Week 3: Compound Sentences Coordinating Conjunctions Run-ons and Comma Splices Three Comma Rules

A compound sentence is composed of at least two simple sentences joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction. Formula: Simple Sentence 1 + Comma + Coordinating Conjunction + Simple Sentence 2 E.g.: Ammar loves mathematics, but Alya loves English. The gold disappeared with the goose, so the greedy man got nothing.

There are 7 coordinating conjunctions in English: and, but, so, for, nor, yet, or. Just remember… FAN BOYS (For-And-Nor-But-Or-Yet-So)

When do you use… for introduce a reason or cause has the same meaning as because e.g.: It is not easy to get there, for you have to hike down a long, hot trail. Some Christians do not work on Sunday, for Sunday is their day to worship.

When do you use… and join sentences that are alike e.g.: Amni likes nasi lemak, and she likes roti canai too. It was Rina’s birthday yesterday, and I got her a bracelet.

When do you use… nor join two negative sentences e.g.: She didn’t talk, nor did she move. The book isn’t very long, nor it is difficult to read.

When do you use… but join sentences that are opposite or show contrast e.g.: Alif is a quiet boy, but his brother is a talkative one. They are poor, but they are happy.

When do you use… or join sentences that gives choices or alternatives. e.g.: She could choose a big room, or she could choose a small one. I either get a lot done during the day, or I do nothing at all.

When do you use… yet has the same meaning as but join sentences that are opposite or show contrast the second part of the sentence says something unexpected or surprising e.g.: He treats her badly, yet she still loves him. I was scared, yet I was also curious about the old lady.

When do you use… so join sentences when the second sentence expresses the result of something. e.g.: The student got an F for his BBI2421, so he has to retake the course next semester. She heard a noise, so she decided to go back to her room.

They occur when… sentences are joined incorrectly!

Run-ons :  two simple sentences are joined without … a comma (,) a connecting word (fan boys) Eg.: Men like to shop quickly women like to browse. Correction: Men like to shop quickly, but women like to browse. (Join the two sentences with a comma and a coordinating conjunction.) Correction: Men like to shop quickly. Women like to browse. (Make two sentences. Separate the two sentences with a full stop.)

Comma splices :  two simple sentences are joined without … a comma (,) Eg.: Men like to shop quickly but women like to browse. Correction: Men like to shop quickly, but women like to browse. (Join the two sentences with a comma before the coordinating conjunction.)

Rule No. 1  Put a comma after a time order signal that comes before the subject at the beginning of a sentence.  Exceptions: Then/Soon/Now  E.g.:  Tomorrow, I will be going to Genting Highlands with my family.  At 3.00 a.m., he finally managed to complete his assignment.  Soon we will be celebrating Malaysia Day.

Rule No. 2  Put a comma after the first sentence in a compound sentence.  Put the comma before the coordinating conjunction.  *Don’t use comma between two parts of a simple sentence.  E.g.:  I love inventing new recipes, so I always watch the Asian Food Channel for ideas.  Siddiq completed his studies in late August, and he got a job in early September.  M.Nasir sings and writes songs.

Rule No. 3  Put a comma between the items in a series of three or more items.  *Don’t use a comma between only two items.  E.g.:  Aidil’s favourite local fruits are durian, mangosteen, and rambutan.  I got up, took a shower, drank a cup of coffee, grabbed my books, and ran out of the door.  We paid for the food and left the restaurant.