First/Punctuation
Commas in Compound Sentences
Students rewrite compound sentences by adding the comma that belongs before the coordinating conjunction (for, and, but, or, yet, so, nor — FANBOYS). A critical GR4 skill that distinguishes compound sentences from simple sentences with compound predicates.
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Practice Questions
- 😴 I was tired but I stayed up to finish my book.
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I was tired, but I stayed up to finish my book.
- ⚽ Lena loves soccer and her brother prefers basketball.
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Lena loves soccer, and her brother prefers basketball.
- 🌧️ It was raining so we stayed inside.
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It was raining, so we stayed inside.
- 🍕 You can have pizza or you can have pasta.
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You can have pizza, or you can have pasta.
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Quick Tip
Compound sentence (two complete thoughts joined by and, but, or, so, yet): add a comma before the joining word.
Teacher Resources
Teaching Notes
Test if both sides are complete sentences: cover each half and ask "Does it make sense alone?" If yes — it's a compound sentence and needs the comma.
Vocabulary
comma: A punctuation mark separating clauses in a sentence.
compound sentence: Two complete sentences joined by a conjunction.
Common Mistakes
- Adding comma before "and" in a simple sentence with a compound predicate (e.g., "She ran and jumped" — NO comma needed)
- Missing the comma when the conjunction is at the start
Differentiation
SupportDraw a "bridge" over the conjunction — the comma is the "toll booth" on the bridge.
ChallengeWrite 3 compound sentences from your own experience using 3 different conjunctions.
Extension Activities
- Write compound sentences.
- Identify conjunctions.
- Practice joining ideas.
Parent Tip
Ask your child to combine two simple sentences into one.
Learning Path
Skill Level
intermediate
Estimated Time
15 minutes
Skills Practiced
Commas compound sentences