COMPOUND SENTENCE Rule 3: Use a comma before the coordinating conjunction in compound sentences. If the sentence uses a coordinating conjunction but is NOT compound, do not use a comma.
Example: Mary is not feeling well and is going home at noon. [not compound]
Mary is not feeling well, and she is going home at noon. [compound]
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PART ONE: Write seven compound sentences. To get a good grade, your sentences should be about 10-14+ words long. [Caution: Don't create run-ons!]
PART TWO:
Directions: These sentences are not compound because they do not have two complete sentences before and after the coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or). Make them compound. Add a comma and change the wording as needed.
1. Heavy rain can cause damage to farm crops and can also ruin land by soil erosion.
2. They are a happy, energetic people but are living under very harsh conditions.
3. Auto exhaust contains carbon monoxide and is a leading cause of air pollution in the U.S.
4. Kim left the basketball game an hour early but had to come back because she forgot her gloves.
5. Joe’s friend hates to be told what to do but loves to tell others what they should be doing.
6. Kyle can clean the floor with the mop in the closet or wash all of the dishes in the sink.
7. November is a wintry month in Minnesota but is really comfortable and warm in Texas.
8. I will remember to leave directions to Tom’s house on the counter and will be sure to give you his phone number as well.
9. My best friend Dave lost his father in an automobile accident and lost his mother to cancer last year, too.
10. A compound sentence contains two complete sentences joined together with a conjunction and
always needs a comma.
11. Tom will have to eat hot dogs for lunch or will have to order pizza from Domino’s.
