This page updated:  11/11/2020

Clauses & Subordinate Conjunctions  (Part C)

At this point, we've covered quite a bit.  We know that simple sentences (also called independent clauses) have a complete thought, and can stand on their own.  They might not be long sentences, but in addition to a complete thought, simple sentences have a subject and a predicate. 

We can connect simple sentences together using coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS), and make a compound sentence, which is nothing more than two simple sentences glued together.

Next, we learned that the last type of sentence, one we use all the time, is a complex sentence, which is made up of an independent clause that can "stand on its own", and a dependent clause:  an incomplete thought that can "not stand on its own."

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So now, let's learn about the last type of "glue" available to improve sentence variety.

The Goal:

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Coordinating conjunctions are the "glue" used when you want to connect two simple sentences.  "Co-" means equal - so you can put either complete thought first.  It's your choice.

But what "glue" do you use when a complete thought is needed to support a dependent clause: an incomplete idea that can not stand on its own?

This is where a subordinate conjunction comes in.  "Sub-" means unequal (one is more important than the other.)  So, a subordinate conjunction is used when a complete thought needs to support an incomplete thought.

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Directions: 

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1.  Print off the printables.  The word list is part of the printable.

2.  Watch the video.  

3.  You may need to watch the videos many times to fully understand.  Not to worry.   We will help you along the way.

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