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Combining Independent and
Dependent Clauses
According to the Purdue OWL, an independent clause is “a group of words
that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought.” A
dependent clause is “a group of words that contains a subject and verb but
does not express a complete thought.”
Combining Two Independent Clauses
• Use a comma before a coordinating conjunction (connecting word) .
and
but
for
Independent clause,
or
independent clause.
nor
yet
so
Example: I was tired after working all day, so I decided to go to bed early.
• Use a semicolon between two independent clauses with no coordinating conjunction.
Independent clause ; independent clause.
Example: I was tired from working all day; I decided to go to bed early.
• Use a semicolon before and a comma after the conjunctive adverbs (connecting words) listed below.
accordingly
also
besides
consequently
furthermore
however
Independent clause;
moreover
, independent clause.
nevertheless
otherwise
then
therefore
thus
still
Example: I was tired from working all day; therefore, I decided to go to bed early.
Combining Independent Clauses with Dependent Clauses
• When the dependent clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (connecting word) and precedes the
independent clause, separate the clauses with a comma.
After
Although
Even though
Though
As
As if
As though
As long as
Because
Before
If
dependent clause, independent clause.
So/So that
Subordinate clauses are Independent clauses
Since
dependent. They can’t stand can stand alone as
Until
alone as complete sentences complete sentences.
Whatever
because they begin with a
When
subordinating conjunction.
Whenever
Where
Wherever
Whether
While
Example: Since I was tired, I decided to go to bed.
• When the dependent (subordinate) clause follows the independent clause, don’t use a comma before or after the
subordinating conjunction (connecting word).
after
although
even though
though
as
as if
as though
as long as
because
dependent clause.
Independent clause
before
Subordinate clauses are
Independent clauses can
if
dependent. They can’t stand
stand alone as complete
so/ so that
alone as complete sentences
sentences.
since
because they begin with a
unless
subordinating conjunction.
until
whatever
when
whenever
where
wherever
whether
while
Example: I decided to go to bed since I was tired.
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