Commas in Compound Sentences Explained

What is the primary purpose of using a comma in a compound sentence?

• To list items

• To indicate possession

• To separate two independent clauses

• To add extra information

Which of the following is NOT one of the seven conjunctions used in English?

• Because

• But

• Or

• And

Which conjunction is used to express a choice or alternative?

• And

• But

• Or

• Yet

What error is made if only a comma is used to join two independent clauses?

• Comma splice

• Subject-verb disagreement

• Passive voice misuse

• Fragment error

What is a run-on sentence?

• A sentence that lacks a subject

• A sentence joining two independent clauses without proper punctuation

• A sentence with too many commas

• A sentence that is too long

In which case do you NOT need a comma to join parts of a sentence?

• Joining two dependent clauses

• Joining two items in a list

• Joining a subject and verb

• Joining two independent clauses

What determines if a comma is needed before a conjunction in a sentence?

• The type of conjunction used

• The use of adjectives

• The presence of two independent clauses

• The length of the sentence

Which example requires a comma for correct punctuation?

• Maria and John will make dinner

• Maria will set the table and make dinner

• Our family enjoys the mountains but does not like the snow

• Our family enjoys the mountains but we do not like the snow

What is a compound predicate?

• A sentence with two independent clauses

• A sentence with two conjunctions

• A sentence with two or more verbs for the same subject

• A sentence with two subjects

What should you check for in a sentence to decide if a comma is needed before the conjunction?

• If the sentence is longer than 10 words

• If there is a subject after the conjunction

• If there is a verb after the conjunction

• If there is an adjective before the conjunction