Sentence Variety 2 L Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking L Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

Objective I can vary my sentence structure by using dependent words to combine two sentences into one.

The Power of a Dependent Word Placing a dependent word such as because, although, if, when, or after in front of an independent clause (a complete sentence) makes it a dependent or subordinate clauses (fragment) that can no longer stand on its own. That means, using a dependent word will help you combine two complete sentences into one.

Example When dependent clause, independent clause. Dan realized that he was paying over fifty dollars for cable TV. He decided to drop his premium channels. When Dan realized that he was paying over fifty dollars for cable TV, he decided to drop his premium channels. The dependent word also helps explain how the sentences are related.

9 Emphasizing Ideas with Dependent Words Connect each sentence pair using a dependent word from the list. Example: Although Jonas seldom spoke up in class, he was obviously an intelligent person.

Commonly Used Dependent Words and Phrases AfterHowWhat AlthoughIfWhatever AsOnceWhen As ifSinceWhenever As long asSo thatWhere As soon asThatWherever As thoughThoughWhich BecauseUnlessWhile BeforeUntilWho Even though

Objective I can vary my sentence structure by using a semi-colon and a transitional word to combine two sentences.

6 Joining Sentences with Semicolons and Transitional Words Quick Review: What are the two Semi- colon rules? When and why do we use semi-colons? What is a compound or complex sentence? Instructions Create compound/ complex sentences. Combine each sentence pair with a semi-colon, a joining word or phrase from the list. Remember joining words are like introductory phrases or clauses,

Example: 6 Joining Sentences 1. The child knew that there were no monsters in the closet; however, he thought his mother should check anyway. Explanation: The joining word helps clarify how the information in the two sentences are related. Why is this not the right answer? –Even though the child knew that there were no monsters in the closet, he thought his mother should check anyway.

Even though the child knew that there were no monsters in the closet, he thought his mother should check anyway. Technically, it is a correct way to connect the two sentences together. –But, the instructions asked us to use a semi-colon which means the sentences need to be able to stand allow. –When you add “Even though” to the front of the sentence, the first sentence becomes a fragment or dependent clause instead of a independent clause. –This type of combination would be appropriate for activity 7: Joining Sentences with Dependent Words

7: Joining Sentences with Dependent Words Combine/connect the two sentences together using a dependent word in front of the first sentence. Make one sentence a fragment or introductory dependent clause. Example: When my little brother turned sixteen, he took the test for his driver’s license.

8: Joining Sentences with Dependent Words Instead of putting the dependent word at the beginning, the dependent word becomes the connecting word. Example: A small house was swept away by the flood as onlookers watched in horror.

More practice Varying sentence beginnings and length. Rewrite the section and answer the questions. Example: When the thunder boomed and the lighting flashed, the television flickered and the lights went out. Make sure to use the prepositions or subordinating conjunctions to illustrate how the information is connected.

More Practice Sentence Beginnings and Length Rewrite the following paragraph to vary the sentence beginnings and lengths in the same way you did for the story about the storm.

I can vary my sentence structure by combining sentences with a comma and a FANBOYS.

Power Tool 3: Connect Ideas through Coordination FANBOYS are used to connect two independent clauses. Example: John worked the math problem twice, but he came up with a different answer each time.

Why is this not correct? John worked the math problem twice, but came up with a different answer each time.

5 Joining Sentences with FANBOYS Conjunctions Join each sentence pair below with a comma and a FANBOYS. Example: 1. The telephone was ringing on the secretary’s desk, but no one bothered to answer it.