This document provides an overview of clauses, sentences, and punctuation. It discusses the basic building blocks of nouns and verbs, and how they combine to form clauses. It then explains the three main types of sentences: simple sentences using independent clauses, compound sentences joining two independent clauses, and complex sentences using one independent and one dependent clause. Finally, it briefly mentions compound-complex sentences containing at least two independent clauses and one dependent clause. The document aims to teach grammar concepts in a clear and step-by-step manner.

1. Clauses… Sentences…Punctuation
Prepared by Bonnie Startt
January 28, 2013
Tidewater Community College
Virginia Beach
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2. The beginning of writing:
The first thing we learn in grammar is all about nouns (names
a person, place, or thing) and verbs (an action or state of
being), We start learning to talk with those nouns--
Mama, Daddy, Cookie
Before long we add a few verbs: Go, Want
Want cookie
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3. •The noun and verb combine to create a
clause
There are two kinds of clauses.
• The first type of clause is the
INDEPENDENT clause. I read.
• The second type of clause is
the DEPENDENT clause. Since
I read.
• Did your head just tilt? There is
a noun and a verb, but it is an
incomplete thought. I would
mark this as a FRAGMENT.
Bonnie Startt

4. •How do we use the clauses?
An independent clause is a simple sentence.
• This does not mean if it is just
a few words, it is a simple
sentence.
• A simple sentence can have
lots of things added to it.
• We add details…..
• Here is a 239 word simple
sentence:
• http://grammar.ccc.commnet
.edu/grammar/run-on.htm
Bonnie Startt

5. Start at the beginning:
Simple Sentence
• I read
• I read books
• I read funny books .
• Adjectives
• I read funny books to my
students.
(Preposition/Prepositional
Phrase)
Bonnie Startt

6. Next move
Compound Sentences
• In spite of the fact that
simple sentences don't
always need punctuation, we
need to move forward in our
writing. The next sentence
type we are going to look at
is the compound sentence.
• Simple + Simple= compound
• Independent Clause +
Independent Clause =
Compound Sentence
Bonnie Startt

7. Beware…..
Compound Sentences
• However, if we just put two
simple sentences/
independent clauses
together, we can get a run on
or fused sentence.
• I read a book it was dull. RO
• Give your reader a chance to
take a breath. There are 3
ways to do this.
Bonnie Startt

8. Method ONE …..
Compound Sentences
• The first method only
needs one (1)
thing/element to make it
work correctly. We can put
two simple sentences
together using a semicolon
(;).
• I have a dog; she is a Westie
Bonnie Startt

9. Method TWO…..
Compound Sentences
• This method must have two
(2) things/elements in order
to make a compound
sentence. We join two simple
sentences using both a
comma (,) and a coordinating
conjunction. An acronym for
coordinating conjunctions
is FANBOYS which stands for FOR
AND NOR BUT OR Yet SO.
• Our old dog Tony was sad, so we
bought Maggie for him.
Bonnie Startt

10. Method THREE…..
Compound Sentences
• This method must have three (3)
things/elements in order to make a
compound sentence. We join two
• simple sentences first using a
semicolon (;) then a conjunctive adverb
(fancy words =)
• (Conjunctive adverbs)and finally a comma
(,). How about an easy to remember
acronym: HOT MAMAS: However, on
the...other hand/contrary, therefore,
moreover, although, meanwhile, and yet
(note- 2 of our coordinating conjunctions
together), subsequently.
• Maggie swims with the kids;
however, Tony used to swim laps
with me.
Bonnie Startt

11. The Complex Sentence…..
The dependent clause
• We know all about using our
independent clauses, but how do we
create a dependent clause? We take a
plain old independent clause and add
a Subordinating Conjunction. I like to
call the subordinating conjunctions
spoilers because they take a clause
which can stand alone and turn it to
one which needs help---cannot stand
alone. Think about Bugs Bunny as you
consider this acronym: WABITS---
Whenever, after, although, because.
if, that (than though)since (so that).
Bonnie Startt

12. The Complex Sentence…..
The dependent clause
• Since I read.---this is a fragment.
• We have two options to fix the
fragment; we can remove the
subordinating conjunction, OR we can
add it to an independent clause.
• When we combine a dependent clause
with an independent clause, we get a
complex sentence.
• Since I read a lot, I got a Kindle for
Christmas.
Bonnie Startt

13. The Complex Sentence…..
Funny punctuation rules
• There are 2 ways to join the two
clauses.
• IC and DC ; DC and IC
• The difference between the two
methods is a simple comma. If you
have the first type:
• I got a Kindle for Christmas since I read.
You will see there is no comma
between the clauses.
• If we go with the second method:
• Since I like to read, I got a Kindle for
Christmas. It takes the comma.
• IC DC. OR DC, IC.
Bonnie Startt

14. The Compound Complex Sentence…..
This needs 3 clauses—2 IC ; 1 DC
• When we are writing, we want to have
some variety in writing sentences. We use
a few simple sentences and some
complex sentences in our writing, but
sometimes we need to be a bit
fancier....... to show off a little. The best
way to do this is to write a compound
complex sentence..
• When Lee retired, our entire family all flew
with him from Charlotte to New Bern; the
fire trucks sprayed water over the plane
when we left Charlotte. After Lee made a
second pass over the airport, we landed in
New Bern, and they sprayed water again. It
was a special day for us although it felt
funny to know while was his last flight, it
was our Sophie's first flight; however, her
Grandad let her sit in his lap in the cockpit
after we landed.
Bonnie Startt

15. You need to make sure you know these
rules----
If you know these rules, you
know most the most common
punctuation rules.
Bonnie Startt