1. Commas in compound sentences. Haley, Mary, Mackenzie

2. What is a compound sentence? A compound sentence is 2 complete sentences joined with a conjunction. ( and, or, but…etc.) A compound sentence can make you're writing flow better. Ex. Tom wanted a bicycle, and his birthday is only a few days away. Tom wanted a bicycle. His birthday is only a few days away. Remember: A complete sentence should have a subject and an action.

3. WRONG: I was going to go outside but, it was raining. RIGHT: I was going to go outside, but it was raining. WRONG: Do you want to stay behind or, will you come with us? RIGHT: Do you want to stay behind, or will you come with us? A common error is placing the comma after the conjunction.

4. When you should use a comma You shouldn't put a comma in a compound sentence if the words before and after the conjunction couldn’t be independent sentences. A comma in a compound sentence is put before the conjunction. Ex. Tom had outgrown his old bike, and he needed another. Tom tried to ride a bike too small for him but had trouble.

5. Practice Put the comma in the right place. Remember that some sentences won’t need any changing. 1. Jimmy sat down and ate some chips. 2. I went outside but it was raining. 3. Gabe reads books but he would rather play World Of War Craft. 4. I got ready for school and went out the door. 5. They had lots of fun but they had to go. 6. George ate his banana and it was great. 7. Should I stay at the movies or go home?