An independent clause is a complete thought, containing a subject and a verb, and it can stand alone as a sentence; identifying these clauses is crucial for mastering sentence structure. At what.edu.vn, we simplify complex grammar topics, offering clear explanations and examples to enhance your understanding of independent and dependent clauses. Recognizing these clauses will improve your writing skills and overall clarity in communication, refining sentence construction.
1. Understanding Independent Clauses
An independent clause, at its core, is a group of words that functions as a simple sentence. It contains a subject (who or what the sentence is about) and a predicate (what the subject does or is), and it expresses a complete thought. This completeness is what allows it to stand alone as a sentence. Recognizing independent clauses is a fundamental skill in grammar, crucial for constructing more complex and varied sentences.
- Subject: The noun or pronoun that performs the action or is described.
- Predicate: The part of the sentence containing the verb and stating something about the subject.
- Complete Thought: The clause makes sense on its own and doesn’t leave the reader expecting additional information.
Here’s a table illustrating the components of an independent clause:
| Component | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | The noun or pronoun that the sentence is about. | The cat |
| Predicate | Includes the verb and everything that follows, telling what the subject does or is. | sat on the mat. |
| Complete Thought | The clause expresses a full idea and can stand alone. | The cat sat on the mat. |
1.1. Key Characteristics of Independent Clauses
- Can Stand Alone: This is the defining characteristic. If a group of words can be a sentence by itself, it’s an independent clause.
- Expresses a Complete Thought: It doesn’t leave the reader hanging or needing more information to understand the main point.
- Contains a Subject and a Verb: Every independent clause must have these two essential components.
1.2. Examples of Independent Clauses
Let’s look at some straightforward examples:
- The dog barked. (Subject: dog, Verb: barked)
- She is reading a book. (Subject: She, Verb: is reading)
- They went to the beach. (Subject: They, Verb: went)
- I enjoy playing the piano. (Subject: I, Verb: enjoy)
- The sun sets in the west. (Subject: sun, Verb: sets)
Each of these examples forms a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. They are the building blocks of more complex sentence structures.
1.3 Independent Clause vs. Dependent Clause
Understanding the difference between an independent clause and a dependent clause is crucial for mastering sentence construction. The primary distinction lies in their ability to stand alone as a complete sentence.
| Feature | Independent Clause | Dependent Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Completeness | Expresses a complete thought | Does not express a complete thought |
| Standalone | Can stand alone as a sentence | Cannot stand alone as a sentence |
| Required Elements | Subject and verb | Subject and verb |
| Example | The dog barked. | Because the dog barked. |
| Connecting Words | Can start a sentence | Often starts with a subordinating conjunction |
| Punctuation | Can end with a period, question mark, or exclamation point | Requires attachment to an independent clause |
1.4. Why Understanding Independent Clauses Matters
Recognizing independent clauses is essential for several reasons:
- Avoiding Sentence Errors: Knowing how to identify independent clauses helps you avoid common errors like comma splices and run-on sentences.
- Constructing Complex Sentences: Understanding how to combine independent clauses with other clauses allows you to create more sophisticated and varied writing.
- Improving Clarity: Using independent clauses effectively ensures that your writing is clear, concise, and easy to understand.
- Enhancing Writing Skills: A solid grasp of independent clauses is a foundational element of strong writing skills.
1.5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing Phrases with Clauses: A phrase lacks either a subject or a verb, or both, and cannot stand alone.
- Thinking All Long Sentences Are Independent Clauses: Length doesn’t determine independence. A long sentence can contain multiple clauses, both independent and dependent.
- Ignoring the Need for a Complete Thought: Just because a group of words has a subject and verb doesn’t mean it expresses a complete idea.
2. How to Identify Independent Clauses
Identifying independent clauses is a fundamental skill in grammar that enables you to construct clear, correct, and varied sentences. This section will provide a step-by-step guide on how to recognize independent clauses, complete with examples and practical tips.
