The explanation begins with the grammatical fact that a coordinate conjunction — “and,” “but,” “or,” “nor” — must link grammatically EQUAL parts. It cannot link an independent clause to a dependent clause. Remember that it can never be “He is tall and Bob.” So if this is true — and it is — we have to look at this construction: …
Just a reminder: Sentence Structure, a study of clauses and phrases, begins this Saturday, August 10, at 8:30 A.M. PDT. Go to margieholdsclass.com for details and registration. And, yes, I had a MAJOR grammar mistake in my last post!!! …I give this class ONLY once a year. The placement of “only” matters!!!! Happy punctuating! Margie
Phrases and Clauses — The Never-ending Dilemma
Phrases and Clauses: How can I tell the difference? Does it matter? Can I punctuate them the same? Do adverb phrases always take commas or never take commas? Does “essential” have anything to do with it? These two language elements, phrases and clauses, function differently from each other and are punctuated according to two different sets of rules. Understanding how …
Clauses, Part 2
When dependent clauses are joined by a coordinate conjunction, there is no comma because there is not an independent subject and verb after the conjunction. …I was more concerned when I got there and when I saw his condition. Sometimes the second “when” is omitted — and it is perfectly correct to do so. …I was more concerned when I …
Is It a Phrase or a Clause? It Matters
A dependent clause has a subject and a verb; a phrase does not. …after lunch (phrase) …after we ate lunch (clause) …since Friday (phrase) …since I left Friday (clause) …before the session (phrase) …before the session ended (clause) The difference matters. For example, at the beginning of a sentence, the phrases above do NOT take a comma; the clauses do. …
The Word “That” — Omitted
We have to be aware when the word “that” is omitted — which usually makes something a dependent clause, needing no comma, rather than an independent clause, which would need a comma. …Suppose [that] a patient arrives on an afternoon and [that] you’ve been in there in the morning. No comma before “and” because the “that” is understood, beginning a …
Commas for an Adverb Clause in the Middle
When an adverb clause comes in the middle of what it modifies, it takes commas around it. When the element it modifies is inside another dependent clause, the adverb clause still takes commas around it. …He will be given a fine unless, when he calls, he gives us a reason for his absence. …I left the company because, though I …
Noun Clause as the Subject
Take a look at this next to yesterday’s blog. Don’t get them confused. When a noun clause is the subject of the sentence, do not separate it from the verb with punctuation. …Whether he is attending is not my concern. …Whether he is attending the conference on the effects of caffeine on children that is to take place later this …
Noun Clause out of Place
We generally start a sentence with the subject and verb and put direct objects and objects of prepositions later in the sentence. When these objects are clauses, they usually go after the verb. …I do not remember whether he paid me or not. …He is not aware of what you are saying. Sometimes a speaker decides to move that clause …
Questions of the Day: “Because” and Email Addresses
These are two questions I have answered this morning: I hate “because” clauses. Does this get a comma? “I am not asking about conversations you had with your attorney because that’s privileged. A clause that starts with “because” is an adverb clause. When an adverb clause is at the end of the unit it modifies, it does NOT take a …
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