IXL | Commas with compound and complex sentences

Correct the text by inserting one comma.

The author has written several books about food allergies so it's safe to say she's an expert on the subject.

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question

Correct the text by inserting one comma.

The U.S. Constitution outlines the powers of our federal government but it also limits those powers.

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 but, which joins the two independent clauses.

The U.S. Constitution outlines the powers of our federal government, but it also limits those powers.

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Not feeling ready yet? These can help:

FF.9Is the sentence simple, compound, or complex?

TT.5Commas with compound and complex sentences

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