2.1. Step-by-Step Guide to Identifying Independent Clauses
-
Look for a Subject:
- The subject is the noun or pronoun that the sentence is about. It performs the action or is being described.
- Example: The cat sat on the mat. (The cat is the subject.)
-
Find the Verb:
- The verb is the action word or state of being.
- Example: The cat sat on the mat. (Sat is the verb.)
-
Check for a Complete Thought:
- Does the group of words express a complete idea? Can it stand alone as a sentence?
- Example: The cat sat on the mat. (This expresses a complete thought.)
-
Identify Connecting Words (If Any):
- Independent clauses can be joined by coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) or conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, moreover, etc.).
- Example: The cat sat on the mat, and the dog slept on the rug. (And connects two independent clauses.)
-
Ensure Independence:
- Make sure the clause can stand alone as a sentence. If it begins with a subordinating conjunction (such as because, if, when, although), it is likely a dependent clause.
- Example: Because the cat was tired, it slept on the mat. (This is a dependent clause because of because.)
2.2. Examples of Identifying Independent Clauses
Let’s apply these steps to a few sentences:
-
She reads novels.
- Subject: She
- Verb: Reads
- Complete Thought: Yes
- Conclusion: Independent Clause
-
The students studied diligently, but they still felt nervous.
- First Clause: The students studied diligently
- Subject: The students
- Verb: Studied
- Complete Thought: Yes
- Second Clause: They still felt nervous
- Subject: They
- Verb: Felt
- Complete Thought: Yes
- Connecting Word: but
- Conclusion: Two Independent Clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction.
- First Clause: The students studied diligently
-
Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
- First Clause: Because it was raining
- Subject: It
- Verb: Was raining
- Complete Thought: No (starts with “Because”)
- Second Clause: We stayed inside
- Subject: We
- Verb: Stayed
- Complete Thought: Yes
- Conclusion: One Dependent Clause (“Because it was raining”) and one Independent Clause (“We stayed inside”).
- First Clause: Because it was raining
-
After the game, we went out for pizza.
- First Clause: After the game
- Subject: (Implied) we
- Verb: N/A (phrase)
- Complete Thought: No (starts with “After”)
- Second Clause: we went out for pizza
- Subject: We
- Verb: went
- Complete Thought: Yes
- Conclusion: One Dependent Clause (“Because it was raining”) and one Independent Clause (“We stayed inside”).
2.3. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
-
Confusing Phrases with Independent Clauses:
- Pitfall: A phrase is a group of words that does not contain both a subject and a verb.
- Example of a Phrase: After the game (missing a verb).
- How to Avoid: Always ensure your group of words has both a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.
-
Misidentifying Dependent Clauses:
- Pitfall: A dependent clause has a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. It often starts with a subordinating conjunction.
- Example of a Dependent Clause: Because I woke up late.
- How to Avoid: Look for subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, if, when, although) that turn a clause into a dependent one.
-
Overlooking Connecting Words:
- Pitfall: Failing to recognize how connecting words join clauses.
- How to Avoid: Pay attention to coordinating conjunctions and conjunctive adverbs, and understand how they link independent clauses.
2.4. Tips for Mastering Independent Clause Identification
- Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the easier it will become to identify independent clauses.
- Read Widely: Exposure to a variety of writing styles will help you recognize different sentence structures.
- Use Grammar Resources: Online tools, textbooks, and grammar guides can provide additional support.
- Seek Feedback: Ask teachers, peers, or writing center tutors to review your work and provide feedback on your understanding of independent clauses.
- Break Down Sentences: When faced with a complex sentence, break it down into smaller parts to identify each clause.
3. How to Use Independent Clauses Effectively
Mastering the use of independent clauses is crucial for constructing clear, coherent, and varied sentences. This section delves into the ways you can effectively use independent clauses in your writing, including combining them using different methods and punctuating them correctly.
3.1. Combining Independent Clauses
Independent clauses can be combined in several ways to create compound and complex sentences. Understanding these methods allows you to add variety and sophistication to your writing.
