Commas in Compound and 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).

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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.

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When should you use a comma before a coordinating conjunction?

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You should use a comma before a coordinating conjunction when it connects two independent clauses.

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What is the purpose of a comma in a sentence?

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

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When should a comma be placed after an introductory phrase?

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A comma should be placed after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause.

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone.

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When is no comma needed in a sentence?

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No comma is needed when the sentence is simple and does not contain multiple independent clauses or introductory phrases.

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What is the rule for using commas in a series?

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In a series, commas are used to separate three or more items, with a comma before the conjunction in the last item (Oxford comma is optional).

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How do you punctuate a sentence with a transitional phrase?

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A comma is used before and after a transitional phrase when it interrupts the flow of the sentence.