Commas-Compound & Complex Sentences

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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). Example: "I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain."

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What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: "Although it was raining, I went for a walk."

Front

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

Back

A comma is used before the coordinating conjunction to separate the independent clauses in a compound sentence. Example: "I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain."

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When should you use a comma after an introductory clause?

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You should use a comma after an introductory clause to separate it from the main clause. Example: "After the movie, we went out for dinner."

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

Back

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

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Example: "Because I was tired."

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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. Example: "I went to the store."

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How do you punctuate a compound sentence?

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In a compound sentence, place a comma before the coordinating conjunction that connects the two independent clauses. Example: "I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain."

Front

What is the rule for using commas in a list?

Back

Use commas to separate items in a list. Example: "I bought apples, oranges, bananas, and grapes."

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What is the difference between a compound and a complex sentence?

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A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses, while a complex sentence has one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.