- Coordinating Conjunctions:
- Use a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) to join two independent clauses.
- Formula: Independent Clause, + Coordinating Conjunction + Independent Clause
- Example: The rain stopped, so we went for a walk.
- Semicolons:
- Use a semicolon to join two closely related independent clauses.
- Formula: Independent Clause; Independent Clause
- Example: The rain stopped; we went for a walk.
- Conjunctive Adverbs:
- Use a semicolon followed by a conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, moreover, nevertheless, etc.) and a comma to join two independent clauses.
- Formula: Independent Clause; + Conjunctive Adverb, + Independent Clause
- Example: The rain stopped; therefore, we went for a walk.
- Colons:
- Use a colon to join two independent clauses when the second clause explains or expands on the first.
- Formula: Independent Clause: Independent Clause (explanation)
- Example: I know what I need to do: I need to practice more.
3.2. Punctuating Independent Clauses Correctly
Correct punctuation is essential for ensuring clarity and avoiding common sentence errors like comma splices and run-on sentences.
- Comma Splices:
- Definition: A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are incorrectly joined by only a comma.
- Incorrect: I enjoy reading, it relaxes me.
- Correction Options:
- Add a coordinating conjunction: I enjoy reading, and it relaxes me.
- Use a semicolon: I enjoy reading; it relaxes me.
- Make one clause dependent: Because I enjoy reading, it relaxes me.
- Separate into two sentences: I enjoy reading. It relaxes me.
- Run-On Sentences:
- Definition: A run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are joined without any punctuation or connecting words.
- Incorrect: I enjoy reading it relaxes me.
- Correction Options:
- Add a coordinating conjunction: I enjoy reading, and it relaxes me.
- Use a semicolon: I enjoy reading; it relaxes me.
- Separate into two sentences: I enjoy reading. It relaxes me.
- Correct Use of Commas with Coordinating Conjunctions:
- Use a comma before the coordinating conjunction when it joins two independent clauses.
- Correct: She wanted to go to the party, but she was too tired.
- Incorrect: She wanted to go to the party but she was too tired.
- Correct Use of Semicolons with Conjunctive Adverbs:
- Use a semicolon before the conjunctive adverb and a comma after it when joining two independent clauses.
- Correct: The weather was bad; therefore, we stayed home.
- Incorrect: The weather was bad, therefore, we stayed home.
3.3. Examples of Effective Use of Independent Clauses
- Using Coordinating Conjunctions:
- The sun was shining, and the birds were singing.
- This sentence combines two cheerful observations into a single, flowing thought.
- Using Semicolons:
- Reading expands your mind; it also improves your vocabulary.
- Here, the semicolon links two related benefits of reading, creating a concise and impactful statement.
- Using Conjunctive Adverbs:
- He studied hard; consequently, he passed the exam.
- The conjunctive adverb “consequently” clearly shows the cause-and-effect relationship between studying and passing the exam.
- Using Colons:
- There is only one thing left to do: finish the project.
- The colon introduces a specific action that needs to be taken, providing clarity and emphasis.
3.4. Tips for Effective Use
- Vary Sentence Structure: Mix simple, compound, and complex sentences to make your writing more engaging.
- Ensure Logical Connections: Use appropriate connecting words to show the relationship between ideas.
- Read Aloud: Reading your writing aloud can help you identify awkward phrasing and punctuation errors.
- Seek Feedback: Ask others to review your writing and provide feedback on clarity and correctness.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to mastering the use of independent clauses.
3.5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overusing One Method: Relying too heavily on one method of combining independent clauses can make your writing monotonous.
- Incorrect Punctuation: Misusing commas and semicolons can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.
- Forgetting the Connection: Ensure that the independent clauses you combine are logically related to each other.
- Ignoring Sentence Variety: Neglecting to vary your sentence structure can make your writing sound repetitive and dull.
