Using Commas with Compound and Complex Sentences

In a compound sentence, the comma comes ______________ the coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).

• after

• before

• there is no comma

What sentence structure is created when you join two independent clauses with a comma and coordinating conjunction?

• complex sentence
• compound sentence
• simple sentence

Which sentence uses commas correctly?

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

Which sentence uses commas correctly?

• Since I was absent on Tuesday, I have a lot of make-up work to do. 
• Since, I was absent on Tuesday I have a lot of make-up work to do. 
• Since I was absent, on Tuesday, I have a lot of make-up work to do. 
• Since I was absent on Tuesday, I have a lot, of make-up work to do. 

Which sentence uses commas correctly?

• Our apartment walls, are very thin so we can hear our neighbors talking. 
• Our, apartment walls, are very thin so we can hear our neighbors talking. 
• Our apartment walls are very thin, so we can hear our neighbors talking. 
• Our apartment walls are very, thin so we can hear our neighbors talking. 

Which sentence uses commas correctly?

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

Harold is an excellent singer and he can dance all of the latest dance moves.

• Insert comma before the conjunction (,and)
• Insert comma after the conjunction (and,)
• No comma needed

Nobody knows Harold can dance because he refuses to dance in public.

• Insert comma before the subordinator
• BInsert comma after the subordinator
• nsert comma after the word refuses
• No comma needed

I want Harold to show me how to dance but I’m afraid to ask him.

• Insert comma before the conjunction
• Insert comma after the conjunction
• No comma needed

Even though people don’t think I am shy I am.

• Insert comma before the subordinate

• Insert comma directly after the subordinate

• Insert comma after the word shy

• No comma needed