compound Object Errors Incorrect:  The book has many  pages, and illustrations. Period replaces comma + and:  The book has many  pages. Illustrations. Correct:  The book has many  pages and illustrations. Compound Verb   Incorrect: The cover of the old book is beginning to fade, and disintegrate. Period replaces comma + and: The cover of the old book is beginning to fade. Disintegrate. Correct: The cover of the old book is beginning to  fade and disintegrate.