Clauses, Conjunctions, Commas, and Semi-Colons

Clauses Clause: Group of words with a subject and a verb Two Types of Clauses: 1) Independent Clause : A clause that conveys a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence 2) Subordinate Clause: Does not convey a complete thought and cannot stand alone, or it would be a fragment

Independent Clause An independent clause is sort of like a train’s engine car. The wheels are like the verb/ predicate because they provide movement or action to the group of words. The car is like the subject because it’s what is taking the action of the verb. The engine is like the complete thought because it can move on its own!

Subordinate Clause A subordinate clause is sort of like a train’s freight car. The wheels are like the verb/ predicate because they provide movement or action to the group of words. The car is like the subject because it’s what is taking the action of the verb. Since there is no engine, the train cannot move on its own!

WHITE BOARDS OUT! (Level 0) 5…4…3…2…1

Independent or Subordinate? though he comes to school regularly Subordinate! she will go to the party tomorrow Independent! since he didn’t do his homework Subordinate! because Matthew can shoot half court shots Subordinate! Tamara can do gymnastics Independent!

How do I use clauses? Both independent and subordinate clauses are like the building blocks of complete sentences. However, to put them together, we need special “connector words” called “conjunctions.”

Conjunction-junction, what’s your function? Hookin’ up words and phrases and clauses! They’re connector words! Sometimes referred to as “transition words.” There are four types of conjunctions. –Although knowing the names isn’t particularly important, these conjunctions DO have separate, unique uses. You must know the rules about using each type.

1) Coordinating Conjunctions (aka, “The FANBOYS”) Connect things of equal importance, particularly independent clauses. Examples: FANBOYS f or, a nd, n or, b ut, o r, y et, s o Note : When used as a conjunction, “for” is like a fancy “because.” Another Notes: It’s often preferable to avoid starting sentences with FANBOYS.

Using Coordinating Conjunctions (aka, “The FANBOYS”) To connect two independent clauses, place a COMMA FANBOYS between them. When a FANBOYS conjunction is used to connect two independent clauses, it is called a compound sentence. Combine the following independent clauses to create one compound sentence: I like ice cream. I don’t like cake. I like ice cream, but I don’t like cake. I like ice cream, yet I don’t like cake.

Using Coordinating Conjunctions Compound Sentences! Using our train analogy, a compound sentence is sort of like connecting two engine cars. Don’t forget, a comma goes between them!

Using Coordinating Conjunctions (aka, “The FANBOYS”) Warning! You only include a comma before the FANBOYS when both elements are COMPLETE, INDEPENDENT CLAUSES with their own subjects and verbs. For example: Doris can’t dance, and she can’t sing. (Both are complete independent clauses and therefore a comma is needed before “and.”) Dora can’t dance and can’t sing. (“can’t sing” does not have a subject, so there is no comma before “and.”)

Practice Using Coordinating Conjunctions and Commas! Examine the following sentences. First, find the FANBOYS. Then, determine if each sentence should use a comma before the FANBOYS or not. 1. I can’t wait to go home and watch my favorite TV show! I can’t wait to go home and watch my favorite TV show! (Italics: No subject! Not an independent clause!) 2. Four people are on time but six people are late. Four people are on time, but six people are late. 3. Mary loves to go to school yet Sam hates it. Mary loves to go to school, yet Sam hates it. 4. Frank can sing but cannot dance at all! Frank can sing but cannot dance at all! (Italics: No subject! Not an independent clause!)

2) Subordinating Conjunctions Begin subordinating clauses and connect them to independent ones. Examples: after, although, as, as if, as though, because, before, even though, if, in order that, provided, since, so that, than, unless, until, when, where, whereas, while

Using Subordinating Conjunctions To connect an independent and subordinate clause, place a SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTION between them! Ex: I love Thanksgiving because it reminds me of family. Ex: The class has been working hard since the ACT is right around the corner! The subordinating clause (with conjunction) may also be used as the FIRST clause as long as a comma is between the clauses. Ex: Because Thanksgiving reminds me of family, I love it! Ex: Since the ACT is right around the corner, the class has been working hard! The subordinating clause may also go in the middle, again, with commas offsetting it. Ex: The class, since the ACT is right around the corner, has been working hard! Combining an independent and subordinate clause creates a complex sentence.

Using Subordinating Conjunctions Complex Sentences! Using our train analogy, a complex sentence is sort of like connecting an engine car and a freight car. (Which one uses the comma between them?) It’s weird, but it works! Comma! No comma!

Practice Using Subordinating Conjunctions and Commas! Examine the following sentences. First, identify the subordinating conjunction. Then, determine if a comma is needed within the sentence. 1. If Tracy lost her backpack she will need a whole new binder. If Tracy lost her backpack, she will need a whole new binder. 2. Although Sam reads well he can’t spell at all. Although Sam reads well, he can’t spell at all. 3. Ronald never liked french fries because he couldn’t stand the texture. Ronald never liked french fries because he couldn’t stand the texture. 4. Tommy exercised while Frank did his homework. Tommy exercised while Frank did his homework.

