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Grade 4/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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Medium
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8 questions
2
8 questions
3
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Hard
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8 questions
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8 questions
What to Do Next
Commas — Mixed Practice5 WS
A passage mixing all comma types — students restore every missing comma.

Practice Questions

  1. 😴 I was tired but I stayed up to finish my book.
    Show answer

    I was tired, but I stayed up to finish my book.

  2. ⚽ Lena loves soccer and her brother prefers basketball.
    Show answer

    Lena loves soccer, and her brother prefers basketball.

  3. 🌧️ It was raining so we stayed inside.
    Show answer

    It was raining, so we stayed inside.

  4. 🍕 You can have pizza or you can have pasta.
    Show answer

    You can have pizza, or you can have pasta.

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