Level 6: Writing Workshop
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An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses
a complete thought. An independent clause is a sentence.
Carlos studied in the library for his English quiz.
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A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb but does not
express a complete thought. A dependent clause cannot be a sentence. Often a
dependent clause is marked by a dependent marker word. Some common dependent
markers are: after, although, as, as if, because, before, even if, even though, if, in order
to, since, though, unless, until, whatever, when, whenever, whether, and while.
When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz . . . (What happened when he
studied? The thought is incomplete.)
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Coordinating Conjunctions
The seven coordinating conjunctions used as connecting words at the beginning of an
independent clause are, FOR, AND, NOR, BUT, OR, YET, SO, think of the words FAN BOYS
to remember them. When the second independent clause in a sentence begins with a
coordinating conjunction, a comma is needed before the coordinating conjunction:
Jim studied in the Externado library for his English quiz, but it was hard to concentrate
because of the noise.
Coordinating conjunctions connect two or more grammatically equal words and word
groups, nouns with nouns, verbs with verbs, phrases with phrases, etc.
1. Chicken, rice and onions are the main ingredients in this recipe.
2. I enjoy swimming in the ocean but not in a pool.
3. Our coach always says, ’It doesn’t matter if you win or lose. Just do your best.’
4. I finally passed the Grad Exam, so next semester I can start my work placement.
5. She was tired, yet happy.
6. We got cold, for we hadn’t brought out sweaters.
7. Marcela didn´t come to class on Monday, nor did she let me know.
(Adapted from The Essentials of English, Anne Hogue, Longman, 2003. A copy of this book will be
available soon in the library.)