Concept 2

Use commas with coordinating conjunctions to join independent clauses.

Core Idea

When a coordinating conjunction joins two independent clauses, place a comma before the conjunction.

Understanding

Rule: The key question is whether both sides could stand alone as sentences. If they could, and you are joining them with and, but, or, nor, for, so, or yet, ACT usually wants a comma first.

If the second part is not an independent clause, that comma may be unnecessary. So test the grammar, not just the pause.

Question

Worked Example

Which choice best punctuates the sentence?

"The volunteers collected signatures but the principal still wanted more parent feedback."

Select an answer to see the explanation