Commas with compound and complex sentences

Key Notes:

1. Understanding Compound Sentences:

• A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses (complete thoughts) joined by a coordinating conjunction such as and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet.
• Example: I wanted to go to the park, but it started raining.

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2. Comma Rules for Compound Sentences:

• Use a comma before the coordinating conjunction when joining two independent clauses.
• Example: She studied hard, and she passed the exam.
• If the sentence has two independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction, use a semicolon instead of a comma.
• Example: The sun was setting; the sky turned pink.

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3. Understanding Complex Sentences:

• A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent (subordinate) clause. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence and is introduced by subordinating conjunctions like because, since, although, after, when, while, if, unless, etc.
• Example: Because she was tired, she went to bed early.

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4. Comma Rules for Complex Sentences:

When the dependent clause comes first, place a comma after the dependent clause.

• Example: Although it was late, he continued to study.

When the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed before the dependent clause.

• Example: He continued to study although it was late.

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5. Punctuating with Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions:

• Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) join clauses of equal importance and require a comma before them.
• Subordinating conjunctions introduce clauses that depend on the main clause and may or may not need a comma depending on their placement in the sentence.

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6. Avoiding Comma Splices:

• A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma without a conjunction. This is incorrect.
• Example (incorrect): She studied hard, she passed the test.
• Corrected: She studied hard, and she passed the test.