Commas in a compound sentence

1. Commas in a compound sentence

2. Whatis a compound sentence? • A compound sentence is a sentence in whichtwoideas are linkedwith a comma. The twoideas (sentences) must be able to stand alone as an indivual sentence. • For example: I reallylike cats, but they are mean to me.

3. When to use commas -You only use a comma if the twostatementscan stand alone in seperate sentences. Ex: I likebirdwatching, and itis fun. You use a comma becauseeachstatementcan stand alone. I likebirdwatching. It is fun.

4. When to not use commas • You do not use a comma if the statementscannot stand alone. • Randy finished soccer practice and thenwent to Subway. • Randy finished soccer practice, is a complete sentence. Thenwent to Subwayis not. So youdo not use a comma.

5. Comma or no comma? • Tracy finished her music lesson and then went to her house. • I liked that movie but it was scary. • Nicole had her baby and it was a girl! • We won our competition but we could have done better. • I wanted to go swimming and then go to Tayler’s house. • I readPrettyLittleLiars but I prefer the televisionseries. • Sherandownstairs and raced down the sidewalk.

6. Answers • Tracy finished her music lesson and then went to her house. – no comma • I liked that movie, but it was scary. -comma • Nicole had her baby, and it was a girl!- comma • We won our competition, but we could have done better.- comma • I wanted to go swimming and then go to Sarah’s house. –no comma • I enjoy Pretty Little Liars, but I prefer the television series.- comma • She ran downstairs and raced down the sidewalk. – no comma

7. Remember… • Wedidn’t place commas for the sentences thatcannot stand alone. • And wedid place commas for the sentences thatcould.

8. Nowyou know how to use commas in compound sentences!