ClausesIndependent vs. Subordinate

Independent Clause

Also called a main clause because it is the “main” part of the sentence

Contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought and can stand alone (that’s why it’s “independent”)

Summer break is almost here.

Creating a simple sentence

1 independent clause

May contain modifiers (adjectives, adverbs, phrases, etc.)

Will have only 1 subject – verb set

Subjects and verbs may be compound but they will not create a new sentence

I like ice cream. S V

I like ice cream with hot fudge. S V

My sister and I like to eat S S V

popcorn for a bedtime snack.

John and his dog run and play S S V V

in the park.

Creating Compound Sentences

There are 3 options for punctuating a compound sentence.

This gives you, the writer, choices for voice and sentence fluency.

but I prefer popcorn.

2 independent clauses combined

I like ice cream,

Punctuating Compound Sentences

When combining independent clauses with a conjunction such as: and, but, or, nor, for, so, or yet place a comma before the connecting word.

Everyone in my family loves fishing, but I prefer swimming.

Option 1:

When combining independent clauses without a conjunction, use a semicolon.

Everyone in my family loves fishing; I prefer swimming.

Option 2:

Use a semicolon between independent clauses that are joined by conjunction adverbs or transitional expressions.

The conjunction adverb or expression must be followed by a comma.

Everyone is going fishing; however, I am going swimming.

Option 3:

accordingly, furthermore, moreover, similarly, also, hence, namely, still, anyway, however, nevertheless, besides, incidentally, thereafter, certainly, indeed, nonetheless, therefore, consequently, instead, thus, likewise, otherwise, undoubtedly, further, meanwhile.

As a result, for example, for instance, in addition, in fact, that is, in conclusion, in other words, in the meantime, on the contrary,

Common conjunction

adverbs:

Common transitional expressions:

Subordinate (dependent) Clause

Contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone.

A subordinate clause acts like an adjective, an adverb, or a noun.

that I like so much s v

Subordinate clauses will often start with adverbs, prepositions, or relative pronouns.

Words such as:after, although, as, as if, because, before, even, if, how, however, since, though, that, unless, until, what, whatever, when, whenever, where, whether, which, while, whoever, whose, who, whom, and why.

Example:which is my favorite song.as she has always insisted.

Creating Complex Sentences

1 independent clause + 1(or more) subordinate clauses

which is my favorite song.subordinate

We sang “Green Grow the Lilacs,”independent

As she has always insisted, subordinate

Mother will not sing at parties.independent

Punctuating Complex Sentences

If a subordinate clause is essential to the meaning of the sentence, then it does not need to be set off by commas.

My family fishes every day when we go to the lake.

If a subordinate clause is not essential, it only adds extra information, than it must be set off by commas.

We are going fishing, which is my family’s favorite sport.

An introductory subordinate clause must be set off by commas, whether it’s essential or not.

When we’re up at the lake, my family loves to go fishing.

Done with notes!

Let’s practice