UNIT 2: Linking Clause

What does it mean to link clauses?

To connect two or more clauses to form a sentence.

What is a coordinating conjunction?

A word that connects equal elements, including independent clauses.

What are the FANBOYS?

For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

How do FANBOYS link two independent clauses?

Use a comma + FANBOYS: I studied, and I passed.

When do you NOT need a comma before a conjunction?

When it joins words, phrases, or parts of the same clause.

What is a subordinating conjunction?

A word that makes one clause dependent on another.

Name common subordinating conjunctions.

Because, although, when, while, since, if, unless, after, before.

Where does a comma go when a dependent clause comes first?

After the dependent clause: Because I studied, I passed.

Do you usually need a comma when the dependent clause comes second?

No: I passed because I studied.

How can a semicolon link two independent clauses?

Place a semicolon between them: I studied; I passed.

What does “and” do in “Maya studied and practiced”?

It links two verbs in one independent clause; the sentence is simple.

What does “and” do in “Maya studied, and Jordan practiced”?

It links two independent clauses; the sentence is compound.

Identify: “I stayed home because it rained.”

Complex: “because it rained” is a dependent clause.

Identify: “Because it rained, I stayed home.”

Complex: dependent clause first, followed by an independent clause.

Identify: “I studied, but I was tired.”

Compound: two independent clauses joined by comma + “but.”

Identify: “I studied; I passed.”

Compound: two independent clauses joined by a semicolon.

Identify: “Maya read and took notes.”

Simple: “and” links two verbs, not two independent clauses.

Identify: “Maya read, and Jordan took notes.”

Compound: “and” links two independent clauses.

What is the key test for linking clauses?

Check whether each side of the linker can stand alone as a sentence.