Comma Rules: Compd Sentence, Intro Prep Phrases & Dep Clauses

Comma Rules: Compd Sentence, Intro Prep Phrases & Dependent Clause

Compound Sentence Rule:

A comma is necessary before the conjunction (fanboys) to properly punctuate or join two independent clauses.

• Our outing was fun, but we were glad to return.

• Dad cooked dinner, and I set the table.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct location of the comma to properly punctuate the compound sentence.

Ozzy saw the cat on the porch so he whimpered to be let out.

• Ozzy saw the cat, on the porch so he whimpered to be let out.

• Ozzy saw the cat on the porch so, he whimpered to be let out.

• Ozzy saw the cat on the porch, so he whimpered to be let out.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct location of the comma to properly punctuate the compound sentence.

At night I like to watch old movies on TCM but I didn't care for them twenty years ago.

• At night, I like to watch old movies on TCM but I didn't care for them twenty years ago.

• At night I like to watch old movies on TCM but, I didn't care for them twenty years ago.

• At night I like to watch old movies on TCM, but I didn't care for them twenty years ago.

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct location of the comma to properly punctuate the compound sentence.

The student came to class late and then he refused to work or participate by answering questions.

• The student came to class late and then he refused to work, or participate by answering questions.

• The student came to class late and then, he refused to work or participate by answering questions.

• The student came to class late, and then he refused to work or participate by answering questions.

Introductory Prepositional Phrase Rule:

A comma is needed after two introductory prepositional phrases or after a long prepositional phrase when the subject follows them/ it.

• In the middle of the night, Frank boarded a plane for Japan.

• During the long intermission, everyone chatted.

• After a brief morning meeting, the representatives had to decorate the school.

• Behind the garage at my mother's house, Ozzy buried his bone.

Multiple Select

Check the sentences that are properly punctuated with the Introductory Prepositional Phrase Rule.

• Between the two difficult choices, I decided to choose the second.

• Across the street from me, is a grocery store.

• Near the bench in the park the birds looked for food.

• Under the couch, I found some of Ozzy's toys.

Multiple Select

Check the sentences that are properly punctuated with the Introductory Prepositional Phrase Rule.

• Beside the table there was a couch, with a lamp on it.

• Throughout the tedious train ride, my suitcase bounced back and forth.

• During the movie at the theater, Susie and Bill ate popcorn.

• Within the box on the table, sat a lovely piece of jewelry.

Multiple Select

Check the sentences that are properly punctuated with the Introductory Prepositional Phrase Rule.

• Down the block around midnight, Matt heard loud sirens.

• Upon lengthy and careful consideration, Jane decided to say no.

• Against the wall above the fireplace, the portrait of my grandmother hung for years.

• Concerning the tricky subject matter, you should make sure the lesson is detailed.

Dependent Clause Rule:

A comma IS needed between a dependent clause and an independent clause when the sentence begins with the dep. clause.
NO comma is needed when the dependent clause follows the independent clause in the sentence.

• After we leave my grandmother's house on Christmas day, we are going to go to my aunt's house for supper.

• My cousins and I will play with our new toys after supper is over.

• When we go to my aunt's house later, I am going to have to ride in the backseat.

• I am always sad when we get in the car to drive home.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is the correctly punctuated complex sentence using the Dependent Clause comma rule?

• Chicago is not my favorite city, although many people do seem to love it.

• HGTV is my "go to" channel whenver Sofie, goes to bed.

• We can go to dinner if you get your work done.

• We should go shopping, after we go to dinner.

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is the correctly punctuated complex sentence using the Dependent Clause comma rule?

• After Winston goes to bed, I get the remote control.

• I like to change the channel, when the news comes on.

• Once my work is finished Ozzy jumps into my lap.

• Students need to remain seated, until the bell rings

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is the correctly punctuated complex sentence using the Dependent Clause comma rule?

• Before we go any further does everyone understand the rule?

• Once you have children, you know what unconditional love is.

• You can ride the rollercoaster, unless you have a medical condition.

• I am pretty tired, because I get up early every day.