What is a Comma?

• Definition: A comma is a punctuation mark (,) used to indicate a pause or to separate parts of a sentence.
• Purpose: Commas help clarify meaning, improve readability, and indicate relationships between ideas in writing.

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What is a Compound Sentence?

Definition: A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

Usage of Commas: Use a comma before the coordinating conjunction to separate the independent clauses.

Example:

• “I wanted to go for a walk, but it started to rain.”
• “She likes to read, and he enjoys writing.”

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What is a Complex Sentence?

• Definition: A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent (or subordinate) clause.
• Usage of Commas:
• Use a comma after the dependent clause when it comes before the independent clause.
• Do not use a comma when the independent clause comes first.
• Examples:
• Dependent clause first: “Although it was raining, we decided to go outside.”
• Independent clause first: “We decided to go outside although it was raining.”

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Examples of Compound and Complex Sentences

• Compound Sentence:
• “The sun was shining, and the birds were singing.”
• Complex Sentence:
• “Because it was hot outside, we stayed indoors.”
• “We stayed indoors because it was hot outside.”

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Let’s practice!🖊️