Mastering Commas in Compound Sentences
Learn how to effectively use commas in compound sentences and compound elements. Discover when to include commas before coordinating conjunctions that separate complete sentences and when it's appropriate to leave them out for short sentences. Understand when not to use commas when coordinating conjunctions only separate words or phrases.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Commas with Compound Sentences and Compound Elements From the UWF Writing Lab s 101 Grammar Mini-Lessons Series Mini-Lesson #34
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (one of the fan boys) that separates complete sentences (independent clauses): The prospectors hoped to find gold on the rocky slopes of the towering Sierra Madre, so they set out eagerly.
If the sentences being connected are short (about four words or fewer), you may leave out the comma: I laughed and I cried.
Do not use a comma when coordinating conjunctions separate only words or phrases: The river had dried up and looked as if it would stay dry for a long time. (Here, and connects a compound verb, had dried up and looked.) The writers and editors look at their subjects with unblinking eyes. (And connects a compound subject, writersand editors.)