Learning to Use Commas and Semicolons in Complex Sentences Combining Clauses Learning to Use Commas and Semicolons in Complex Sentences

Types of clauses: Independent & dependent

Independent clause A group of words that contain a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause is a sentence. Example: Starbucks keeps Ms. Jennings and Mrs. Thomas moving.

Dependent clause A group of words that contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought. Cannot be a sentence on its own. Must be connected to an independent clause. Example: When the teachers do not have their coffee

Dependent marker words A word added to the beginning of what was an independent clause that makes it into a dependent clause. Example: The teachers do not have their coffee. IC When the teachers do not have their coffee DC

Dependent marker words after Although As as if because before even if even though if in order to since though unless until whatever when whenever whether while

example When the teachers do not have their coffee, they get cranky with the students.

Connecting clauses into complex sentences

There are two types of words that can be used as connectors at the beginning of an independent clause: coordinating conjunctions independent marker words

Coordinating conjunctions The seven coordinating conjunctions used as connecting words at the beginning of an independent clause are and, but, for, or, nor, so, and yet. When the second independent clause in a sentence begins with a coordinating conjunction, a comma is needed before the coordinating conjunction I drink the misto, but a pumpkin spice latte is a nice treat.

Independent marker words Connecting word used at beginning of independent clause. Can always begin a sentence that can stand alone. When second independent clause in a sentence has independent marker word, a semicolon is needed between clauses. Common Independent Marker Words: also, consequently, furthermore, however, moreover, nevertheless, and therefore.

example I love pumpkin spice lattes; however, I love eggnog lattes even more. I love pumpkin spice lattes. (can stand alone) However, I love eggnog lattes even more. (can stand alone)

Review An independent clause is also known as a sentence. A dependent clause has a subject and verb, but it can’t stand alone. It depends on being connected to an independent clause. A dependent clause is connected to an independent clause with a comma. Two independent clauses are joined by a semicolon.

Common mistakes to avoid

Comma splice The use of a comma between two independent clauses. You can usually fix the error by Replace comma with period to make 2 sentences By changing the comma to a semicolon or by making one clause dependent by inserting a dependent marker word in front of it.

I like coffee, it is very comforting. Example Incorrect: I like coffee, it is very comforting. Correct: I like this class. It is very interesting. (or) I like this class; it is very interesting. (or) I like this class, and it is very interesting.

Fused sentences Happens when two independent clauses not separated by punctuation. Also known as a run-on sentence. The error can sometimes be corrected by adding a period, semicolon, or colon to separate the two sentences.

Example Incorrect My teacher is cranky she must not have had her coffee. Correct My teacher is cranky. She must not have had her coffee. My teacher is cranky; she must not have had her coffee. My teacher is cranky, and she must not have had her coffee. My teacher is cranky; therefore, she must not have had her coffee.

Sentence Fragments Happen by treating a dependent clause as a complete sentence. Fix by combining with another sentence to make a complete thought or by removing the dependent marker. Fragments are also created when either the subject or verb is missing.

example Incorrect Because I forgot the exam was today. Correct: Because I forgot the exam was today, I didn't study. I forgot the exam was today.