A clause is a group of words with a verb. Conjunctions join clauses. Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, so) join two equal clauses to make a compound sentence: “It rained, so we stayed in.”
Subordinating conjunctions (because, although, when, if, until, while) start a clause that depends on the main clause. Together they make a complex sentence: “Although it was sunny, we took umbrellas.”
If the subordinate clause comes first, put a comma after it.
Worked example
Join the clauses with a subordinating conjunction: “We waited. The bus came.”
- We waited up to the time the bus came.
- Until shows up to what time.
Answer:We waited until the bus came.
Key words
- clause
- a group of words with a verb
- compound sentence
- two main clauses joined by and, but, or, so
- complex sentence
- a main clause plus a subordinate clause
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: L.3.1h, L.3.1i