3) Conjunctive Adverbs Express relationships between independent clauses (BETWEEN IDEAS ) (Also compound sentences) DON’T hook sentences together; instead, often start a new sentence (“transition words”) Often preceded by a semi-colon (;) or a period (.). Examples: Accordingly, Also, Besides, Consequently, Finally, Furthermore, Hence, However, Instead, Nevertheless, Nonetheless, Otherwise, Similarly, Still, Therefore, Thus, Moreover, Secondly, etc. Note : A semi-colon is a period with fancy shoes. The only difference is that it is followed by a lower case letter while a period is followed by a capital one. Another Note: Conjunctive adverbs are often followed by a comma.

Using Conjunctive Adverbs Conjunctive adverbs often start independent clauses to reveal how the IDEAS are related. –Cause and effect: Therefore, thus, consequently, hence, accordingly –Agree: Similarly, also, furthermore, still, besides, moreover –Disagree: However, although, despite, nevertheless, nonetheless, otherwise –Time/Order: Finally, secondly, etc. Examples: I like ice cream. Similarly, I like cake. I like ice cream; similarly, I like cake. Rutherford was late. Therefore, he earned an EMI. Rutherford was late; therefore, he earned an EMI.

Using Conjunctive Adverbs Combining IDEAS, not clauses! Using our train analogy, the two independent clauses don’t actually connect. We just talk about how they are related to each other. Don’t forget, semi- colon or a period goes between them! Did one cause the other? Are they similar? Different? Related in time?

Using Conjunctive Adverbs Warning! It’s also possible for conjunctive adverbs to be embedded WITHIN an independent clause (instead of starting one). They are then offset by commas. For example: I like strawberries. However, my sister likes pears. I like strawberries. My sister, however, likes pears. Your turn: I brush and floss every day; therefore, I have great dental check-ups. I brush and floss every day; I, therefore, have great dental check-ups.

Practice Using Conjunctive Adverbs and Semi-Colons/Periods/Commas Examine the following sentences. First, find the conjunctive adverb. Then, punctuate the sentence correctly. 1. I am really tired consequently I plan to nap. I am really tired ; consequently, I plan to nap. I am really tired. Consequently, I plan to nap. 2. Ralph doesn’t like the outdoors instead he’d rather play video games. Ralph doesn’t like the outdoors ; instead, he’d rather play video games. Ralph doesn’t like the outdoors. Instead, he’d rather play video games. 3. Betty hates math Paul however absolutely loves it. Betty hates math ; Paul, however, absolutely loves it. Betty hates math. Paul, however, absolutely loves it.

4) Correlative Conjunctions Conjunctions that come in pairs Are often in different parts of the sentence Examples: both…and, either…or, neither…nor, not only…but also, whether…or

Using Correlative Conjunctions Correlative conjunctions can be used to connect clauses, phrases, or words. It is difficult to determine a pattern for punctuation for these, so listen for a pause to determine if a comma should be used. Examples: Either the music or the visual images will grab your attention. You will not only hear your favorite song, but also see the performer.

Practice Using Correlative Conjunctions and Commas! Examine the following sentences. First, find the correlative conjunctions. Then, determine if each sentence should use a comma. 1. I love both macaroni and cheese! I love both macaroni and cheese! 2. Neither the students nor the teachers knew every capital city. Neither the students nor the teachers knew every capital city. 3. Not only did Peter earn an A in math but he also earned one in English. Not only did Peter earn an A in math, but also earned one in English. 4. Whether young or old everyone still loves a carnival. Whether young or old, everyone still loves a carnival.

Let’s Practice IT ALL! Examine the following sentences. First, identify the conjunction(s). Then, identify the type(s). Finally, determine the correct punctuation. 1. Peter liked Patty therefore he wrote her a love note. Conjunctions: therefore (conjunctive adverb) Peter liked Patty ; therefore, he wrote her a love note. 2. Peter liked cookies Patty however did not. Conjunctions: however (conjunctive adverb) Peter liked cookies. Patty, however, did not. 3. I love Saturdays because I can sleep late. Conjunctions: because (subordinating conjunction) I love Saturdays because I can sleep late. 4. Since I started at Rickover I have become much more independent. Conjunctions: since (subordinating conjunction) Since I started at Rickover, I have become much more independent.

Let’s Practice IT ALL! 5. Wednesdays are early release days so we can go home early! Conjunctions: so (FANBOYS coordinating conjunction) Wednesdays are early release days, so we can go home early! 6. There are sixty students going on the field trip yet only forty seats on the bus. Conjunctions: yet (FANBOYS coordinating conjunction) There are sixty students going on the field trip yet only forty seats on the bus. 7. Whether it is warm or cold students are expected at school. Conjunctions: whether…or (correlative conjunction) Whether it is warm or cold, students are expected at school. 8. Both parents and teachers may chaperone the dance. Conjunctions: both…and (correlative conjunction) Both parents and teachers may chaperone the dance.

Other Commas Uses Commas are tricky! There are MANY uses, including what we’ve covered today. Although we won’t cover all uses today, here are a few addition uses to consider. 1. A comma goes before an individual you’re directly addressing.

Other Commas Uses 2. In a series containing three or more items, each item is separated by a comma. The final comma is often known as the “Oxford comma.”

Why does it matter that I know all of this riff raff? Punctuation and sentence structure errors are TURBO popular on the ACT! Misusing punctuation results in SENTENCE STRUCTURE ERRORS (fragments, run-ons, and comma splices) and nonsensical writing in general. Punctuation saves lives.

The End! …or is it?