Commas with compound and complex sentences
Key notes :
| What is a Compound Sentence? |
A compound sentence has two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).
👉 FANBOYS = For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So
✅ Rule: Use a comma BEFORE the conjunction.
Examples:
- I wanted to play outside, but it started raining. 🌧️
- She is very smart, and she works hard. 💡
| What is a Complex Sentence? |
A complex sentence has one independent clause + one dependent clause.
Dependent clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions (because, although, if, when, since, etc.).
✅ Rule A: If the dependent clause comes first, use a comma.
Examples:
- Although it was late, we continued studying. 📚
- Because he was tired, he went to bed early. 😴
🟡 Rule B: If the independent clause comes first, NO comma is needed.
Examples:
- We continued studying although it was late.
- He went to bed early because he was tired.
| Common Subordinating Conjunctions (Use them to form complex sentences) |
| Conjunction | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Because 💭 | reason |
| Although/Though ⚖️ | contrast |
| If ❓ | condition |
| When/While 🕒 | time |
| Since 🔙 | cause/time |
| Before/After ⏳ | time |
| Unless 🚫 | exception |
| Quick Tips to Remember |
| Sentence Type | Comma Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Compound 🧱+🧱 | Use comma before FANBOYS | She was tired, yet she finished her homework. ✨ |
| Complex 🔗 (Dep 1st) | Comma needed | When the bell rang, the students cheered. 🎉 |
| Complex 🔗 (Ind 1st) | No comma | The students cheered when the bell rang. |
| Practice – Find the Comma |
Try inserting commas 👇
- I like pizza but I don’t eat it every day.
- When the show ended everyone clapped.
- She can take the bus or she can walk.
Let’s practice!🖊️
