1. My friend, how would you like to make a little money? Learn and earn... Commas Simplified The “AND /BUT” Rule

2. Sorry. I lied. But what I’m about to show you will save you a world of pain, padre.

3. The “AND /BUT” Rule Listen carefully. Do just as I tell you, and nobody gets hurt. Are you taking notes? Capisce??? 1 Independent Clause + CONNECTOR WORD + 1 Independent Clause =,

4. Let me break it down for you, my little friend… 2 Independent Clauses joined by a CONNECTOR WORD = a comma I’m a broccoli (independent clause /mini sentence / Subject + Verb). I look like a tree (mini sentence). So you see, whenever you’ve got two sentences right next to each other, you can join them with a Connector Word and a comma.

5. BUT WAIT!!! What the heck is a “Connector Word”?????

6. Youse guys aren’t listening in the back there, are you? A Connector Word = AND BUT SO FOR YET

7. Let’s Review 1 Independent Clause + Connector Word + 1 Independent Clause =, I like to eat spaghetti, and my Mama makes the best. I like to eat spaghetti, but Luigi doesn’t know how to cook it.

8. So, you wonder, are the 2 Independent Clauses always short? Naaahh… Yesterday I was eating spaghetti and lasagna with my best friend and cousin Luigi, and it was so hot I burned my tongue like you wouldn’t believe.

9. Now it’s time for you to prove your loyalty to me by going solo. I want to be good but I just keep doing bad things. Every day I look in the mirror and I see a slob. Nobody ever asks me on a date yet I still hope someone will. Roxanne was never one to be choosy or shy. It is wrong to steal so I will not be a part of the Godfather’s family. He went to the market for a roast. I was tired after the exertion of walking all five flights of stairs so as soon as I got in the apartment I collapsed.

10. Commas Simplified: The AND / BUT RULE By golly, I think I’ve got it! You ain’t got it yet, padre.

11. Finis Trust me, my little friends. This AND /BUT Rule is gonna change your life…. Or at least the way you write!

12. TEAM TEST Because everybody needs somebody! Write 3 sentences and test the person next to you. 2 of the sentences should be examples of sentences that use the AND /BUT rule. 1 sentence should be your “trick” sentence. TEST AND BE TESTED!