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Using the comma rule in compound sentences
You can use the comma before "but" or "or" co-ordinating conjunctions in a compound sentence.
Lesson 3 of 8
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New
- Year 3
Using the comma rule in compound sentences
You can use the comma before "but" or "or" co-ordinating conjunctions in a compound sentence.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense is called a main clause.
- Co-ordinating conjunctions join two main clauses to form a compound sentence.
- If the co-ordinating conjunction "but" or "or" is used, there must be a comma before it in a compound sentence.
- The comma tells the reader where the main clause demarcation is.
- Different co-ordinating conjunctions have different meanings.
Keywords
Main clause - a group of words that contains a verb and makes complete sense
Co-ordinating conjunction - a word that joins two main clauses to form a compound sentence
Compound sentence - a sentence formed of two main clauses and a joining word
Comma - a punctuation mark used before "but" or "or" co-ordinating conjunctions in a compound sentence
Common misconception
Pupils add a word after the co-ordinating conjunction not a main clause.
A co-ordinating conjunction in a compound sentence must join two complete main clauses. Any main clause must make complete sense.
Use plenty of oral examples of main clauses to help pupils hear that a main clause makes complete sense.
Teacher tip
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a main clause?
What is a main clause?
a letter or group of letters at the end of a word which creates another word
a group of words with no verb
a sentence starter followed by a comma
Q2.How many main clauses are most often in a compound sentence?
How many main clauses are most often in a compound sentence?
Q3.What type of conjunction joins two main clauses in a compound sentence?
What type of conjunction joins two main clauses in a compound sentence?
subordinating conjunction
formal conjunction
Q4.Which of these are co-ordinating conjunctions?
Which of these are co-ordinating conjunctions?
as
when
Q5.Match the co-ordinating conjunction to its purpose.
Match the co-ordinating conjunction to its purpose.
Q6.Which co-ordinating conjunction would be best to link these two main clauses? You must take a raincoat __________ you will get wet.
Which co-ordinating conjunction would be best to link these two main clauses? You must take a raincoat __________ you will get wet.
and
but
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which co-ordinating conjunction is best to join these two main clauses? Human stomachs contain acid __________ it is a safe acid.
Which co-ordinating conjunction is best to join these two main clauses? Human stomachs contain acid __________ it is a safe acid.
or
and
Q2.Which punctuation mark do you need before "but" and "or" co-ordinating conjunctions?
Which punctuation mark do you need before "but" and "or" co-ordinating conjunctions?
exclamation mark
full stop
question mark
Q3.How many main clauses are usually in a compound sentence?
How many main clauses are usually in a compound sentence?
1
3
4
Q4.Which co-ordinating conjunction is best to join these two main clauses? I love eating Italian food __________ I also enjoy Turkish dishes.
Which co-ordinating conjunction is best to join these two main clauses? I love eating Italian food __________ I also enjoy Turkish dishes.
or
but
Q5.What type of sentence is formed of at least two main clauses joined with a co-ordinating conjunction?
What type of sentence is formed of at least two main clauses joined with a co-ordinating conjunction?
simple
complex
Q6.Which co-ordinating conjunction does not need a comma before it?
Which co-ordinating conjunction does not need a comma before it?
but
or
