Commas: Compound Sentences, Complex Sentences

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

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."

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

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

Front

When should you use a comma before a coordinating conjunction?

Back

You should use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when it connects two independent clauses. Example: "I wanted to play outside, but it was too cold."

Front

Where should the comma be in the sentence: 'Although they found the newspaper interesting they didn't read it all.'?

Back

The comma should be placed after 'interesting': 'Although they found the newspaper interesting, they didn't read it all.'

Front

Which sentence uses commas correctly: 'Jim is very bold and smart but he doesn't always say nice things to people.' or 'Jim is very bold and smart, but he doesn't always say nice things to people.'?

Back

The correct sentence is: 'Jim is very bold and smart, but he doesn't always say nice things to people.'

Front

What is the purpose of a comma in a sentence?

Back

A comma is used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, to separate items in a list, or to clarify meaning.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence because it expresses a complete thought. Example: "She loves to read."

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. Example: "Because she loves to read."

Front

When do you not need a comma in a sentence?

Back

You do not need a comma when connecting two items in a simple series or when the clauses are short and closely related.

Front

What is a coordinating conjunction?

Back

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.