4. Independent Clauses in Different Types of Sentences
Understanding how independent clauses function in different types of sentences is essential for crafting varied and engaging writing. This section explores the role of independent clauses in simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences.
4.1. Simple Sentences
A simple sentence consists of just one independent clause. It expresses a complete thought and contains a subject and a verb.
- Definition: A sentence with one independent clause.
- Formula: Independent Clause
- Example: The dog barked.
- Subject: dog
- Verb: barked
4.1.1. Key Characteristics of Simple Sentences
- Direct: Simple sentences are straightforward and convey information directly.
- Clear: They are easy to understand because they contain only one idea.
- Effective for Emphasis: They can be used to emphasize a particular point.
4.1.2. Examples of Simple Sentences
- The cat slept.
- She smiled.
- They ran fast.
- I ate lunch.
- The sun rose.
4.2. Compound Sentences
A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined together. These clauses are connected using coordinating conjunctions, semicolons, or colons.
- Definition: A sentence with two or more independent clauses.
- Formulas:
- Independent Clause, + Coordinating Conjunction + Independent Clause
- Independent Clause; Independent Clause
- Independent Clause; + Conjunctive Adverb, + Independent Clause
- Examples:
- The rain fell, and the river rose. (Coordinating Conjunction)
- The rain fell; the river rose. (Semicolon)
- The rain fell; consequently, the river rose. (Conjunctive Adverb)
4.2.1. Key Characteristics of Compound Sentences
- Balanced Ideas: Compound sentences are useful for showing a balance between two or more related ideas.
- Clarity: They can make connections between ideas clearer than using separate simple sentences.
- Variety: They add variety to your writing by combining related thoughts into a single sentence.
4.2.2. Examples of Compound Sentences
- She likes coffee, but he prefers tea.
- The store was closed; we went home.
- He studied hard; therefore, he passed the exam.
- I wanted to go to the beach, so I packed my swimsuit.
- The birds sang, and the flowers bloomed.
4.3. Complex Sentences
A complex sentence contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses. Dependent clauses cannot stand alone as sentences and are introduced by subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns.
- Definition: A sentence with one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.
- Formulas:
- Dependent Clause, + Independent Clause
- Independent Clause + Dependent Clause
- Examples:
- Because it was raining, we stayed inside. (Dependent Clause first)
- We stayed inside because it was raining. (Independent Clause first)
4.3.1. Key Characteristics of Complex Sentences
- Emphasis: Complex sentences can emphasize one idea over another by placing it in the independent clause.
- Relationships: They are useful for showing relationships between ideas, such as cause and effect, condition, or time.
- Subordination: They allow you to subordinate less important information to the main idea.
4.3.2. Examples of Complex Sentences
- If it rains, we will stay home.
- Although he was tired, he kept working.
- She passed the test because she studied hard.
- When the sun sets, it gets dark.
- After the game, we went out for pizza.
4.4. Compound-Complex Sentences
A compound-complex sentence has two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses. It combines the features of both compound and complex sentences.
- Definition: A sentence with two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.
- Formula: (Independent Clause + Coordinating Conjunction + Independent Clause) + Dependent Clause
- Example: Because it was raining, we stayed inside, and we watched a movie.
4.4.1. Key Characteristics of Compound-Complex Sentences
- Complexity: These sentences are the most complex type and can express multiple ideas and relationships.
- Sophistication: They add a level of sophistication to your writing by combining multiple layers of information.
- Variety: They allow for a wide range of sentence structures and rhythms.
4.4.2. Examples of Compound-Complex Sentences
- Although he was tired, he finished his work, and he went to bed.
- Because the traffic was heavy, we were late, but we still made it to the meeting.
- If you study hard, you will pass the test, and you will feel proud of yourself.
- When the bell rang, the students cheered, and they rushed out of the classroom.
- After the game, we went out for pizza, and we celebrated our victory.
4.5. Tips for Using Different Sentence Types
- Vary Your Sentence Structure: Use a mix of simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences to keep your writing engaging and avoid monotony.
