The English Corner at Richland College Commas and Dependent Clauses Writing can be divided into smaller parts in order to better understand the various rules of grammar and punctuation. These include the following: Words Phrases: groups of words that collectively perform a specific function in a sentence (known as the part of speech) and do not have a subject (the person, place, or thing that is the main focus of the sentence) or a predicate (the action the subject of the sentence takes) Clauses: types of phrases that contain at least one subject and one predicate Sentences: groups of clauses that include at least one independent clause Paragraphs: groups of sentences unified around a single topic Independent Clauses An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence or can be combined with another independent clause to form a compound sentence. When an independent clause is combined with a dependent clause, they form a complex sentence. An independent clause conveys a complete thought by itself. Example: Apple has a new music-streaming app. Example: The new Avengers movie is a blockbuster. Dependent Clauses A dependent clause cannot stand alone and does not convey a complete thought. Dependent clauses typically begin with subordinating words. Dependent clauses are not complete sentences, so they must be connected to independent clauses in order to make sense. The following is a list of common subordinating words: Time: after, before, until, when, whenever, while Condition: even, whether, provided, unless, once Cause and Effect: as, because, inasmuch, now that, since Contrast: although, though, even though, while, whereas Example: after she watched the concert Example: since I am late for work Example: even though I am tired Handout created by Jane Stidham www.richlandcollege.edu/englishcorner An adverb clause is the most common dependent clause. Adverb clauses are used to modify verbs, adjectives, or adverbs in the main independent clause. An adverb clause answers the questions when, where, why, how, to what extent, or how much about the word it modifies. If an adverb/dependent clause begins the sentence (it comes before an independent clause), a comma needs to follow the clause: Example: Because it was raining, the art festival was postponed. Example: While I was waiting for the bus, I drank my coffee. Example: When I go home on vacation, I will be able to see some old high school friends. If an adverb/dependent clause follows the independent clause, a comma is not needed. Example: The art festival was postponed because it was raining. Example: I drank my coffee while I was waiting for the bus. Example: I will be able to see some old high school friends when I go home on vacation. However, there are always exceptions to rules. If a dependent clause begins with although, even though, though, whereas, or any other contradictory subordinating word, a comma is needed before the dependent clause when it follows an independent clause. Example: I am still going to the concert, even though I am tired. Example: My sister is going to major in computer science, whereas I am going into the business world. Example: I am considering going to China or Tibet for my vacation, although I might visit some other exotic vacation spots. Handout created by Jane Stidham www.richlandcollege.edu/englishcorner
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