Commas with Compound & Complex Sentences

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What is a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Example: "I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain."

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What is a complex sentence?

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A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: "Although it was raining, we went for a walk."

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence. Example: "Because I was tired."

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence. Example: "I went to the store."

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What punctuation is used to join independent clauses?

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Independent clauses can be joined using a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but, or) or a semicolon. Example: "I wanted to go out, but it was too cold."

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When should you use a comma before a conjunction?

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A comma should be used before a conjunction when it connects two independent clauses. Example: "I wanted to play outside, but it started to rain."

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What is the purpose of commas in complex sentences?

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Commas are used in complex sentences to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause, especially when the dependent clause comes first. Example: "If it rains, we will stay inside."

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How do you rewrite a sentence with a dependent clause at the beginning?

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When a dependent clause is at the beginning of a sentence, it is followed by a comma. Example: "While you cook dinner, I will set the table."

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses that are similar or equal. The main coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS).

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What is the rule for using commas with introductory phrases?

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Use a comma after an introductory phrase or clause to separate it from the main clause. Example: "After the movie, we went out for dinner."