Comma rules in three sentence types
I can use the comma for a range of purposes in three different sentence structures.
Comma rules in three sentence types
I can use the comma for a range of purposes in three different sentence structures.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A comma is written before "but" or "or" co-ordinating conjunctions in a compound sentence.
- If the adverbial clause is first in an adverbial complex sentence, it is followed by a comma before the main clause.
- If the main clause is first in an adverbial complex sentence, it is not followed by a comma before the adverbial clause.
- Commas are often used to demarcate clauses in compound and complex sentence structures.
- Commas may be found in a simple sentence for other purposes than clause demarcation.
Common misconception
Pupils may believe that commas indicate a 'pause' in sentences, or 'taking a breath'.
Commas have a number of specific functions, several of which are covered in this lesson.
Keywords
Co-ordinating conjunction - a word that joins two main clauses to form a compound sentence
Comma - a punctuation mark used before "but" or "or" co-ordinating conjunctions in a compound sentence
Adverbial clause - a type of subordinate clause that starts with a subordinating conjunction
Subordinating conjunction - a word that starts an adverbial clause
Comma - a punctuation mark used to demarcate the first adverbial clause from the second main clause in an adverbial complex sentence
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
, but the teacher kept us waiting.
and we wolfed down our food.
, or it would be a total disaster.