IXL | Commas with compound and complex sentences

Correct the sentence by adding one comma.

Because Sherlock Holmes was such a popular character Sir Arthur Conan Doyle included him in several works.

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question

Correct the sentence by adding one comma.

The make-up artist demonstrated his skills at the trade show and he answered questions afterward in the lobby.

key idea

In a compound sentence, use a comma before the coordinating conjunction that joins the two independent clauses. Examples of coordinating conjunctions are and, or, but, and so.

We saw a flash of lightning, and seconds later we heard the rumble of thunder.

In a complex sentence, if a dependent (or subordinate) clause comes before an independent (or main) clause, use a comma after the dependent clause. A dependent clause is one that starts with a subordinating conjunction, such as after, although, as, because, before, if, since, unless, until, when, or while.

If she ever gets the chance, Terri would love to visit the Egyptian pyramids.

solution

This is a compound sentence, so use a comma before the coordinating conjunction and, which joins the two independent clauses.

The make-up artist demonstrated his skills at the trade show, and he answered questions afterward in the lobby.

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