Commas in Compound and 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).

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause, which cannot stand alone.

Front

When should you use a comma before a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence?

Back

A comma should be used before a coordinating conjunction when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

When is a comma not needed in a compound sentence?

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A comma is not needed when the independent clauses are short and closely related, or when they are joined by a coordinating conjunction that does not connect independent clauses.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

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

Front

When should you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

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

Front

What is the purpose of commas in complex sentences?

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

Front

What is an example of a sentence that requires a comma before 'and'?

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Example: 'I wanted to go to the park, and my brother wanted to stay home.'

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What is an example of a sentence that does not require a comma before 'and'?

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Example: 'I like apples and oranges.'

Front

What is the rule for using commas with 'although'?

Back

When 'although' introduces a dependent clause, a comma is not needed if it follows the independent clause.