Now we’ve covered the basics and have explored terminal marks, it’s time to turn our attention to the second use of punctuation: joining clauses. Last time, we looked at joining independent clauses so now we’ll explore adding dependent clauses to the mix. Show As a quick review, a clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb, and a dependent clause is one that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. >> Don’t miss the other posts in the series: The Basics, Terminal Marks, Joining Independent Clauses, and Phrases & Omissions << TYPES OF DEPENDENT CLAUSESDependent clauses are typically introduced by subordinating conjunctions. These words or phrases include: than, since, unless, because, so that, where, as though, or, and whether. Among other uses, they indicate time, purpose, results, the manner in which an action is done, or time. But what really matters when it comes to joining independent with dependent clauses is understanding the two types of dependent clauses—restrictive and non-restrictive.
ADDING INDEPENDENT CLAUSESOnce you’ve got that down, there are three general guidelines you can use when joining an independent and a dependent clause. The bad news is that it mostly involves commas. I know. I’m sorry. (For clarity, I have italicized the dependent clause in each of the examples below.)
RELATIVE CLAUSESDependent clauses may also be introduced by a relative adjective (whose), a relative adverb (where, what), or a relative pronoun (that, who, which). Together, these are called relative clauses and are also restrictive or non-restrictive. When used to join dependent and independent clauses, they follow the rules above.
As in the last example above, relative clauses can also function as appositives, which rename the subject of a sentence or add a new piece of information. (Also referred to as a parenthetical construction.) These, by nature, are non-restrictive and may also be used with and or or. COMMON PITFALLSThere are a few common pitfalls to watch for when joining dependent and independent clauses. Here, considering the meaning and context of the sentence will guide your use of punctuation.
I know that was a lot of information, but really taking the time to make sure you grasp these concepts will help end any punctuation woes you may have. In the long run, it will make you a better writer, and better able to impart your meaning to readers. Leave any questions or comments below. Next, I’ll wrap things up with the final use of punctuation: setting off phrases and omissions. Until then, keep creating, (Post Photo by Max Anderson on Unsplash; all examples written by Jennifer Dinsmore.) Do you use a comma with dependent clauses?A dependent clause is a clause that cannot stand as a sentence in its own right, such as before I left the parking lot. When a complex sentence contains a dependent clause like this one, a comma is not used unless the dependent clause comes before the independent clause.
Which sentence correctly uses a comma to join an independent and dependent clause?Answer: the answer is: Although I had been looking forward to the concert, I was just too tired to go.
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