English Language Arts
Grade 8
15 min
Commas with compound and complex sentences
Commas with compound and complex sentences
What you'll learn
- Identify the correct comparative and superlative forms (well, better, best, badly, worse, worst) in 8 out of 10 sentences.
- Apply the correct form of 'well,' 'badly,' or their comparative/superlative forms in writing 5 original sentences demonstrating understanding of their proper usage.
- Explain the difference in meaning between 'well' and 'good' and 'badly' and 'bad' and use each correctly in a sentence
- Revise 3 provided paragraphs to correct any incorrect usage of 'well,' 'better,' 'best,' 'badly,' 'worse,' or 'worst' with 100% accuracy.
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Correctly identify independent and dependent clauses within a sentence.
Define and identify compound and complex sentences.
Apply the comma rule for joining two independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).
Correctly use a comma after an introductory dependent clause in a complex sentence.
Determine when a comma is not needed in a complex sentence.
Revise sentences to correct comma splices and other common punctuation errors related to sentence structure.
Did you know a single comma can change the entire meaning of a sentence? Let's eat, Grandma! vs. Let's eat Grandma! 😱 Punctuation saves lives (and grades)!
This tutorial will teach you the essential rules for using commas in compound and complex sentences. Mastering this skil...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
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 students researched their topics thoroughly.
Dependent (Subordinate) 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 and often begins with a subordinating conjunction.Although they faced some challenges.
Compound SentenceA sentence made up of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.The team presented its findings, and the class asked thoughtful questions.
Complex SentenceA sentence made up of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.Because the data was clear, the conclusion was easy to support.
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Key Rules & Conventions
The Compound Sentence Comma Rule
Independent Clause, + Coordinating Conjunction (FANBOYS) + Independent Clause.
Use a comma before a FANBOYS conjunction when it joins two complete sentences (independent clauses). This comma signals to the reader that a new, complete thought is beginning.
The Complex Sentence Comma Rule
1. Dependent Clause, + Independent Clause.
2. Independent Clause + Dependent Clause (no comma).
When a sentence begins with a dependent clause (an 'opener'), place a comma after it. If the dependent clause comes after the independent clause, you usually do not need a comma.
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Challenging
A student wrote this fused sentence: 'The counterclaim was persuasive it lacked sufficient evidence.' Which revision is both grammatically correct and most effective for an argumentative essay?
A.The counterclaim was persuasive, it lacked sufficient evidence.
B.Because the counterclaim was persuasive, it lacked sufficient evidence.
C.Although the counterclaim was persuasive, it lacked sufficient evidence.
D.The counterclaim was persuasive, and it lacked sufficient evidence.
Challenging
Which option correctly punctuates the following sentence? 'Since the first draft was weak the student revised it and the final essay was much stronger.'
A.Since the first draft was weak, the student revised it, and the final essay was much stronger.
B.Since the first draft was weak, the student revised it and the final essay was much stronger.
C.Since the first draft was weak the student revised it, and the final essay was much stronger.
D.Since the first draft was weak, the student revised it, and, the final essay was much stronger.
Challenging
The sentence 'The team won the debate because they used stronger evidence' is a correctly punctuated complex sentence. How could it be rewritten as a correctly punctuated COMPOUND sentence that preserves the cause-and-effect meaning?
A.The team used stronger evidence, but they won the debate.
B.The team won the debate, and they used stronger evidence.
C.The team used stronger evidence, or they won the debate.
D.The team used stronger evidence, so they won the debate.
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What grade level is "Commas with compound and complex sentences"?
Commas with compound and complex sentences is a Grade 8 English Language Arts lesson on ExcelOS.
What will I learn in Commas with compound and complex sentences?
You'll be able to: Identify the correct comparative and superlative forms (well, better, best, badly, worse, worst) in 8 out of 10 sentences; Apply the correct form of 'well,' 'badly,' or their comparative/superlative forms in writing 5 original….
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 25 practice questions across multiple difficulty levels, each with instant feedback and explanations.