Commas Lesson #3: Commas & Compound Sentences

Compound Sentences

​What is a compound sentence?

A compound sentence is a sentence made up of one or more independent clauses which are linked together with a comma and a coordinating conjunction. ***You can also use a semicolon to connect independent clause, but we will discuss that later.

Independent Clauses

How do you identify an independent clause?

A clause is a group of words that has both a subject (noun or pronoun) and a predicate (a verb), and which makes sense a complete though on its own In other words, an independent clause is a complete sentence.

Examples of Ind. Clauses

Look at the Independent Clauses below:

-Jill went to the movies with Jayden.
-We had pancakes, bacon, and eggs for breakfast every morning.
-Finn and Seymore went skydiving last week.

Compound Sentences

​Look at come compound sentences:

-Jill went to the movies with Jayden, but I had to work.
-We had pancakes, bacon, and eggs for breakfast every morning, and it was wonderful.
-Finn and Seymore went skydiving last week, so they missed the party.

Punctuating & Compound Sentences

A compound sentence MUST have a comma and a coordinating conjunction. If it has ONLY a comma, that is a comma splice.
-I like cake, but Jill likes pie. This is correct
-I like cake, Jill likes pie. This is a commas splice and is wrong
-I like cake but Jill likes pie. This is wrong because the comma is missing

Multiple Choice

Identify the independent clause.

• Rhys gripped my wrist

• After Tamlin's head snapped forward

• little birds chirping

• blinking from the brightness

Multiple Choice

Identify the independent clause.

• Darkness gobbled us up

• Although her fingers were cool

• an oak at the edge of the garden

• the map covered worktable

Multiple Choice

Identify the compound sentence.

• Tamlin was in his study, but Lucien and two other warriors sat by the door.

• so fast that I hardly had time to react

• He chuckled, letting go

• I made a run for the house

Multiple Choice

Identify which compound sentence is correctly punctuated.

• I lurked in the doorway, and then Tamlin's head snapped up.

• I lurked in the doorway and then Tamlin's head snapped up.

• I lurked in the doorway, Tamlin's head snapped up.