Commas in a compound sentence

What is a compound sentence? A compound sentence is a sentence in which two ideas are linked with a comma. The two ideas (sentences) must be able to stand alone as an indivual sentence. For example: I really like cats, but they are mean to me.

When to use commas -You only use a comma if the two statements can stand alone in seperate sentences. Ex: I like bird watching, and it is fun. You use a comma because each statement can stand alone. I like bird watching. It is fun.

When to not use commas You do not use a comma if the statements cannot stand alone. Randy finished soccer practice and then went to Subway. Randy finished soccer practice, is a complete sentence. Then went to Subway is not. So you do not use a comma.

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 read Pretty Little Liars but I prefer the television series. She ran downstairs and raced down the sidewalk.

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

Remember… We didn’t place commas for the sentences that cannot stand alone. And we did place commas for the sentences that could.

Now you know how to use commas in compound sentences!