Grammar, Plain and Simple

An independent clause is the same thing as a simple sentence. An independent clause has a subject and a verb – someone or something doing an action or showing existence. Here are examples of an independent clause:Bob has a dog.Mary… Read more966. Independent Clause

One independent clause is a simple sentence. When we join two independent clauses together in one sentence, we get a compound sentence. Here are two independent clauses:Mary rode her bike to school. John drove to school with his mom. We… Read more967. The Compound Sentence

We often use a coordinating conjunction to join two independent clauses together when making a compound sentence. There are seven coordinating conjunctions in the English language: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. The first letter of each of those… Read more968. Coordinating Conjunctions – The FANBOYS

The comma splice, a common grammar mistake found in writing, occurs when two independent clauses are strung together with only a comma in between. Here is an example of a comma splice:Today is sunny, I will take a bike ride…. Read more969. Avoid the Comma Splice

An independent clause tells a complete thought. A subordinate clause does not tell a complete thought.A subordinate clause is also known as a dependent clause because a subordinate clause cannot stand alone. A subordinate clause must always be attached to… Read more971. Subordinate Clause and the Complex Sentence

A complex sentence is formed by joining an independent clause with a subordinate clause. A subordinate clause always begins with a subordinating conjunction. Here are some of the subordinating conjunctions: if, since, although, when, whileAnytime you begin a sentence with… Read more972. Subordinating Conjunctions

A subordinate clause is also called a dependent clause because it must be linked with an independent clause to make a complete sentence. A subordinate clause always begins with a subordinating conjunction. Here are several subordinating conjunctions: after, before, because,… Read more973. More Subordinating Conjunctions

A subordinate clause must be attached to an independent clause to make a complete sentence. If the sentence begins with the subordinate clause, you must place a comma after the subordinate clause before writing the independent clause. Look at these… Read more974. Punctuation with Subordinate Clauses