Clauses, Conjunctions, Commas, and Semi-Colons

Clauses• Clause: Group of words with a

_________________ and a _______________• Two Types of Clauses:

1) ___________________Clause: A clause that conveys a ____________________and can stand alone as a sentence2)__________________ Clause: Does not convey a complete thought and ________________________, or it would be a fragment

Independent ClauseAn independent clause is sort of like

a train’s ______________________.

The _______ are like

the ________/

predicate because

they provide

movement or action

to the group of words.

The _________is like the

__________ because it’s

what is taking the action of

the verb.

The ___________is like the

___________thought because it can move

on its own!

Subordinate ClauseA subordinate clause is sort of like a train’s __________________________.

The wheels are like the

verb/ predicate because

they provide movement or action to the group of

words.

The car is like the subject because it’s

what is taking the action of

the verb.

Since there is _____________________, the train cannot move on its

own!

Independent or Subordinate?

though he comes to school regularly__________________________________

she will go to the party tomorrow __________________________________

since he didn’t do his homework __________________________________

because Matthew can shoot half court shots __________________________________

Tamara can do gymnastics __________________________________

How do I use clauses?• Both independent and subordinate

clauses are like the building blocks of complete sentences.

• However, to put them together, we need special “connector words” called “_____________________.”

Conjunction-junction, what’s your function?

• Hookin’ up __________and _____________ and _______________!

• They’re connector words!• Sometimes referred to as

“_______________words.”• There are four types of conjunctions.

– Although knowing the names isn’t particularly important, these conjunctions DO have separate, unique uses. You must know ____________________ about using each type.

1) Coordinating Conjunctions

(aka, “The FANBOYS”)• Connect things of equal importance,

particularly _______________________________.

• Examples: FANBOYSF___, a__, n__, b__, o_, y__, s__• Note: When used as a conjunction, “for” is like

a fancy “______________________.”• Another Notes: It’s often preferable to avoid

_____________________________with FANBOYS.

Using Coordinating Conjunctions

(aka, “The FANBOYS”)• To connect two independent clauses, place a

____________________________between them.• When a FANBOYS conjunction is used to

connect two independent clauses, it is called a ______________________ sentence.

• Combine the following independent clauses to create one compound sentence:

I like ice cream. I don’t like cake.I like ice cream __________ I don’t like cake.I like ice cream __________ I don’t like cake.

Using Coordinating Conjunctions

Compound Sentences!• Using our train analogy, a compound

sentence is sort of like connecting ________________________.

Don’t forget, a ___________ goes

between them!

Using Coordinating Conjunctions

(aka, “The FANBOYS”)Warning! Warning!•You only include a comma before the FANBOYS when both elements are ________________________________ with their own subjects and verbs. •For example:Doris can’t dance, and she can’t sing.

(Both are complete _______________________ and therefore ________________ is needed before “and.”)Dora can’t dance and can’t sing.

(“can’t sing” does not have ________________ , so there is _____________________ before “and.”)

Practice Using Coordinating Conjunctions and Commas!

Examine the following sentences. First, find the FANBOYS. Then, determine if each sentence should use a comma before the FANBOYS or not.1. I can’t wait to go home and watch my favorite TV show! _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________2. Four people are on time but six people are late._______________________________________________________________3. Mary loves to go to school yet Sam hates it._______________________________________________________________4. Frank can sing but cannot dance at all!_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

2) Subordinating Conjunctions

• Begin ______________________________ and connect them to independent ones.

• Examples:

_____________, although, as, as if, as though, ______________, before, even though, if, in order that, provided, since, so that, than, unless, _____________, ___________,

where, whereas, ____________

Using Subordinating Conjunctions

• To connect an independent and subordinate clause, place a SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTION between them!

Ex: I love Thanksgiving ___________it reminds me of family.Ex: The class has been working hard ______________the ACT is

right around the corner!• The subordinating clause (with conjunction) may also be

used as the FIRST clause as long as ___________________ is between the clauses.

Ex: Because Thanksgiving reminds me of family, I love it!Ex: Since the ACT is right around the corner, the class has

been working hard!• The subordinating clause may also go in

_____________________ , again, _______________________offsetting it.

Ex: The class, since the ACT is right around the corner, has been working hard!

• Combining an independent and subordinate clause creates a ________________________________.

Using Subordinating Conjunctions

Complex Sentences!• Using our train analogy, a complex sentence

is sort of like connecting an ________________ and a ________________ . (Which one uses the comma between them?)

It’s weird, but it works!

___________!

__________!

Practice Using Subordinating Conjunctions and Commas!

Examine the following sentences. First, identify the subordinating conjunction. Then, determine if a comma is needed within the sentence. 1. If Tracy lost her backpack she will need a whole new binder. If Tracy lost her backpack she will need a whole new binder.2. Although Sam reads well he can’t spell at all. Although Sam reads well he can’t spell at all. 3. Ronald never liked french fries because he couldn’t stand the texture. Ronald never liked french fries because he couldn’t stand the texture. 4. Tommy exercised while Frank did his homework. Tommy exercised while Frank did his homework.

