3.1 Commas
Commas before Conjunctions in Compound Sentences
Commas are sometimes used to separate two independent clauses. The comma comes after the first independent clause, followed by a conjunction, such as for, and, or but. For a full list of conjunctions, see Chapter 2 “Writing Basics: What Makes a Good Sentence?”.
He missed class today, and he thinks he will be out tomorrow, too.
He says his fever is gone, but he is still very tired.
Exercise 3
On your own sheet of paper, create a compound sentence by combining the two independent clauses with a comma and a coordinating conjunction.
- The presentation was scheduled for Monday. The weather delayed the presentation for four days.
- He wanted a snack before bedtime. He ate some fruit.
- The patient is in the next room. I can hardly hear anything.
- We could go camping for vacation. We could go to the beach for vacation.
- I want to get a better job. I am taking courses at night.
- I cannot move forward on this project. I cannot afford to stop on this project.
- Patrice wants to stop for lunch. We will take the next exit to look for a restaurant.
- I’ve got to get this paper done. I have class in ten minutes.
- The weather was clear yesterday. We decided to go on a picnic.
- I have never dealt with this client before. I know Leonardo has worked with them. Let’s ask Leonardo for his help.
