Independent Clauses, Dependent
Clauses, and Simple, Compound,
Complex & Compound Complex
Sentences
Independent Clauses
An independent clause is a group
of words that contains a subject
and predicate and expresses a
complete thought. An independent
clause is a sentence.
Example: Jim studied in the café for his chemistry quiz.
Dependent Clauses
A dependent clause is virtually the
same thing as an independent
clause except that a dependent
clause does not express a full
thought.
Example: While Jim studied in the café for his chemistry quiz
How Can We Spot a Dependent Clause?
Dependent clauses can be identified by their
dependent marker words. These are words
that, when added to a clause, change it from
independent to dependent.
Common Examples:
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.
Who cares?
It is important to know how sentences
are structured, but it is even more
important to understand punctuation
and proper sentence formatting. If we
understand the different types of
clauses and phrases it will help us to
correctly punctuate our sentences.
So Then How Do You Punctuate?
FANBOYS
The seven coordinating conjunctions used as connecting
words at the beginning of an independent clause are
and, but, for, or, nor, so, and yet. When the second
independent clause in a sentence begins with a
coordinating conjunction, a comma is needed before
the coordinating conjunction
Example:
Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz, but
it was hard to concentrate because of the noise.
So Then How Do You Punctuate?
Semi Colons
When you want to combine two independent
clauses, but you don’t want to use
coordinating conjunctions, you should use a
semi colon!
Example:
Jim studied in the café for the quiz; his house was too much of a
distraction.
So Then How Do You Punctuate?
Sentences Beginning With Dependent Clauses
A dependent clause can be made into a complete
idea if it is placed before an independent clause.
A comma comes directly after a dependent clause
that comes before an independent clause.
Example:
While Jim studied in the café for his chemistry quiz,
Kathy broke into his car.
So Then How Do You Punctuate?
Sentences Ending With Dependent Clauses
A dependent clause can also be made into a
complete idea if it is placed after an
independent clause. When a dependent clause
comes directly after an independent clause, no
comma is necessary.
Example:
Kathy broke into Jim’s car while he studied in the
café for his chemistry quiz.
Let’s Practice!
Combine the following independent and dependent clauses into a
sentence using proper punctuation
After the show
We’re going to the coffee shop
Let’s Practice!
Combine the following independent and dependent clauses into a
sentence using proper punctuation
I ate pizza
The cheese was really hot
Let’s Practice!
Combine the following independent and dependent clauses into a
sentence using proper punctuation
Because it is sunny outside
You should wear sunscreen
Let’s Practice!
Combine the following independent and dependent clauses into a
sentence using proper punctuation
You will be grounded
Until you show some effort
Let’s Practice!
Combine the following independent and dependent clauses into a
sentence using proper punctuation
Even though it was 100 degrees
outside
The pool was not open
Let’s Practice!
Combine the following independent and dependent clauses into a
sentence using proper punctuation
It was too cold
We could not go swimming
Let’s Practice!
Combine the following independent and dependent clauses into a
sentence using proper punctuation
I can’t go to the movie
Unless it is free
Simple Sentence
A simple sentence is a single
independent clause.
Example:
Jim studied in the café for his
chemistry quiz.
I am hungry.
That was really fun!
Compound Sentence
A compound sentence is a sentence in which two
independent clauses are linked together with a
coordinating conjunction.
In a compound sentence, you should always use a
comma before the coordinating conjunction.
Example:
Jim studied in the café for his chemistry quiz, but it
was too noisy to concentrate.
I am hungry, and my mom is making dinner.
That was really fun, so we should do that again!
Complex Sentence
A complex sentence is a sentence that includes one
independent clause and at least one dependent
clause.
When the dependent clause comes first in the
sentence, it is followed by a comma. When it comes
second in the sentence, no comma is needed.
Example:
Jim studied in the café for his chemistry quiz because
the quiz was going to be very difficult.
When I am hungry, my mom makes me dinner.
If that was fun, we should do it again.
Compound Complex Sentence
Compound-complex sentences include two
independent clauses joined by a coordinating
conjunction, AND a dependent clause.
All punctuation rules you’ve learned in the past few
slides apply.
Example:
Because the quiz was going to be very difficult,
Jim studied in the café for his chemistry quiz, but he had trouble
concentrating.
If that was fun, we should do it again, but I’m not available on
Wednesday.
Let’s Practice!
Identify which type of sentence we have below, and include proper
punctuation.
Unless it is free I can’t go to the
movie.
Let’s Practice!
Identify which type of sentence we have below, and include proper
punctuation.
Before my mom comes home I am
cooking dinner and my sister is
cooking brownies.
Let’s Practice!
Identify which type of sentence we have below, and include proper
punctuation.
I am cooking dinner and my sister
is cooking brownies.
Let’s Practice!
Identify which type of sentence we have below, and include proper
punctuation.
Unless it is free I can’t go to the
movie but you should go without
me.
Let’s Practice!
Identify which type of sentence we have below, and include proper
punctuation.
I am cooking dinner.
Let’s Practice!
Identify which type of sentence we have below, and include proper
punctuation.
I can’t go to the movie but you
should go without me.
Let’s Practice!
Identify which type of sentence we have below, and include proper
punctuation.
Before my mom comes home I am
cooking dinner.
Let’s Practice!
Identify which type of sentence we have below, and include proper
punctuation.
Because it is Friday all of the
students are going to the party
and they are very excited.
Let’s Practice!
Identify which type of sentence we have below, and include proper
punctuation.
All of the students are going to the
party.
Let’s Practice!
Identify which type of sentence we have below, and include proper
punctuation.
Because it is Friday all of the
students are going to the party.
Let’s Practice!
Identify which type of sentence we have below, and include proper
punctuation.
All of the students are going to the
party and they are very excited.
Let’s Practice!
Identify which type of sentence we have below, and include proper
punctuation.
I can’t go to the movie.