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) or a semicolon.

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

Front

What is the purpose of a comma before a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence?

Back

The comma is used to separate the two independent clauses to clarify the sentence structure and improve readability.

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

You should use a comma after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause of the sentence.

Front

What is a coordinating conjunction?

Back

A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses that are similar or equal in structure. The seven coordinating conjunctions are for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

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 as a sentence.

Front

What is the rule for using commas in a series?

Back

In a series of three or more items, use commas to separate the items, and place a comma before the conjunction in the last item (Oxford comma is optional).

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a conjunctive adverb?

Back

When using a conjunctive adverb (e.g., however, therefore), place a semicolon before it and a comma after it when connecting two independent clauses.

Front

What is the difference between an independent clause and a dependent clause?

Back

An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while a dependent clause cannot stand alone and needs an independent clause to form a complete thought.

Front

What is the function of commas in complex sentences?

Back

Commas are used in complex sentences to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause, especially when the dependent clause comes first.