CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.2c
The Standard
Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction in a compound sentence.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to join two complete sentences with a comma and a coordinating conjunction, such as for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. They should know both sides must be complete thoughts, not just a phrase added on.
Mastery looks like writing and editing compound sentences correctly without overusing commas. Students often put a comma before every and or but, even when the second part is not a full sentence. They also forget the comma when two full sentences are joined.
Ways to Teach It
- Hands-on: Give pairs sentence strip halves and FANBOYS cards, then have them build compound sentences with comma cards in the right spot.
- Prompt: Write two simple sentences about recess, then combine them using but, so, or and with the correct comma.
- Quick assessment: Show five sentences on the board, and have students write C for correct or fix the missing or extra comma.
- Real-world connection: Have students find one compound sentence in a class newsletter, library book, or article and circle the comma plus conjunction.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.2c
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.2a
Use a comma to separate coordinate adjectives (e.g., It was a fascinating, enjoyable movie but not He wore an old[,] green shirt).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.2a
Use a semicolon (and perhaps a conjunctive adverb) to link two or more closely related independent clauses.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.2b
Use a comma to separate an introductory element from the rest of the sentence.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.3.1h
Use coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.