Commas: Compound Sentences, Complex Sentences

Front

What is a comma?

Back

A comma is a punctuation mark (,) used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence or to separate items in a list.

Front

When do you use a comma in a compound sentence?

Back

Use a comma before the conjunction (like 'and', 'but', 'or') that connects two independent clauses.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a conjunction.

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 do you use a comma after an introductory phrase?

Back

Use a comma after an introductory phrase to separate it from the main clause.

Front

Example of a compound sentence with correct comma usage.

Back

Jim is very bold and smart, but he doesn't always say nice things to people.

Front

Example of a complex sentence with correct comma usage.

Back

As I rode my bike down the street, I saw my friend riding her scooter.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence because it 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 because it does not express a complete thought.

Front

When do you not need a comma in a sentence?

Back

You do not need a comma when the clauses are short and closely related, or when there is no conjunction.