Patterns

Use the following guide created by Jodi Fleetwood to help with coordinating conjunctions. When combining sentences, it is necessary to pay close attention to whether your second sentence is an independent clause or a dependent clause. An independent clause contains both a subject and a verb, and it is a complete thought. A dependent clause is not a complete thought.

If your second sentence is an independent clause, it is necessary to put a comma after the first sentence, before the conjunction. If your second sentence is a dependent clause it is not necessary to use a comma before the conjunction.

EXAMPLE:

Independent clause/conjunction/independent clause:

We are leaving for vacation, and we will leave our dog with a neighbor.

Independent clause/conjunction/dependent clause:

We are leaving for vacation and will leave our dog with a neighbor.

PRACTICE:

Put a check mark next to the sentences which do require a comma before the conjunction.

We will go to the movies and we will buy popcorn and soda. ___

I am still working on my homework but will have it done shortly. ___

John and Jane went to the party and stayed out late. ___

The baby took a long nap but was still tired. ___

To get to the college take a left on Main Street and turn right on Third Avenue. ____

Check Your Answers: You should have marked sentences #1 and #5.

ASSIGNMENT:

Your assignment is to write five sentences which consist of an independent clause, a conjunction and another independent clause. The second step is to modify each sentence to change the second independent clause to a dependent clause. Change the punctuation accordingly. You will have a total of 10 sentences (5 sets).

Example:

Tom went to the store, and he bought fresh fruit. (independent/conj/independent)

Tom went to the store and bought fresh fruit. (independent/conj/dependent)