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CLAUSES
A CLAUSE IS A GROUP OF WORDS WITH
A SUBJECT AND A VERB.
AN INDEPENDENT CLAUSE CAN
STAND ALONE AS A SENTENCE.
A DEPENDENT CLAUSE CANNOT
STAND ALONE AS A SENTENCE.
EVERY SENTENCE MUST HAVE AN
INDEPENDENT CLAUSE; OTHERWISE,
THE RESULT IS A SENTENCE
FRAGMENT.
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Avoiding Run-on Sentences
The length of a sentence has nothing to
do with whether or not a sentence is
considered a run-on. An over-exuberant, runoff-at-the-mouth, 400-word gorilla of a sentence can be
structurally fine. A run-on sentence is one in which two
clauses have been connected incorrectly. (If you’d like,
click on the word “clauses” to review that concept.)
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Avoiding Run-on Sentences
Let’s think of an independent clause as an independently
operated train headed west . . .
getting connected to another train headed east.
Nothing but grief will result from coupling these
train clauses incorrectly!
For example. . . .
Some students think they can study for an important
exam by “cramming” all night, they are probably wrong.
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Avoiding Run-on Sentences
Some students think they can study for an important exam by
“cramming” all night, they are probably wrong.
This is an example of the dreaded COMMA SPLICE!
A comma splice connects two independent clauses with
only a comma.
There are several ways to fix a
comma splice. . . .
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Avoiding Run-on Sentences
1. We can insert a period and start a new sentence.
Some students think they can study for an important exam by
“cramming” all night.
They are probably wrong.
2. We can insert a comma plus a coordinating conjunction.
Some students think they can study for an important exam by
“cramming” all night, but they are probably wrong.
3. We can use a semicolon.
Some students think they can study for an important
exam by “cramming” all night; they are probably wrong.
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COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS,
ALONG WITH A COMMA, CAN JOIN
INDEPENDENT CLAUSES. Do not start a
sentence with the words below.
»AND, BUT,
»OR, NOR,
»FOR, SO, YET
**To avoid fragments, do
not start a sentence with a
coordinating conjunction
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Beware…………
**To avoid
fragments, do not
start a sentence with
a coordinating
conjunction**
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Don’t commit a personal foul…the
dreaded FRAGMENT
And no one will be admitted during the
second act.
Or we can take the test early as well.
But the character does attempt to clear
his wife’s name.
For the opening band is Lennie Kravitz
Nor will the movie start on time.
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Using coordinating conjunctions properly
(and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet):
A SIMPLE SENTENCE contains 1
independent clause
A COMPOUND SENTENCE contains 2
independent clauses
Be careful….coordinating
conjunctions don’t always need a
comma
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Let’s practice…….
Mary Lou told a tale about a male,
AND she yelled to a girl wearing a
string of pearls.
Notice how there is an independent
clause on EACH SIDE OF THE
CONJUNCTION. This is an example of a
COMPOUND SENTENCE.
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OTHER EXAMPLES…
 Everyone took his book to class and
read for an hour.
The sentence above is an example of a
SIMPLE SENTENCE (only 1 independent
clause…all we have here is a compound
verb. No independent clause on each side
of the conjunction.
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Practice
Mrs. Koon and her three beagles hunted
all day in the swamp and then she grilled
rattlesnake for dinner.
Mrs. Koon and her best friend Beth
shopped all day and ate dinner at
Manzetti’s.
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SIMPLE OR COMPOUND?
Until the rain falls, we will have to water
lawns less often and conserve other
resources.
Last night Mr. Blake left a message and
he reminded us of our late start day.
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SIMPLE OR COMPOUND?
PUNCTUATE ACCORDINGLY
You can take the test early or make it up
after school.
I will gladly help you with the paper but
I will not correct your errors for you.
Alicia gave me her money but did not
take her receipt.
Leroy wrote me a love letter but he
forgot to sign his name.
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Conjunctive Adverbs, along with proper
punctuation, can also join two independent
clauses
 KNOW THESE CONJUNCTIVE ADVERBS:
Therefore, consequently, moreover,
However, besides, thus, furthermore,
As a result, for example, for instance,
Hence, still, nevertheless
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These words/phrases must be
incorporated into your writing. They
provide clear transitions, which help
you to avoid “choppiness” between
ideas
Therefore, consequently, moreover,
However, besides, thus, furthermore,
As a result, for example, for instance,
Hence, still, nevertheless
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When using conjunctive adverbs,
punctuate accordingly:
We waited until the last minute to do our
homework; therefore, we lost much sleep.
Huck and Jim have more in common than we
realize; for example, both are desperately
seeking freedom from society.
He was absent; as a result, he missed the test.
The storm came during the night; however, we
were still prepared to take cover.
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BUT……be careful……
Sometimes conjunctive adverbs like
HOWEVER and THEREFORE will simply
interrupt one independent clause. When
that is the case, punctuate accordingly:
I will, however, give a speech later today.
However, no one will see us if we are
quiet.
You can, therefore, take the test early.
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Avoiding Run-on Sentences
There are three situations in which run-on sentences are
apt to happen:
1. When a pronoun in the second clause refers to a noun
in the first clause: The President’s popularity has
plummeted, she apparently underestimated the opposition.
2. When a suggestion or directive occurs in the second
clause: You will be responsible for this material on the final
exam, study it thoroughly now.
3. When two clauses are connected by a transitional
expression: Many people think protectionism can halt rising
prices, however, the opposite is actually true.
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Avoiding Run-on Sentences
1. The President’s popularity has plummeted, and she
apparently underestimated the opposition.
2. You will be responsible for this material on the final
exam; study it thoroughly now.
3. Many people think protectionism can halt rising prices;
however, the opposite is actually true.
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Avoiding Run-on Sentences
Now you’ll never again write a runon sentence!
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