1. Basic Sentence Construction

2. Clause: A group of words containing a subject and verb
Independent clause: a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought
Dependent clause: a group of words that include a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought

3. Simple, Complex, and Compound Sentences
Simple: includes a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought
Compound: two independent clauses joined by a coordinator (FANBOYS)
Complex: independent clause and one or more dependent clauses

4. Commas
Compound Sentences: separate independent clauses joined by coordinators
Complex Sentences: If a dependent clause starts the sentence, use comma after it—if it ends sentence, do not use comma
Separate unessential parts of sentence, not essential parts, i.e. that clauses (relative clauses)
After introductory phrases, clauses, etc.

5. Avoiding Common Comma Mistakes
Can break sentence into illogical parts and cause confusion
Do not place after independent clause that is followed by dependent clause
Do not separate subject from verb
Do not separate parts of compound predicate (the verbs and its modifiers)
Avoid fused sentences, run-ons, and comma splices

6. Constructing Better Sentences
Experienced writers use a variety of sentence types to make writing engaging—not too many simple, compound, or complex
More succinct sentences: shorter often better
Often, complex sentences can be much more engaging
Only join two related sentences

7. Semicolons Join two closely related independent clauses
Lists in which individual item(s) include commas:
The visitors hailed from Los Angeles, California; Baltimore, Maryland; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Bowie, Maryland.
Conjunctive adverbs
Use sparingly