Punctuation in Compound-Complex Sentences

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Anneda Nettleton, Bachelor’s in Middle Grade Education |
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Anneda N. is an experienced instructional designer and educator with over 22 years in K–12 education. She specializes in standards-aligned quizzes, curriculum development, literacy programs, and academic writing. Holds a Bachelor’s in Middle Grades Education and a Rank 1 Reading & Writing Specialist credential.
, Bachelor’s in Middle Grade Education
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| Attempts: 18 | Questions: 12 | Updated: Jan 7, 2026
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1. Although it was raining, we went to the park, and we played soccer. Why is a comma after raining necessary?

Explanation

The comma separates the dependent clause (Although it was raining) from the first independent clause.

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About This Quiz
Punctuation In Compound-complex Sentences - Quiz

Punctuation can make a sentence clear—or confusing. This quiz focuses on using commas, conjunctions, and even semicolons correctly in compound-complex sentences. You’ll practice placing commas after introductory dependent clauses, adding commas before coordinating conjunctions that join independent clauses, and spotting punctuation mistakes. By the end, you’ll be able to edit... see morelong sentences confidently and avoid the most common compound-complex punctuation errors.
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2. Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?

Explanation

The semicolon joins closely related independent clauses without a conjunction.

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3. No comma is needed after an introductory dependent clause in a compound-complex sentence.

Explanation

A comma is required after an introductory dependent clause.

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4. We practiced our speeches, _____ our teacher listened carefully while taking notes.

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5. Which sentence has correct punctuation?

Explanation

The comma correctly separates the dependent clause from the independent clause.

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6. I was nervous before the test; however, I felt confident once it began. Which punctuation correctly surrounds however?

Explanation

A semicolon before and a comma after however separate two independent clauses properly.

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7. Which sentence shows correct comma placement?

Explanation

Commas follow the introductory dependent clause and separate the independent ones.

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8. A comma should always appear before a coordinating conjunction that joins two independent clauses.

Explanation

The comma clarifies where one complete thought ends and another begins.

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9. Identify the error: I wanted to leave early but, since it was raining I stayed.

Explanation

The comma belongs after raining, not after but.

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10. I cleaned my room, _____ I vacuumed the floor because we had guests comin

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11. The teacher smiled, for the students had worked hard, and they earned free time. How many commas should appear in this sentence?

Explanation

Two commas mark where each independent clause connects.

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12. I studied for hours, but I still forgot my notes because I was tired. Which word is a coordinating conjunction?

Explanation

But joins two independent clauses, forming a compound structure.

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Anneda Nettleton |Bachelor’s in Middle Grade Education |
K–12 Expert
Anneda N. is an experienced instructional designer and educator with over 22 years in K–12 education. She specializes in standards-aligned quizzes, curriculum development, literacy programs, and academic writing. Holds a Bachelor’s in Middle Grades Education and a Rank 1 Reading & Writing Specialist credential.
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Although it was raining, we went to the park, and we played soccer....
Which sentence correctly uses a semicolon?
No comma is needed after an introductory dependent clause in a...
We practiced our speeches, _____ our teacher listened carefully while...
Which sentence has correct punctuation?
I was nervous before the test; however, I felt confident once it...
Which sentence shows correct comma placement?
A comma should always appear before a coordinating conjunction that...
Identify the error:...
I cleaned my room, _____ I vacuumed the floor because we had guests...
The teacher smiled, for the students had worked hard, and they earned...
I studied for hours, but I still forgot my notes because I was tired....
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