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Anonymous Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
independent and dependent clauses
Even though I've spent so much time on it, I still do not really understand the difference between dependent and independent clauses.
It is explained that dependent clauses are such clauses that cannot stand alone by itself, because they do not express a complete thought, e.g.
"When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz".
This clause cannot stand by itself, because of the subordinator "When", which indeed is not hard to understand.
But the point I do not understand is why clauses beginning with for,and,nor,but,or,yet,so ( F-A-N-B-O-Y-S ) are independent.
Consider the following sentence:
"Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz, but it was hard to concentrate because of the noise."
It contains the independent clause "but it was hard to concentrate because of the noise".
But why is it independent?
At least in my perception, it also does not really express a complete thought, as the word "but" indicates a contrast to something expressed in another clause.
Therefore, I would consider the clause above dependent on that other clause.
So what is the true difference between coordinating FANBOYS-conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions?
It is explained that dependent clauses are such clauses that cannot stand alone by itself, because they do not express a complete thought, e.g.
"When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz".
This clause cannot stand by itself, because of the subordinator "When", which indeed is not hard to understand.
But the point I do not understand is why clauses beginning with for,and,nor,but,or,yet,so ( F-A-N-B-O-Y-S ) are independent.
Consider the following sentence:
"Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz, but it was hard to concentrate because of the noise."
It contains the independent clause "but it was hard to concentrate because of the noise".
But why is it independent?
At least in my perception, it also does not really express a complete thought, as the word "but" indicates a contrast to something expressed in another clause.
Therefore, I would consider the clause above dependent on that other clause.
So what is the true difference between coordinating FANBOYS-conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions?
Top answer
Anonymous But why is it independent? Simply because it can stand alone according to our sentence structure system:: Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz. But it was hard to concentrate because of the noise.
- Anonymous But why is it independent?
- Simply because it can stand alone according to our sentence structure system:: Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz.
- But it was hard to concentrate because of the noise.
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6 Answers
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AnonymousBut why is it independent?Simply because it can stand alone according to our sentence structure system::
Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz. But it was hard to concentrate because of the noise.
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A conjunction joins two clauses. Some conjunctions join two independent clauses, the so-called FANBOYS.
Other conjunctions make the clause they are with dependent. Those include while, since, although, and many others. Those are called "subordinating conjunctions." Here is one resource that might help you recognize when you have a dependent clause:
Other conjunctions make the clause they are with dependent. Those include while, since, although, and many others. Those are called "subordinating conjunctions." Here is one resource that might help you recognize when you have a dependent clause:
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I think I've got it. Are the FANBOYS-conjunctions the only conjunctions that can stand at the beginning of a simple sentence?
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Most people will tell you that starting the "And" or "But" can only be done in less formal writing situations, but that it's very common.
Starting with a subordinating conjunction creates a fragment (if you don't have the independent clause after it). Many writers make effective use of fragments, but it needs to be a deliberate choice to "break the rules." As someone leaning English, you
Starting with a subordinating conjunction creates a fragment (if you don't have the independent clause after it). Many writers make effective use of fragments, but it needs to be a deliberate choice to "break the rules." As someone leaning English, you
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AnonymousAre the FANBOYS-conjunctions the only conjunctions that can stand at the beginning of a simple sentence?Conjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, consequently, etc.) can also begin new sentences.
My alarm clock never went off; therefore, I was late for work.
My alarm clock never went off. Therefore, I was la
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Aspara GusConjunctive adverbs (however, therefore, consequently, etc.) can also begin new sentences.
My alarm clock never went off; therefore, I was late for work.
My alarm clock never went off. Therefore, I was late for work.Conjunctive adverbs ar are no conjunctions but adverbs, aren't they?
And therefore,
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