We have already learned that clauses can be joined in several ways. In this lesson, we will closely examine some of these techniques.
Study the examples given below.
We can join these two clauses in four different ways.
Using a semicolon
A semicolon doesn’t separate two clauses like a full stop but it indicates a stronger pause than a comma.
Using a coordinating conjunction
We use coordinating conjunctions to connect two independent clauses. The most common coordinating conjunctions are: and, but, yet, for, so and or.
Using a subordinating conjunction
Clauses introduced by a subordinating conjunction cannot stand on their own. They need to be attached to an independent or main clause. Subordinate clauses are usually introduced by conjunctions like when, as, because, while, since, if etc.
A subordinate clause can come before or after the main clause. When a sentence begins with a subordinate clause, we usually separate it with a comma. Commas can be omitted when the subordinate clause goes after the main clause.
Another example is given below.
We can join these pairs of clauses using the models given above.
Another pair of sentences is given below.