English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
Commas with compound and complex sentences
Commas with compound and complex sentences
What you'll learn
- Identify and correctly punctuate compound sentences using commas before coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) with 80% accuracy on a written exercise.
- Apply knowledge of comma rules to accurately punctuate complex sentences, distinguishing between introductory clauses and phrases, with 75% accuracy on a sentence completion quiz.
- Analyze a paragraph containing both compound and complex sentences and revise it to ensure correct comma usage, justifying each revision based on grammatical rules.
- Explain the difference in comma usage between compound and complex sentences, providing specific examples to illustrate each rule.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define and identify independent and dependent clauses.
Distinguish between compound and complex sentences.
Correctly use a comma before a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence.
Correctly use a comma after an introductory dependent clause in a complex sentence.
Explain why a comma is not needed when a dependent clause follows an independent clause.
Apply comma rules to improve the clarity and structure of their own argumentative writing.
Analyze how authors use commas in compound and complex sentences to convey meaning.
Ever notice how some longer sentences have a little pause, like a speed bump for your eyes? 🤔 That tiny pause is often a comma, and it helps us understand big ideas!
In this lesson, you'll learn how to use commas correctl...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
SentenceA complete thought that contains a subject (who or what the sentence is about) and a predicate (what the subject does or is).The dog barked.
Independent ClauseA group of words that has a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence.I love pizza.
Dependent ClauseA group of words that has a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence because it starts with a subordinating conjunction (like 'because,' 'although,' 'when').Because I was hungry
Coordinating ConjunctionWords that connect two independent clauses or other similar grammatical units. Remember FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.I like apples, but my brother prefers oranges.
Subordinating ConjunctionWords that introduce a dependent...
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Key Rules & Conventions
Comma with Coordinating Conjunctions in Compound Sentences
Independent Clause + , + Coordinating Conjunction + Independent Clause
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) when it joins two independent clauses to form a compound sentence. This comma signals a slight pause between two complete thoughts.
Comma with Introductory Dependent Clauses in Complex Sentences
Dependent Clause + , + Independent Clause
Use a comma after a dependent clause when it comes at the beginning of a complex sentence. This comma helps the reader know where the introductory idea ends and the main idea begins.
No Comma When Dependent Clause Follows Independent Clause
Independent Clause + Dependent Clause (no comma)
Do NOT use a comma when the dependent clause comes after the ind...
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Challenging
Read this excerpt from an argumentative paragraph: '(1) Many people believe video games are a waste of time. (2) However, this viewpoint is shortsighted. (3) When they are designed well video games can teach problem-solving skills. (4) They can also improve a player's reaction time, so they are not without educational merit.' Which sentence contains a punctuation error?
A.Sentence 1
B.Sentence 2
C.Sentence 3
D.Sentence 4
Challenging
An author writes: 'Although the plan seems promising, we must consider the potential costs.' How does starting the sentence with 'Although' and using a comma affect the meaning and flow?
A.It creates a compound sentence that gives two opposing ideas equal weight.
B.It emphasizes the main point ('we must consider the costs') by first acknowledging a counter-argument ('the plan seems promising').
C.It makes the sentence a question about whether the plan is promising.
D.It joins two independent clauses incorrectly, creating a comma splice.
Challenging
A student's draft says: 'The project was difficult, I learned a lot because I had to do research.' Which revision best improves the clarity and grammatical structure of this sentence?
A.The project was difficult, and I learned a lot, because I had to do research.
B.Although the project was difficult, I learned a lot because I had to do research.
C.The project was difficult, but I learned a lot, I had to do research.
D.The project was difficult because I had to do research, and I learned a lot.
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What grade level is "Commas with compound and complex sentences"?
Commas with compound and complex sentences is a Grade 6 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Commas with compound and complex sentences?
You'll be able to: Identify and correctly punctuate compound sentences using commas before coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) with 80% accuracy on a written exercise; Apply knowledge of comma rules to accurately punctuate complex sentences….
Is "Commas with compound and complex sentences" free to practice?
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How many practice questions are included with Commas with compound and complex sentences?
This lesson includes 27 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.