Remember… A clause has both a subject and verb Example: until I turn sixteen (has both a subject and verb) A phrase is missing either a subject or verb Examples: my big fat mouth (only a subject) got in trouble (only a verb)

Remember … A complete sentence must have a subject and a verb (something must be doing something). An independent clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb that can stand on its own as a sentence. I went to the park. A dependent clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb that cannot stand on its own as a sentence. When I went to the park where I planned to have a picnic. AfterAlthoughAsBecauseIf SinceWhenWhile Common starters: After, Although, As, Because, If, Since, When, While

Grammar Concept: Comma Splices

What is a comma splice? A “comma splice” is when you incorrectly use a comma to connect two independent clauses.

Examples My dog is aggressive and feisty, he could bite at any time. Please don’t answer my questions equivocally, I need to know where you stand on these global issues. I didn’t mean to deplete your savings account and spend all of your money, I just didn’t realize how expensive everything was!

Solution #1: Use a semicolon instead of a comma. Example: My dog is aggressive and feisty ; he could bite at any time.

Solution #2: Change an independent clause to a dependent clause. Example: Please don’t answer my questions equivocally since I need to know where you stand on these global.

Solution #3: Use a comma and a conjunction. Example: I didn’t mean to deplete your savings account and spend all of your money, but I just didn’t realize how expensive everything was!

Solution #4: Separate the sentences to create two simple sentences!