Independent clauses When we have a subject a

Independent clauses �When we have a subject, a verb and a complete thought, we have a sentence. �(This is also known as an independent clause – independent because it can stand alone)

Independent clauses �We can add muscle to our writing and build more complex sentences by joining two independent clauses.

Adding complexity (Subject + Verb + Complete thought) + (Subject + Verb + Complete thought) More complex sentence

Adding complexity (Subject + Verb + Complete thought) + (Subject + Verb + Complete thought) More complex sentence HOWEVER: Special rules apply when joining two independent clauses

Fused sentences �When we join two independent clauses but we don’t have anything to separate them, this is known as a fused sentence (also called a run-on)

Fused sentences �When we join two independent clauses but we don’t have anything to separate them, this is known as a fused sentence �The Alamo holds a special place in American history it was the site of an important battle between the United States and Mexico.

Fused sentences �When we join two independent clauses but we don’t have anything to separate them, this is known as a fused sentence �The Alamo holds a special place in American history it was the site of an important battle between the United States and Mexico.

Fused sentences �There are four solutions (just like with comma splices):

Fused sentences �There are four solutions (just like with comma splices): � 1. Make two separate sentences, inserting a period and capitalizing the next word �The Alamo holds a special place in American history. It was the site of an important battle between the United States and Mexico.

Fused sentences � 2. Insert a semicolon to separate the two independent clauses: �The Alamo holds a special place in American history; it was the site of an important battle between the United States and Mexico.

Fused sentences � 3. Add a subordinating conjunction to make one of the clauses dependent. Although As Because Before Even though If Once Since Unless Until When Whereas Whether While

Fused sentences � 3. Add a subordinating conjunction to make one of the clauses dependent. �The Alamo holds a special place in American history because it was the site of an important battle between the United States and Mexico.

Fused sentences � 4. Insert a comma + a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS). �The Alamo holds a special place in American history, for it was the site of an important battle between the United States and Mexico.

Examples: Fused sentence �She was collapsing the only thing holding her up was my uncle.

Examples: Fused sentence �She was collapsing the only thing holding her up was my uncle. �Unpleasant things continued to happen my cousin was wanting to fight one of my friends outside my reception party.

Examples: Fused sentence � The day started normally nothing was quite unusual about it.

Examples: Fused sentence � The day started normally nothing was quite unusual about it. �While comforting my aunt I lost track of time until I heard the door open once again however it was Isela.