Mastering Dependent and Independent Clauses

What is a clause?

A group of words containing both a subject and a predicate verb.

What is the core difference between a phrase and a clause?

A phrase does not contain both a subject and a predicate verb, while a clause does.

What does an independent clause express?

Complete thoughts and can stand alone as complete sentences.

What characterizes a dependent clause?

Contains subjects and verbs but begins with subordinating conjunctions and cannot stand alone.

When should you use a comma in relation to dependent clauses?

Use a comma when a dependent clause introduces an independent clause.

What punctuation should you avoid when the independent clause comes first?

You should avoid using a comma.

What is the rule for joining two independent clauses?

You should join them with semicolons or coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) to avoid comma splices.