2. Clauses

3. A clause is a group of words With both a SUBJECT and a PREDICATE; Clauses can be either independent (also called main clauses) or dependent (also called subordinate clauses). An independent clause, or main clause, CAN stand alone as a sentence, or complete thought.

4. Conjunction A word that connects Subordinating Conjunction: A conjunction that introduces a dependent clause when it is an adverb clause. Examples of Subordinating conjunctions: Time: since, after; Cause: as, because; Result: so, that; Condition: if, unless; Contrast: though; Location: where; Choice: whether

5. Clause A: When umbrellas were invented, Clause B: People used them for sun protection. Clause A = Dependent Clause (subordinate clause; Clause B = Independent Clause (main clause). When umbrellas were invented, people used them for sun protection. ( See S&S 7p and 24c).

6. Clause A = Dependent (subordinate); Clause B = Independent (main). CLAUSE B: the Japanese were unable to break the code. CLAUSE A: Because Navajo is a very complex language, See S&S 7p & 24c

7. Do not punctuate a dependent clause as a complete sentence. Do not use a period, semicolon, or question mark to punctuate a dependent clause.

8. Because the phone rang loudly. = INCORRECT I was awakened because the phone rang loudly. = CORRECT See S&S 12

9. Punctuating a dependent clause as a complete sentence = A Major Error called a Sentence FRAGMENT. SEE S&S 12.

10. S&S = Simon & Schuster Handbook for Writers, 6 th ed. 7 = Parts of Speech & Sentence Patterns 7p = Clauses 12 = Fragments 13 = Comma Splices/Run-Ons 24b = Coordinating Conjunctions 25 = Clauses with Semicolons