ENG 101 Sentence Pattern Sheet

1.

Independent clause .

An independent clause is a complete sentence.

2.

Independent clause ,

and or but nor yet so for

Writers connect two independent clauses with a comma and a conjunction, and they choose the conjunction that best connects the sentences' meaning.

independent clause .

3.

Independent clause ;

A semi-colon can connect two sentences; this punctuation suggests equality or balance.

independent clause .

4.

Independent clause ;

therefore,

however,

nevertheless,

consequently,

furthermore,

moreover

Sometimes we want to emphasize a connection between the two sentences; consequently, we introduce the second sentence with a transitional word followed by a comma.

independent clause .

5.

If... dependent clause ,

Because

Since

When

While

Although

After

Even if

as long as..etc.

 

 

 

When the dependent clause comes first, a comma follows.

independent clause .

6.

Independent clause

if

because

since

when

while

although

after

even if

as long as


We omit the comma if the independent clause comes first.

dependent clause .

7.

Independent ,

his heart beating wildly,

of course,

I believe,

on the other hand,

it seems,

who knows me well,

The interrupting phrase or clause, which makes us pause, is separated by commas.

clause .

8A.

Independent clause :

A , B , and C .
The series is separated by commas.

(List after independent clause)

8B.

Independent clause

A , B , and C .

(List inside independent clause)