This document provides a lesson on combining independent clauses using coordinating conjunctions from the FANBOYS group (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). It defines independent clauses and formulas for their basic structure. Examples are given of correctly and incorrectly combining clauses using commas and FANBOYS conjunctions. Students are provided exercises to practice identifying clauses and using commas with FANBOYS to join two independent clauses into compound sentences.

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© Gravana, LLC 2015 All Rights Reserved 1
GRAVANA LEVEL 2: LESSON 4
STUDENT HANDOUT
OBJECTIVES
• Review independent clauses and their components.
• Demonstrate ability to combine independent clauses through FANBOYS.
• Use compound sentences correctly in writing.
LESSON
Independent Clause: Contains a subject and verb.
• Subjects and verbs are the building blocks of a clause.
FORMULA ONE: S + V
FORMULA TWO: S + LV+ SC
FORMULA THREE: S+ HV+ AV
Combining Clauses
How would you combine these two independent clauses?
• The dog wagged its tail.
• Slobber came from its mouth.
• The dog wagged its tail, AND slobber came from its mouth.
Coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) can combine two independent clauses. See the formula
below.
(IC), FANBOYS (IC)

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© Gravana, LLC 2015 All Rights Reserved 2
GRAVANA LEVEL 2: LESSON 4
FANBOYS stand for the following:
For—connects a solution with a problem (because).
And—connects two ideas together.
Nor—negative form of or (means not).
But—connects two ideas that go against each other.
Or—connects two choices.
Yet—connects two ideas that go against each other (The twin of but).
So—connects a problem with a result.
• These simple words have the power to combine two independent clauses when it is
paired with a comma.
STUDENT NOTE: FANBOYS are not always acting as a coordinating conjunction. Do
not just add a comma before a FANBOYS every time you see/ use it. Only use a ,
FANBOYS if it is combining two independent clauses.
SHOW YOUR STRENGTH: Circle “correct” if the sentence is correctly using a ,
FANBOYS to combine two independent clauses. If it is not using it correctly, circle “incorrect”.
1. Tom wrote the email, yet he forgot to send the message.
Correct Incorrect
Hint: Do you have two independent clauses? (S+V, FANBOYS S+V)
2. The dog wagged its tail, and its ears.
Correct Incorrect
Hint: Do you have two independent clauses? (S+V, FANBOYS S+V)

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© Gravana, LLC 2015 All Rights Reserved 3
GRAVANA LEVEL 2: LESSON 4
CHECK YOURSELF
Read the sentences below.
1. Correctly punctuate the sentences. (Hint: It may help to identify subject and
verbs to help distinguish clauses.)
2. Make sure the correct FANBOYS is being used in the sentence.
1. I woke up but I ate breakfast.
2. The students researched the subject so they are not experts in the subject.
3. The TV was still on nor I turned it off.
4. The staff sang loudly for he was a jolly good fellow.
5. The students were running yet they were jumping.