Clauses / Conjunctions Definitions

Conjunction: A word used to connect words, phrases, or clauses together. Think of them as "joining words." 🔗

Clause: A group of words containing a subject (who or what the sentence is about) and a verb (the action or state of being). 🧩

Independent Clause: A clause that has a subject, a verb, and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a complete sentence. 🚶

Dependent Clause: A clause that has a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. It cannot be a sentence by itself because it is "trapped" by a starting word (like because, although, if, or when). 🪤

Coordinating Conjunction: A specific type of conjunction used to join words, phrases, or independent clauses that are grammatically equal. There are seven of them, remembered by the acronym FANBOYS.

For (F): Shows a reason or cause. (It means "because.")

And (A): Shows addition; connects similar ideas.

Nor (N): Joins two negative alternatives or ideas, used after a negative statement.  The second part of the sentence structure changes to look exactly like a question.

But (B): Shows a simple contrast or an opposite idea. It changes the direction of the sentence for everyday, expected differences.

Or (O): Shows a choice or alternative.

Yet (Y): Connects a cause to a very unexpected, surprising result.

So (S): Shows a result, consequence, or effect.

The Punctuation Rule Definitions

Rule 1 (No Comma): DO NOT use a comma when the coordinating conjunction is only connecting single parts of speech (like two nouns or two adjectives) or short phrases (like two actions sharing the same subject).

Rule 2 (Use a Comma): Use a comma directly before the coordinating conjunction if it connects two separate, independent clauses (two complete thoughts that could each be their own sentence). (Note: If the two independent clauses are exceptionally short, the comma is optional).