English Language Arts
Grade 4
15 min
Commas with compound and complex sentences
Commas with compound and complex sentences
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify an independent clause and a dependent clause in a sentence.
Define compound and complex sentences.
Correctly place a comma before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) in a compound sentence.
Correctly place a comma after an introductory dependent clause in a complex sentence.
Combine two simple sentences to form a compound sentence using a comma and a conjunction.
Combine an independent and a dependent clause to form a complex sentence.
Have you ever wanted to connect your ideas like linking train cars together to make a longer, more interesting train? 🚂 Commas are the special connectors that help us do just that in our writing!
Today, we will learn how to use commas to join sentences and ideas. This super-skill will make your writing clearer,...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Independent ClauseA complete thought that can stand alone as its own sentence. It has a subject and a verb.The frog jumped.
Dependent ClauseAn incomplete thought that cannot stand alone as a sentence. It often starts with a special word like 'because', 'when', or 'since'.Because it was scared.
Coordinating Conjunction (FANBOYS)A word that connects two independent clauses. The seven FANBOYS are: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.I wanted to play outside, but it was raining.
Compound SentenceA sentence made of two independent clauses joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).The sun was shining, so we went to the park.
Complex SentenceA sentence made of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.When the music...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Compound Sentence Comma Rule
Independent Clause + , + FANBOYS Conjunction + Independent Clause
Use a comma before a FANBOYS conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) when it joins two complete sentences (independent clauses).
Complex Sentence Comma Rule
Dependent Clause + , + Independent Clause
Use a comma after a dependent clause when it comes at the beginning of a sentence. If the independent clause comes first, you usually don't need a comma.
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Challenging
Read the paragraph. Which sentence has a comma error? (1) Before we left for the trip, my mom packed snacks. (2) I grabbed my favorite book and my dad loaded the car. (3) We were all excited, for it was our first vacation in a year. (4) My sister was happy because she could bring her new toy.
A.Sentence 1
B.Sentence 2
C.Sentence 3
D.Sentence 4
Challenging
The following is a run-on sentence: 'The game was tied the coach called a timeout.' What is the BEST way to fix it using a comma?
A.The game was tied, so the coach called a timeout.
B.The game was tied, the coach called a timeout.
C.Because the game was tied the coach called a timeout.
D.The game was tied, and, the coach called a timeout.
Challenging
Analyze the punctuation in this sentence: 'After the storm passed, the sun came out, and we saw a beautiful rainbow.' Is the punctuation correct?
A.No, the comma after 'passed' should be removed.
B.No, the comma after 'out' should be removed.
C.No, both commas should be removed.
D.Yes, the punctuation is correct.
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