Commas with compound and complex sentences

Learning Objectives Identify independent clauses in sentences. Identify dependent clauses in sentences. Recognize coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS). Recognize common subordinating conjunctions. Correctly place a comma before a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence. Correctly place a comma after an introductory dependent clause in a complex sentence. Distinguish between compound and complex sentences. Ever wonder why some sentences have a tiny pause mark, while others don't? 🤔 It's all about making your writing clear and easy to understand! In this lesson, you'll learn the secrets of using commas to join different parts of sentences. Mastering commas in compound and complex sentences will help you write more sophisticated and persuasive argument...

TermDefinitionExample Independent ClauseA group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.The dog barked loudly. Dependent ClauseA group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.Because it was raining Coordinating ConjunctionWords (FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) that connect words, phrases, or independent clauses of equal importance.and, but, so Subordinating ConjunctionWords (like because, although, when, if, since, while) that introduce a dependent clause and connect it to an independent clause.because, when, if Compound SentenceA sentence made up of two or more independent clauses joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction...

Comma in Compound Sentences Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) when it joins two independent clauses. This rule helps separate two complete thoughts that are connected by words like 'and', 'but', or 'so'. Comma with Introductory Dependent Clauses Use a comma after a dependent clause when it comes *before* the independent clause in a complex sentence. This comma signals a pause after the introductory idea before the main idea of the sentence begins. No Comma for Essential Dependent Clauses (Non-Introductory) Do NOT use a comma when the independent clause comes *before* the dependent clause in a complex sentence. When the dependent clause follows the independent clause, it usually flows directly without a pause, so no...