How to Use a Comma in a Compound Sentence

Once you understand what a compound sentence is, learning how to use a comma in one is easy. You don't have to memorize any lengthy rules, and you'll learn to spot misplaced commas immediately. Here's how to use this versatile punctuation mark.

Instructions

1. Remember the definition of a compound sentence. This sentence consists of two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.

2. Understand the role of the independent clause. This clause consists of a complete thought and could form a sentence on its own. Study the example in this sentence: "The boy walked home to the house on the hill by the brook. "The boy walked home" is an independent clause.

3. Insert a coordinating conjunction. A coordinating conjunction joins two clauses of equal importance. The most common coordinating conjunctions are "for," "and," "nor," "but," "or," "yet" and "so." "While" also can be used as a coordinating conjunction.

4. Use a comma to connect two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction. For example: "While you were out, the milk curdled." Another example would be, "I tried to tell her I loved her, but I had a mouthful of peanut butter at the time."