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Dependant Clauses and Phrases

Knowing how to distinguish a dependent clause or a phrase from an independent clause will help you to use punctuation correctly and construct proper sentences. A dependent clause or a phrase can not stand alone as a sentence. It is therefore dependent on other words being added to it to create a sentence. An independent clause, by contrast, can stand alone as a sentence, or it can be combined with one or more other clauses or phrases to form a complex sentence, through the proper use of punctuation and conjunctions.

 
1.  Dependent Clauses Not Constituting a Sentence ("Sentence Fragments") -- Students sometimes write a dependent clause when they think they are writing a sentence. This is one of the worst writing errors one can make. Dependent clauses left standing alone are often referred to as sentence fragments. While they contain a subject and a verb, they nonetheless represent incomplete thoughts. Be sure that you understand the difference between a dependent clause and a sentence. The following are examples of dependent clauses that, like all such clauses, do not constitute sentences.
 

Before the trial ended.

Because the judge takes a narrow view of statutory construction.

Although it could be reversed on appeal.

2.  Turning Dependent Clauses into Sentences. One generally can turn any dependent clause (or a series of dependent clauses) into a sentence by combining it with an independent clause and one or more punctuation marks or conjunctions.

 

Incorrect: Before the trial ended.

Incorrect: Before the trial ended but after the judge ruled on the defense motion.

Correct: Before the trial ended, but after the judge ruled on the defense motion, defense counsel preserved her objection for appeal.

Incorrect: The trial court's ruling constituted a final order. Although it could be reversed on appeal.

Correct: The trial court's ruling constituted a final order, although it could be reversed on appeal.

Incorrect: The plaintiffs are unlikely to succeed. Because the judge takes a narrow view of statutory construction.

Correct: The plaintiffs are unlikely to succeed because the judge takes a narrow view of statutory construction.

3.  Phrases Not Constituting a Sentence. A phrase is different from a dependent clause because unlike the dependent clause it generally lacks a subject. However, like a dependent clause, it can not stand alone and is dependent on a clause being added. The following are a few examples of phrases.

 

Affirming the trial court's ruling [Lacks a subject for the verb "affirming"]

Having tried the case [Lacks a subject for the verb "having"]

4.  Turning Phrases into Sentences. One generally can turn any phrase into a sentence by combining it with an independent clause and one or more punctuation marks or conjunctions.

 

Incorrect: The appellate court held that the evidence was inadmissible. Affirming the trial court's ruling.

Correct: The appellate court held that the evidence was inadmissible, affirming the trial court's ruling.

5.  Do not connect two independent clauses with a comma ("comma splice"). Two independent clauses, by definition, can each stand alone as a sentence. However, they can not be pieced together with a comma. Instead, either use a semicolon or separate the clauses out as two sentences.

 

Incorrect: One can not separate the emergency function from the other functions of a flight attendant, it is inherent in the job.

Correct: One can not separate the emergency function from the other functions of a flight attendant. It is inherent in the job.


Also Correct:
 

One can not separate the emergency function from the other functions of a flight attendant; it is inherent in the job.

Cross References: Commas, Semicolons

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