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Comma in Complex Sentences

A complex sentence is made up of an independent clause (complete sentence) and one or more dependent clauses connected to it. A dependent clause (a part sentence) lacks one of the elements that would make it a complete sentence. The following are examples of dependent clauses: since Mariam and Sarimah left the office before noon while he waited at the train station after they left on the bus Dependent clauses such as those above cannot stand alone as a sentence, but they can be added to an independent clause (complete sentence) to form a complex sentence. Dependent clauses begin with subordinating conjunctions. Below are some of the most common subordinating conjunctions : after although as because before even though if since though unless until when whenever whereas wherever while A complex sentence joins an independent clause with one or more dependent clauses. The dependent clauses can go first in the sentence, followed by the independent clause, a...

Comma in Compound Sentences

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A compound sentence refers to a sentence made up of two independent clauses (or complete sentences) connected to one another with a coordinating conjunction. Coordinating conjunctions are easy to remember if you think of the words "FAN BOYS": For And Nor But Or Yet So The following are examples of compound sentences: Johan waited for the train, but the train was late. Mariam and Sakinah arrived at the bus station before noon, and they left on the bus before I arrived. Mariam and Sakinah left on the bus before I arrived, so I did not see them at the bus station. USE A COMMA BEFORE A COORDINATING CONJUNCTION THAT JOINS TWO INDEPENDENT CLAUSES. HOWEVER, COMMA IS NOT NECESSARY FOR SHORT CLAUSES.  If the two "sentences" (known as independent clauses) are very short, it is acceptable – for style purposes – to omit the comma. Johan joined the Army and Daud joined the Marines. Johan joined the Army, and Daud joined the Marines.