- Match Sentence Type to Purpose: Choose the sentence type that best conveys the relationship between your ideas.
- Avoid Overly Long Sentences: Break up long, complex sentences into shorter, simpler ones to improve clarity.
- Use Transitions Effectively: Use transition words and phrases to connect ideas and guide your reader through your writing.
- Proofread Carefully: Check your sentences for errors in grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
5. Common Errors with Independent Clauses
Even with a solid understanding of independent clauses, it’s easy to make mistakes in writing. This section covers common errors related to independent clauses and provides practical advice on how to avoid them.
5.1. Comma Splices
A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined together with only a comma. This is a common error that can make your writing confusing and difficult to read.
- Definition: Joining two independent clauses with only a comma.
- Incorrect Example: I enjoy reading, it relaxes me.
5.1.1. How to Identify Comma Splices
- Look for Two Independent Clauses: Identify two groups of words that could each stand alone as a sentence.
- Check for a Comma: See if these clauses are joined only by a comma.
- Confirm the Error: If the clauses are independent and joined only by a comma, it’s a comma splice.
5.1.2. How to Fix Comma Splices
- Add a Coordinating Conjunction: Use a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet).
- Correct Example: I enjoy reading, and it relaxes me.
- Use a Semicolon: Join the clauses with a semicolon.
- Correct Example: I enjoy reading; it relaxes me.
- Create Two Separate Sentences: Divide the clauses into two separate sentences.
- Correct Example: I enjoy reading. It relaxes me.
- Make One Clause Dependent: Subordinate one of the clauses by adding a subordinating conjunction (because, although, if, when, etc.).
- Correct Example: Because I enjoy reading, it relaxes me.
5.2. Run-On Sentences
A run-on sentence occurs when two independent clauses are joined together without any punctuation or connecting words. Like comma splices, run-on sentences can make your writing difficult to understand.
- Definition: Joining two independent clauses without any punctuation or connecting words.
- Incorrect Example: I enjoy reading it relaxes me.
5.2.1. How to Identify Run-On Sentences
- Look for Two Independent Clauses: Identify two groups of words that could each stand alone as a sentence.
- Check for Missing Punctuation: See if these clauses are joined without any punctuation or connecting words.
- Confirm the Error: If the clauses are independent and joined without proper punctuation, it’s a run-on sentence.
5.2.2. How to Fix Run-On Sentences
- Add a Coordinating Conjunction: Use a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction.
- Correct Example: I enjoy reading, and it relaxes me.
- Use a Semicolon: Join the clauses with a semicolon.
- Correct Example: I enjoy reading; it relaxes me.
- Create Two Separate Sentences: Divide the clauses into two separate sentences.
- Correct Example: I enjoy reading. It relaxes me.
- Make One Clause Dependent: Subordinate one of the clauses by adding a subordinating conjunction.
- Correct Example: Because I enjoy reading, it relaxes me.
5.3. Sentence Fragments
A sentence fragment is a group of words that looks like a sentence but does not express a complete thought. It may be missing a subject, a verb, or both, or it may be a dependent clause standing alone.
- Definition: An incomplete sentence that does not express a complete thought.
- Incorrect Example: Because it was raining.
5.3.1. How to Identify Sentence Fragments
- Check for a Subject and Verb: Ensure the group of words has both a subject and a verb.
- Look for a Complete Thought: Determine if the group of words expresses a complete idea.
- Identify Dependent Clauses: See if the group of words starts with a subordinating conjunction (because, although, if, when, etc.).
- Confirm the Error: If the group of words is missing a subject or verb, does not express a complete thought, or is a dependent clause standing alone, it’s a sentence fragment.
5.3.2. How to Fix Sentence Fragments
- Add Missing Elements: Add the missing subject or verb to create a complete sentence.
- Correct Example: It was raining. (Adding a subject)
- Attach to an Independent Clause: Combine the fragment with an independent clause to form a complete sentence.
