4.  Combining Dependent and Independent Clauses

Okay, here we are.  This is where we get down to the down and dirty, nitty-gritty truth of periods and commas and everything else you always wanted to know about how to get your point across in English.

It’s pretty simple.

When the dependent clause comes first (remember – dependent clauses start with words like when and after and while and before), they are separated from the independent clause by a comma.

Example:
       While I was sleeping, a little mouse ran over my foot.
       Before I had my daughter, I slept in on Saturday mornings.
       During commercials, I mute the sound on the tv.

And guess what?  When the independent clause comes first, it’s the reverse!

Example:
      A little mouse ran over my foot while I was sleeping.
      I slept in on Saturday mornings before my daughter was born.
      I mute the sound on the tv during commercials.

Maybe you can make up your own shortcut to remember this.  For example, since the independent clause is “stronger” it can go first and “carry” the dependent clause.  It doesn’t need a comma.  But when the dependent clause goes first, it needs a little cane – that’s the comma!  If this method doesn’t work for you, come up with your own.

The best way to remember this rule is to PRACTICE! PRACTICE PRACTICE!

Write your own sentences combining dependent and independent sentences (or any other sort of punctuation practice) and send them to me in an email (at zimzamjamz@yahoo.com).  I will correct them and send them back to you. If you need ideas for dependent clauses, check back with the list of words that start them in section 2.

Remember, it takes time to digest all this information and put it into practice each time you write.

The important thing is to focus on learning the basic principles and then putting them into practice  until you don’t have to think about them anymore.  Writing is just like driving. – When you first learn to drive, everything is something you have to think about.  Looking in the rear-view mirror, braking, stepping on the clutch, none of these things comes naturally.  But after practicing a while (and maybe even a few fender benders!) you’re driving like a pro and all you’re thinking about is the road and your destination.

Enjoy the ride!

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