Commas & FANBOYS

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 (FANBOYS).

Front

What does FANBOYS stand for?

Back

FANBOYS is an acronym for the coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

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.

Front

Is this sentence correct? 'The bird, and the squirrel fought over the acorn.'

Back

No, the comma before 'and' is incorrect because it connects two subjects of the same verb.

Front

Which sentence is correct? 'Our apartment walls are very thin, so we can hear our neighbors talking.'

Back

This sentence is correct because it properly uses a comma before the coordinating conjunction 'so' to connect two independent clauses.

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in a sentence?

Back

Commas are used to indicate a pause, separate items in a list, or clarify meaning in a sentence.

Front

When is a comma not needed before 'or'?

Back

A comma is not needed before 'or' when it connects two items in a list or when it connects two subjects of the same verb.

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.

Front

What is a simple sentence?

Back

A simple sentence consists of only one independent clause and does not contain any dependent clauses.

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

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