Conjunctions — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
I packed a lunch and Jordan brought the drinks for the picnic.
Corrected: I packed a lunch, and Jordan brought the drinks for the picnic.
When 'and' joins two independent clauses (each with its own subject and verb), a comma must come before the conjunction.
2. Fix the sentence:
The trail was steep, but, we kept hiking to the top.
Corrected: The trail was steep, but we kept hiking to the top.
Only one comma is needed in a compound sentence, placed before the FANBOYS word, never after it.
3. Fix the sentence:
Lily wanted pizza, or rice for dinner.
Corrected: Lily wanted pizza or rice for dinner.
No comma is needed when 'or' joins two simple items in a list of two; commas before FANBOYS are only for joining complete sentences.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. We finished the puzzle quickly, so we started a new game.
'So' is a FANBOYS word. When it joins two independent clauses, a comma is required before it.
2. The sky grew dark and the wind picked up before the storm.
'And' joins two complete thoughts that happen together. With a comma before it, the sentence becomes a proper compound sentence.
3. I wanted to swim, but the pool was already closed for the day.
'But' signals contrast between two independent clauses, and the comma before it follows the rule for FANBOYS.
4. Mom baked cookies and muffins for the bake sale.
Here 'and' connects two simple nouns, not two complete sentences, so no comma is needed before it.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Write a compound sentence about a rainy day using a comma and a FANBOYS conjunction.
Sample answer: The rain poured all morning, but the sun came out by lunchtime.
Compound sentences need a comma before the FANBOYS word when joining two independent clauses, each with its own subject and verb.
2. Explain when you do NOT use a comma before a FANBOYS conjunction.
Sample answer: You do not use a comma when the conjunction joins two short items or phrases instead of two full sentences, like apples and oranges.
Comma rules with FANBOYS only apply to joining independent clauses; lists of two items or simple phrases do not need a comma.