Using the comma rule in compound sentences
Lesson details
Learning outcome
You can use the comma before "but" or "or" co-ordinating conjunctions in a compound sentence.
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.
Teacher tip
Use plenty of oral examples of main clauses to help pupils hear that a main clause makes complete sense.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a main clause?
Q2.How many main clauses are most often in a compound sentence?
Q3.What type of conjunction joins two main clauses in a compound sentence?
Q4.Which of these are co-ordinating conjunctions?
Q5.Match the co-ordinating conjunction to its purpose.
for building on
for a positive and a negative
for an option or an effect
Q6.Which co-ordinating conjunction would be best to link these two main clauses? You must take a raincoat __________ you will get wet.
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.
Q2.Which punctuation mark do you need before "but" and "or" co-ordinating conjunctions?
Q3.How many main clauses are usually in a compound sentence?
Q4.Which co-ordinating conjunction is best to join these two main clauses? I love eating Italian food __________ I also enjoy Turkish dishes.
Q5.What type of sentence is formed of at least two main clauses joined with a co-ordinating conjunction?
Q6.Which co-ordinating conjunction does not need a comma before it?
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Using the comma rule in compound sentences, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 English lesson on: Using the comma rule in compound sentences, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the Simple, compound and adverbial complex sentences unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.