An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. There are three ways to join two independent clauses: with a period to make two separate sentences; with a semicolon; or with a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction such as "and", "but", or "or". Using only a comma to join two clauses is incorrect.

1. Dependent or independent – that is the question… PART ONE: Joining Independent Clauses

2. Independent Clauses An independent clause: Is a group of words with a subject and verb Forms a complete thought Can stand alone as a sentence Example: the boy runs chocolate candy is my favorite she got a new puppy last week

3. Two Independent Clauses Two independent clauses may stand as two separate sentences. Two independent clauses may be joined With a semicolon With a comma plus a coordinating conjunction Two independent clauses may NOT be joined With only a comma

4. Stand Alone Two independent clauses may stand as two separate sentences. Example: I was hungry. I ate some pizza. Both clauses have a subject and a verb . They both form a complete thought. Each clause may stand as a separate sentence.

5. Joined with Semicolon Two independent clauses may be joined With a semicolon Clauses must be closely related Example: I was hungry ; I ate some pizza. Both clauses have a subject and a verb and form a complete thought. They are closely related , so they may be joined by a semicolon.

6. Coordinating Conjunctions Two independent clauses may be joined: With a comma plus a coordinating conjunction MEMORIZE And But For Or Nor So Yet

7. Comma plus Conjunction Two independent clauses may be joined With a comma plus a coordinating conjunction Examples: I was hungry , so I ate some pizza. I was hungry , and I ate some pizza. I was not hungry , yet I ate some pizza. The conjunction follows the comma.

8. NEVER a comma alone Two independent clauses may NEVER be joined With a comma alone Example: I was hungry , I ate some pizza. INCORRECT This is called a “comma splice.” Add a coordinating conjunction after the comma.

9. Is this correct? It rained all day, Judy could not go play outside.

10. It rained all day, Judy could not go play outside. Answer: Two independent clauses may NOT be joined by a comma alone.

11. Is this correct? The rain soon disappeared, for the sun had returned.

12. Answer: The rain soon disappeared, for the sun had returned. Two independent clauses MAY be joined with a comma PLUS a coordinating conjunction.

13. Is this correct? Everyone loves Sam; he is always smiling.

14. Answer: Everyone loves Sam; he is always smiling. Two independent clauses MAY be joined with a comma PLUS a coordinating conjunction.

15. Summary An independent clause is a group of words that form a complete thought and can stand alone as a complete sentence. You may join two independent clauses in these ways: Use a period between them to allow them to stand as two separate sentences. Use a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction. Use a semicolon. You may NOT use a comma alone when joining two independent clauses.