Using the comma rule in compound sentences
You can use the comma before "but" or "or" co-ordinating conjunctions in a compound sentence.
Using the comma rule in compound sentences
You can use the comma before "but" or "or" co-ordinating conjunctions in a compound sentence.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense is called a main clause.
- Co-ordinating conjunctions join two main clauses to form a compound sentence.
- If the co-ordinating conjunction "but" or "or" is used, there must be a comma before it in a compound sentence.
- The comma tells the reader where the main clause demarcation is.
- Different co-ordinating conjunctions have different meanings.
Keywords
Main clause - a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense
Co-ordinating conjunction - a word that joins two main clauses to form a compound sentence
Compound sentence - a sentence formed of two main clauses and a joining word
Comma - a punctuation mark used before "but" or "or" co-ordinating conjunctions in a compound sentence
Common misconception
Pupils add a word after the co-ordinating conjunction not a main clause.
A co-ordinating conjunction in a compound sentence must join two complete main clauses. Any main clause must make complete sense.
To help you plan your year 3 english lesson on: Using the comma rule in compound sentences, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 english lesson on: Using the comma rule in compound sentences, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
for building on
for a positive and a negative
for an option or an effect