We all know that communication is key. Misinterpretation in writing is usually caused by different factors, one of which includes poor sentence structure. To understand how this works, we get acquainted with the different types of clauses. We are going to tackle the likes of an independent clause.
In most cases, writers add a dependent clause to an independent clause to form a complete thought. By properly combining these clauses together, you can create a different sentence structure that goes beyond the typical. And when we say “typical,” we mean the kind of sentences that fits the 2nd-grade learning standards of grade schoolers.
Apart from grammar, the proper use of punctuation marks is another element to focus on. Joining two or more clauses together can be quite tricky, especially if you are unsure of how to punctuate different sentence formations. This could either change the overall thought of the sentence or make it a lot more difficult for a reader to comprehend.
Example:
The room smelled like coffee because it was early morning.
The sentence above contains both an independent clause and a dependent clause. If we take away the word because, then it will then form two sentences.
The room smelled like coffee. It was early morning.
We’re now left with two independent (but related) clauses, each creating its own sentences. But since these two thoughts are somewhat related with one another, we can connect the two without altering its clause type.
The room smelled like coffee; it was early morning.
What initially started as a sentence containing an independent clause and a dependent clause has now turned into a sentence with two independent clauses. Here, the use of a semicolon to join clauses, which shall be explained later on, is a simple way to construct a compound sentence.
Besides the use of dependent markers or conjunctions, independent clauses may also be combined by a semicolon. However, this may only be applied if the clauses indicated in the sentence consist of related ideas.
Examples:
An independent clause is a
Other than a conjunction and a semicolon, two or more independent clauses may also be combined through the use of a comma.
Understanding the different branches of our language is vital in improving the way we interact with one another. This allows us to construct clear sentences and avoid fragments for better communication. Proper sentence construction is highly important not just for formal settings, but for casual conversations as well. This way, we can convey a given message with clarity for an audience to grasp. Sentence variety is also a key factor in writing, as it can help captivate readers to keep them connected to your content.