Independent Versus Dependent Clauses Comma Use

True or False:

Always put a comma before a coordinate conjunction (i.e. FANBOYS word) if it combines two sentences.

• True

• False

True or False:

If the sentence begins with a dependent clause, you should always put a comma after the dependent clause.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Put a comma after the dependent clause much like the blue sentence above.

True or False:

You should always put a comma before the subordinate conjunction when the dependent/subordinate clause is after the independent clause.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Do not put a comma when the subordinate conjunction (like the green sentence above) is in the second half of the complex sentence.

Which sentence places the comma correctly?

• When Mylee comes to school, we will celebrate her birthday.

• We will celebrate Mylee's birthday, when she comes to school.

• We will celebrate Mylee's birthday when, she comes to school.

• When Mylee comes to school we will celebrate her birthday. (No comma needed)

Answer explanation

Put a comma if the dependent clause begins the sentence.

*OR*

If the dependent clause begins the sentence, put a comma after it (dependent clause).

What is the mnemonic device to remember the coordinating conjunctions that can combine sentences?

(Hint: It deals with compound sentences)

• AAAWWUBBIS

• FANBOYS

• PEMDAS

• My Very Educated Mother Just Served Nine Pizzas

What are some of the words for the mnemonic device known as AAAWWUBBIS?

• and, are

• we'll, we've

• but, so

• after, because

Which compound sentence uses a comma(s) correctly?

• I like to watch movies but, my sister likes drama series.

• I like to watch movies, but my sister likes drama series.

• I like to watch movies, but, my sister likes drama series.

• I like to watch movies but my sister likes drama series. (No comma)

Answer explanation

Put a comma before a FANBOYS word that combines two sentences.

Which complex sentence correctly uses a comma ?

• Because, she failed a test she was grounded.

• She was grounded, because she failed a test.

• Because she failed a test, she was grounded.

• She was grounded because, she failed a test.

Which sentence does not use commas correctly?

• Paula, and Sean ran to the field, after practice.

• Giselle swam, and Genesis played on the beach.

• After my friends left, I cleaned the house.

• Olivia's song played, so I felt a bit sad.

True or False:

A comma by itself can combine or separate two sentences (independent clauses).

• True

• False

Answer explanation

A comma AND A CONJUNCTION can combine two sentences.