3) Conjunctive Adverbs• Express relationships between independent clauses (BETWEEN

________________) (Also compound sentences)• DON’T hook sentences together; instead, often start a

______________________________ (“transition words”)• Often preceded by a _____________ (;) or a ______________(.). • Examples:

Accordingly, Also, Besides, __________________, Finally, Furthermore, Hence, ___________________, Instead,

Nevertheless, Nonetheless, Otherwise, Similarly, Still, _______________, Thus, Moreover, Secondly, etc.

Note: A semi-colon is a ________________ with fancy shoes. The only difference is that it is followed by a _____________________ while a period is followed by a capital one.

Another Note: Conjunctive adverbs are often followed by a ______________.

Using Conjunctive Adverbs • Conjunctive adverbs often start independent clauses to reveal how

the IDEAS are related. – __________________________: Therefore, thus, consequently, hence,

accordingly– ____________________: Similarly, also, furthermore, still, besides, moreover– _____________________: However, although, despite, nevertheless,

nonetheless, otherwise– ______________________: Finally, secondly, etc.

• Examples: I like ice cream. Similarly, I like cake.I like ice cream; similarly, I like cake.Rutherford was late. Therefore, he earned an EMI.Rutherford was late; therefore, he earned an EMI.

Using Conjunctive AdverbsCombining IDEAS, not clauses!

• Using our train analogy, the two independent clauses _______________________. We just talk about how they are related to each other.

Don’t forget, ____________________

_____________ goes between them!

Did one cause the other?

Are they similar?

Different?

Related in time?

Using Conjunctive AdverbsWarning! Warning!

•It’s also possible for conjunctive adverbs to be ____________________ WITHIN an independent clause (instead of starting one). They are then offset by ______________. •For example:I like strawberries. However, my sister likes pears.I like strawberries. ____________________________________.•Your turn:I brush and floss every day; therefore, I have great dental check-ups.I brush and floss every day; ____________________________________________________________________________________

Practice Using Conjunctive Adverbs and

Semi-Colons/Periods/CommasExamine the following sentences. First, find the conjunctive adverb. Then, punctuate the sentence correctly. 1. I am really tired consequently I plan to nap.

2. Ralph doesn’t like the outdoors instead he’d rather play video games.

3. Betty hates math Paul however absolutely loves it.

4) Correlative Conjunctions

• Conjunctions that come in ____________• Are often in ________________of the

sentence• Examples:

________________________, either…or,

neither…nor, ______________________________,

whether…or

Using Correlative Conjunctions

• Correlative conjunctions can be used to connect clauses, phrases, or words.

• It is difficult to determine a pattern for punctuation for these, ________________________ to determine if a comma should be used.

Examples:Either the music or the visual images will grab

your attention.You will not only hear your favorite song , but

also see the performer.

Practice Using Correlative Conjunctions and Commas!

Examine the following sentences. First, find the correlative conjunctions. Then, determine if each sentence should use a comma. 1. I love both macaroni and cheese!I love both macaroni and cheese!2. Neither the students nor the teachers knew every capital city.Neither the students nor the teachers knew every capital city.3. Not only did Peter earn an A in math but he also earned one in English.Not only did Peter earn an A in math but he also earned one in English.4. Whether young or old everyone still loves a carnival.Whether young or old everyone still loves a carnival.

Let’s Practice IT ALL!Examine the following sentences. First, identify the conjunction(s). Then, identify the type(s). Finally, determine the correct punctuation.

1. Peter liked Patty therefore he wrote her a love note.Conjunctions: Peter liked Patty therefore he wrote her a love note.2. Peter liked cookies Patty however did not.Conjunctions: Peter liked cookies Patty however did not.3. I love Saturdays because I can sleep late.Conjunctions: I love Saturdays because I can sleep late.4. Since I started at Rickover I have become much more independent. Conjunctions: Since I started at Rickover I have become much more independent.

Let’s Practice IT ALL!5. Wednesdays are early release days so we can go home early!Conjunctions: Wednesdays are early release days so we can go home early!6. There are sixty students going on the field trip yet only forty seats on the bus.Conjunctions: There are sixty students going on the field trip yet only forty seats on the bus.7. Whether it is warm or cold students are expected at school.Conjunctions: Whether it is warm or cold students are expected at school.8. Both parents and teachers may chaperone the dance.Conjunctions: Both parents and teachers may chaperone the dance.

Other Commas Uses• Commas are tricky! There are MANY uses, including

what we’ve covered today. Although we won’t cover all uses today, here are a few addition uses to consider.

1. A comma goes before an individual you’re _______________________.

Other Commas Uses2. In a series containing _________________________________, each item is separated by a comma. The final comma is often known as the “_______________comma.”

Why does it matter that I know all of this riff raff?

• Punctuation and sentence structure errors are TURBO popular on the _______________________!

• Misusing punctuation results in __________________________________ (fragments, run-ons, and comma splices) and nonsensical writing in general.

• Punctuation saves lives.

Quiz Questions/Summary