Sentence Structures, Subordinating Conjunctions, and Common Sentence Errors

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering subordinating conjunctions (ONAWHITEBUS), punctuation rules for compound and complex sentences, and common sentence errors (fragments, run-ons, comma splices) based on the IGCSE study guide.

What is the function of a subordinating conjunction?

A subordinating conjunction joins a dependent clause (a clause that cannot stand alone) to an independent clause (a complete sentence) and shows the relationship between the ideas.

What memory trick is introduced to remember common subordinating conjunctions?

ONAWHITEBUS

In the ONAWHITEBUS acronym, which conjunctions correspond to the letters O, N, and A?

O: only if, once N: now that A: after, although, as

In the ONAWHITEBUS acronym, which conjunctions correspond to WH, I, T, and E?

WH: when, whereas, while, whenever, wherever, whether or not I: in case, if T: though E: even though, even if

In the ONAWHITEBUS acronym, which conjunctions correspond to B, U, and S?

B: before, because U: until, unless S: since, so that

What are the two correct methods for joining two independent clauses to avoid sentence errors?

Method A: Use a comma + FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So). Method B: Use a semicolon (;).

What is the punctuation rule for a complex sentence when the dependent clause comes first?

Use a comma after the dependent clause (for example: "Because she practiced daily, she improved.").

What is the punctuation rule for a complex sentence when the independent clause comes first?

Do not use a comma (for example: "She improved because she practiced daily.").

What is a sentence fragment?

A fragment is an incomplete sentence that is missing a subject, a verb, or a complete thought.

What is a dependent clause fragment?

It is a fragment that begins with subordinating conjunction words like because, although, since, when, if, while, unless, after, or before, and cannot stand alone.

What are the three ways to fix a sentence fragment?

Add the missing subject, add the missing verb, or join it to a complete sentence.

What is a run-on sentence?

A run-on happens when two or more complete sentences are joined incorrectly without proper punctuation or conjunctions.

What are the three ways to fix a run-on sentence?

1. Use a full stop.
2. Use a comma + FANBOYS.
3. Use a semicolon.

What is a comma splice?

A comma splice happens when two complete sentences are joined using only a comma, because a comma alone is not strong enough to join them.

What are the three ways to fix a comma splice?

1. Add a coordinating conjunction (comma + FANBOYS).
2. Use a full stop.
3. Use a semicolon.

What are the four self-check quiz steps for analyzing sentence structure?

Step 1: Is there a subject and a verb? Step 2: Is the thought complete? Step 3: Are there two complete sentences? Step 4: How are they joined?

What error is found in "Although he was the best player on the team" and how is it corrected?

Error: Fragment. Correction: "Although he was the best player on the team, he sat on the bench."

What error is found in "The sun was shining we decided to go to the beach" and how is it corrected?

Error: Run-on. Correction: "The sun was shining, so we decided to go to the beach." OR "The sun was shining; we decided to go to the beach."

What error is found in "I love reading mystery novels, they are so exciting" and how is it corrected?

Error: Comma Splice. Correction: "I love reading mystery novels; they are so exciting." OR "I love reading mystery novels because they are so exciting."

Why is it important to avoid fragments, run-ons, and comma splices in writing?

They can confuse readers and make writing unclear. Good writing uses complete, well-formed sentences for clear communication.