Commas & Clauses Review

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What is an independent clause?

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An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. Example: 'She enjoys reading.'

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What is a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. Example: 'Although she was tired.'

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How do you identify an independent clause in a sentence?

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An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence and answers the question: 'What is happening?' Example: 'He runs every morning.'

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How do you identify a dependent clause in a sentence?

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A dependent clause cannot stand alone and often begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, when). Example: 'When he arrives.'

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What is the purpose of a comma in a sentence?

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A comma is used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence, separate items in a list, or clarify meaning.

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When should you use a comma in direct address?

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Use a comma to separate the name of the person being addressed from the rest of the sentence. Example: 'Can you help me, John?'

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What is a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but, or). Example: 'I wanted to go, but it was raining.'

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What is a complex sentence?

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A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Example: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

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What is the rule for using commas in a series?

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Use commas to separate three or more items in a list. Example: 'I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.'

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction connects words, phrases, or independent clauses. The most common are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS).