Lecture Notes: Combining Sentences with Connectors

Introduction

• Focus on combining sentences using three common connectors.
• Importance of understanding what a clause is before discussing connectors.

Understanding Clauses

• Definition: A clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb.
• Types of Clauses:
  • Independent Clause: Contains a subject, a verb, and a complete idea.
    • Example: "English is an international language."
  • Dependent Clause: Contains a subject and a verb but lacks a complete idea.
    • Example: "Even though Jamie is talking about grammar."

Combining Clauses

Coordinating Conjunctions

• Referred to by the acronym FANBOYS: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
• Used to combine two independent clauses.
• Structure: Independent clause + comma + FANBOY + independent clause.
  • Example: "Jamie is talking about grammar, but it is confusing."
• Ensures balance between the two clauses.

Subordinating Conjunctions

• Remembered by the acronym WASBIT: When, While, As, Although, Since, Because, If, Though.
• Creates a complex sentence.
• The clause following a subordinating conjunction becomes dependent.
• Structure: Subordinating conjunction + dependent clause + comma + independent clause.
  • Example: "Even though Jamie is talking about grammar, I am still confused."
  • Alternative Structure: Independent clause + WASBIT in the middle (no comma needed).
    • Example: "I am confused because Jamie is talking about grammar."
• Important: If the sentence starts with a subordinating conjunction, use a comma.

Conjunctive Adverbs

• Remembered by the acronym HOT SHOT MAMA CAT: However, Otherwise, Therefore, Similarly, Hence, On the other hand, Thus, Moreover, Additionally, Meanwhile, Also, Consequently, In addition, Then.
• Used to link two independent clauses with a semi-colon or as a new sentence.
• Structure 1: Independent clause + semicolon + lower-case conjunctive adverb + comma + independent clause.
• Structure 2: Independent clause + period + capitalized conjunctive adverb + comma + independent clause.
  • Example: "Jamie is talking about grammar; however, I am still confused."
• Ensures balance between the two clauses.

Conclusion

• There are more conjunctions, such as correlative conjunctions.
• Focus on these three for proper punctuation and combining sentences.
• Use punctuation rules carefully for clarity.
• Lecture ends with encouragement to use these techniques effectively.

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