what is used before coordinating conjunctions?
<answer> A coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses creates a compound sentence and requires a comma before the coordinating conjunction. <context> Coordinating conjunctions join equals to one another: words to words, phrases to phrases, clauses to clauses. Coordinating conjunctions usually form looser connections than other conjunctions do. Coordinating conjunctions go in between items joined, not at the beginning or end. Punctuation with coordinating conjunctions: When a coordinating conjunction joins two words, phrases, or subordinate clauses, no comma should be placed before the conjunction. A coordinating conjunction joining three or more words, phrases, or subordinate clauses creates a series and requires commas between the elements. A coordinating conjunction joining two independent clauses creates a compound sentence and requires a comma before the coordinating conjunction