Commas in compound sentences worksheets
A compound sentence joins two complete thoughts with a coordinating conjunction, and a comma marks the seam: the bell rang, but nobody moved. Fourth graders test each half: if both could stand alone, the comma goes before the joining word.
By grade
What students need to know
When two complete sentences join with and, but, or, so, or yet, a comma goes before the joining word: It rained, so we read inside.
This skill runs from 4th grade through 5th grade. Pick a grade above for level-matched sentences, teaching notes, and worksheets.
Commas in compound sentences across the grades
4th grade
A compound sentence joins two complete thoughts with a coordinating conjunction, and a comma marks the seam: the bell rang, but nobody moved. Fourth graders test each half: if both could stand alone, the comma goes before the joining word.
5th grade
Fifth graders punctuate compound sentences automatically and use the both-halves test to decide when the comma belongs, which prevents the opposite error of sprinkling commas before every and. The skill anchors the sentence-combining work that makes writing flow.
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