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.
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.
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.
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
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
for building on
for a positive and a negative
for an option or an effect