Act Prep Commas

Commas with Conjunctions and Introductory Elements

Reviewing Clauses

Remember, there are 2 types of clauses: independent and dependent clauses. Independent clauses can stand on their own, while dependent clauses can only exist alongside an independent clause.

Two independent clauses can also be joined, but only with the use of a conjunction.

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions are used to BETWEEN clauses. We use the acronym FANBOYS to remember the coordinating conjunctions (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So). Two Independent clauses are joined with a comma and a conjunction.

Ex. I was going to go to the store, but I forgot my wallet. - "I was going to the store" could exist on its own, as could "I forgot my wallet", which is why a comma is required.

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions make independent clauses dependent clauses.

Ex. because I was too tired.

Subordinating conjunctions only require commas when they are found at the beginning of the sentence.

Ex. Because I was too tired, I didn't finish my homework.

EXCEPTION TO THE RULE: cases of extreme contrast

Ex. She was still quite upset, although she had won the Oscar.

Introductory clauses, phrases, or words that come before the main clause.

- Common starter words for introductory clauses that should be followed by a comma include after, although, as, because, if, since, when, while. (These are subordinating clauses)

- Common introductory phrases should be followed by a comma. Ex. To get a seat, you'd better come early. (This is an inverted sentence)

- Common introductory words that should be followed by a comma include yes, however, well. Ex. Yes, I would be happy to edit your paper.

Multiple Select

Which sentence is correct?

• When we discussed the issue, I thought we were on the same page.

• We were on the same page, although we were talking about different things.

• Marina is excited because it’s her birthday.

• The cat scratched at the door while I was eating.

Multiple Select

Which sentence is correct?

• When the snow stops falling, we'll shovel the driveway.

• Because her alarm clock was broken she was late for class.

• If you are ill, you ought to see a doctor.

• Her alarm clock was broken, because she was late for class.

Multiple Select

Which sentence is correct?

• Well, perhaps he meant no harm.

• Yes, the package should arrive tomorrow morning.

• Unfortunately, I was unable to make it to the store.

• Somehow, I could not get into the office.

Multiple Choice

How is the following best written?

The game was over but the crowd refused to leave.

• The game was over but, the crowd refused to leave.

• The game was over, but the crowd refused to leave.

• The game was over but the crowd refused to leave.

Multiple Choice

How is the followingbest written?

The student explained her question yet the instructor still didn't seem to understand.

• The student explained her question yet, the instructor still didn't seem to understand.

• The student explained her question yet the instructor still didn't seem to understand.

• The student explained her question, yet the instructor didn't seem to understand.

Multiple Choice

How is the following best written?

Yesterday was her brother's birthday so she took him out to dinner.

• Yesterday was her brother's birthday, so she took him out to dinner.

• Yesterday was her brother's birthday so she took him out to dinner.

• Yesterday was her brother's birthday so, she took him out to dinner.