Commas with compound and complex sentences
key notes :
📝 Commas with Compound and Complex Sentences
| What is a Compound Sentence? |
A compound sentence has two or more independent clauses (complete ideas) joined by a coordinating conjunction.
- Coordinating conjunctions: 🟢 for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS)
Rule: Use a comma before the conjunction that joins the clauses.
Example:
- I wanted to go to the park, 🌳 but it started raining. ☔
- She loves reading, 📚 and she enjoys painting. 🎨
| What is a Complex Sentence? |
A complex sentence has:
- One independent clause (can stand alone)
- One or more dependent clauses (cannot stand alone)
Common subordinating conjunctions:
- 🟢 because, since, although, if, when, while, after, before
Rule 1: If the dependent clause comes first, put a comma after it.
Example:
- 🌧️ Because it was raining, we stayed indoors. 🏠
- 🎒 Although she was tired, she finished her homework. ✏️
Rule 2: If the dependent clause comes after the independent clause, no comma is needed.
Example:
- We stayed indoors 🌧️ because it was raining.
- She finished her homework ✏️ although she was tired.
| Tips for Using Commas Correctly |
- ✅ Use commas to separate clauses in a compound sentence.
- ✅ Use commas after introductory dependent clauses in complex sentences.
- ❌ Do NOT use a comma if the dependent clause comes after the main clause (usually).
- ✅ Read the sentence aloud. If you pause naturally, a comma is often needed.
| Quick Examples |
| Sentence Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Compound | I like ice cream, 🍦 and my brother likes cake. 🎂 |
| Complex (dependent first) | 🌅 When the sun rises, the birds start singing. 🐦 |
| Complex (independent first) | The birds start singing 🐦 when the sun rises. |
| Fun Memory Trick ✨ |
Think “FANBOYS with a comma, subordinating start with pause”:
- Compound: comma before FANBOYS
- Complex: comma after starting dependent clause
Let’s practice!🖊️
