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.

Front

When should you use a comma before a coordinating conjunction?

Back

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

Front

What is the purpose of a comma in a complex sentence?

Back

A comma is used in a complex sentence to separate the dependent clause from the independent clause, especially when the dependent clause comes first.

Front

When is a comma needed after an introductory phrase?

Back

A comma is needed after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence; it has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

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

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with 'although'?

Back

When 'although' starts a sentence, a comma is used after the dependent clause if it precedes the independent clause.

Front

What is the rule for commas with 'yet'?

Back

A comma is used before 'yet' when it connects two independent clauses.

Front

When is a comma not needed in a sentence?

Back

A comma is not needed when the sentence is simple and does not contain multiple independent clauses or introductory phrases.