- Correct Example: Because it was raining, we stayed inside.
- Remove the Subordinating Conjunction: If the fragment is a dependent clause, remove the subordinating conjunction to make it an independent clause.
- Correct Example: It was raining. (Removing “Because”)
5.4. Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
Subject-verb agreement means that the verb in a sentence must agree in number with its subject. Singular subjects take singular verbs, and plural subjects take plural verbs.
- Definition: The verb must agree in number with its subject.
- Incorrect Example: The cat eat fish. (Singular subject “cat” with plural verb “eat”)
5.4.1. How to Identify Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
- Identify the Subject: Find the main subject of the sentence.
- Determine the Number: Decide if the subject is singular or plural.
- Check the Verb: Ensure the verb agrees in number with the subject.
- Confirm the Error: If the verb does not agree with the subject, it’s a subject-verb agreement error.
5.4.2. How to Fix Subject-Verb Agreement Errors
- Use the Correct Verb Form: Change the verb to agree with the subject.
- Correct Example: The cat eats fish. (Singular subject “cat” with singular verb “eats”)
- Ensure Agreement with Compound Subjects: When subjects are joined by “and,” use a plural verb unless they refer to a single idea.
- Correct Example: The cat and the dog eat fish. (Plural subject with plural verb)
- Pay Attention to Intervening Phrases: Ignore phrases that come between the subject and verb when determining agreement.
- Correct Example: The box of apples is on the table. (Singular subject “box” with singular verb “is”)
5.5. Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement Errors
Pronoun-antecedent agreement means that a pronoun must agree in number and gender with the noun it refers to (its antecedent).
- Definition: A pronoun must agree in number and gender with its antecedent.
- Incorrect Example: The cat wagged their tail. (Singular antecedent “cat” with plural pronoun “their”)
5.5.1. How to Identify Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement Errors
- Identify the Pronoun: Find the pronoun in the sentence.
- Find the Antecedent: Determine the noun that the pronoun refers to.
- Check for Agreement: Ensure the pronoun agrees in number and gender with its antecedent.
- Confirm the Error: If the pronoun does not agree with its antecedent, it’s a pronoun-antecedent agreement error.
5.5.2. How to Fix Pronoun-Antecedent Agreement Errors
- Use the Correct Pronoun Form: Change the pronoun to agree with its antecedent.
- Correct Example: The cat wagged its tail. (Singular antecedent “cat” with singular pronoun “its”)
- Ensure Agreement with Collective Nouns: Collective nouns (team, family, etc.) can be singular or plural depending on whether they act as a unit or as individuals.
- Correct Example: The team played its best game. (Team acting as a unit)
- Correct Example: The team have different opinions. (Team acting as individuals)
- Avoid Ambiguous Pronoun References: Make sure it’s clear which noun the pronoun is referring to.
- Correct Example: After Mary spoke to Jane, she felt relieved. (Rewrite to clarify: After Mary spoke to Jane, Mary felt relieved.)
6. Practice Exercises: Identifying and Correcting Independent Clauses
To solidify your understanding of independent clauses, practice is essential. This section provides a series of exercises designed to help you identify and correct independent clauses in various sentence structures.
6.1. Exercise 1: Identifying Independent Clauses
Instructions: Underline the independent clause(s) in each of the following sentences.
- The dog barked loudly at the mailman.
- Because it was raining, we decided to stay inside.
- She enjoys reading novels, but he prefers to watch movies.
- After the game, we went out for pizza, and we celebrated our victory.
- Although he was tired, he finished his work; he went to bed.
- The sun set, and the stars appeared in the sky.
- If you study hard, you will pass the test; you will feel proud of yourself.
- The cat slept soundly on the windowsill.
- They traveled to many different countries last year.
- Because the traffic was heavy, we were late to the meeting.
Answer Key:
- The dog barked loudly at the mailman.
