Independent clauses are sentences that provide a subject, verb, and a full thought.
Example: Johnny ordered a coffee. Subject=S Verb=V Full Thought=FT Dependent Marker Word=DMW Conjunction=C
This is an example of an independent clause; it has a subject, verb, and a full thought. But, when a sentence starts with a dependent marker word, you have to put a comma, for example:
When Johnny ordered a coffee, the cashier asked for five dollars.
-------- --------- --------- ----------- ------ ----- ------------------ Independent Marker Word=IMW
DMW S V FT S V FT
Dependent marker words include: after, although, as, as if, because, before, even if,even though, if, in order to, since, though, unless, until, whatever, when, whenever,whether, and while. These dependent marker words make a independent clause dependent. There are times when there aren't dependent marker words, so you have to look for conjunctions, such as: and, but, for, or, nor, so, and yet.
For example: Johnny ordered a coffee, but he couldn't afford it.
-----
C
Sometimes you'd see semicolons, but don't be discouraged. Semicolons are pretty easy to understand once you get the hang of it. There are many uses for a semicolon. You can connect two independent clauses together if you don't want to use a comma.
Example: Johnny ordered a coffee; he payed five dollars for it.
Or you can use an independent marker word.
Johnny ordered a coffee; however, he had to pay five dollars for it.
--------------
IMW
Independent marker words include: also, consequently, furthermore, however,moreover, nevertheless, and therefore.
If you have any questions and or suggestions on what I should do next, then be sure to comment.
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The Guide To Punctuation
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