- Because it was raining, we decided to stay inside. (We decided to stay inside)
- She enjoys reading novels, but he prefers to watch movies. (She enjoys reading novels, he prefers to watch movies)
- After the game, we went out for pizza, and we celebrated our victory. (we went out for pizza, we celebrated our victory)
- Although he was tired, he finished his work; he went to bed. (he finished his work, he went to bed)
- The sun set, and the stars appeared in the sky. (The sun set, the stars appeared in the sky)
- If you study hard, you will pass the test; you will feel proud of yourself. (you will pass the test, you will feel proud of yourself)
- The cat slept soundly on the windowsill.
- They traveled to many different countries last year.
- Because the traffic was heavy, we were late to the meeting. (we were late to the meeting)
6.2. Exercise 2: Correcting Comma Splices
Instructions: Correct the comma splices in the following sentences using one of the methods discussed (coordinating conjunction, semicolon, separate sentences, or dependent clause).
- I enjoy cooking, it’s a relaxing activity.
- She wanted to go to the party, she was too tired.
- The weather was beautiful, we went for a walk.
- He studied hard, he still failed the test.
- The store was closed, we decided to go home.
Answer Key:
- I enjoy cooking, and it’s a relaxing activity. (Coordinating Conjunction)
- Alternatively: I enjoy cooking; it’s a relaxing activity. (Semicolon)
- Alternatively: I enjoy cooking. It’s a relaxing activity. (Separate Sentences)
- Alternatively: Because I enjoy cooking, it’s a relaxing activity. (Dependent Clause)
- She wanted to go to the party, but she was too tired. (Coordinating Conjunction)
- Alternatively: She wanted to go to the party; she was too tired. (Semicolon)
- Alternatively: She wanted to go to the party. She was too tired. (Separate Sentences)
- Alternatively: Although she wanted to go to the party, she was too tired. (Dependent Clause)
- The weather was beautiful, so we went for a walk. (Coordinating Conjunction)
- Alternatively: The weather was beautiful; we went for a walk. (Semicolon)
- Alternatively: The weather was beautiful. We went for a walk. (Separate Sentences)
- Alternatively: Because the weather was beautiful, we went for a walk. (Dependent Clause)
- He studied hard, but he still failed the test. (Coordinating Conjunction)
- Alternatively: He studied hard; he still failed the test. (Semicolon)
- Alternatively: He studied hard. He still failed the test. (Separate Sentences)
- Alternatively: Although he studied hard, he still failed the test. (Dependent Clause)
- The store was closed, so we decided to go home. (Coordinating Conjunction)
- Alternatively: The store was closed; we decided to go home. (Semicolon)
- Alternatively: The store was closed. We decided to go home. (Separate Sentences)
- Alternatively: Because the store was closed, we decided to go home. (Dependent Clause)
6.3. Exercise 3: Correcting Run-On Sentences
Instructions: Correct the run-on sentences in the following exercises by using one of the methods discussed.
- I enjoy reading it is a great way to relax.
- She loves to sing she practices every day.
- The sun is shining the birds are singing.
- He studied all night he was prepared for the exam.
- The rain stopped we went outside.
Answer Key:
- I enjoy reading, and it is a great way to relax. (Coordinating Conjunction)
- Alternatively: I enjoy reading; it is a great way to relax. (Semicolon)
- Alternatively: I enjoy reading. It is a great way to relax. (Separate Sentences)
- Alternatively: Because I enjoy reading, it is a great way to relax. (Dependent Clause)
- She loves to sing, and she practices every day. (Coordinating Conjunction)
- Alternatively: She loves to sing; she practices every day. (Semicolon)
- Alternatively: She loves to sing. She practices every day. (Separate Sentences)
- Alternatively: Because she loves to sing, she practices every day. (Dependent Clause)
- The sun is shining, and the birds are singing. (Coordinating Conjunction)
- Alternatively: The sun is shining; the birds are singing. (Semicolon)
- Alternatively: The sun is shining. The birds are singing. (Separate Sentences)
