NARI WULANDARI

2223170081
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT (2C)

SENTENCE BASED WRITING

D. FIRST HOMEWORK
Instruction:
1. Construct the most understandable definitions of of clause, dependent clause,
independent clause, and sentence.
2. Make a list of coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, and sentence
connectors.
3. Have fun with your way to construct the definitions and list. I need you to construct the
definitions and list which are easy to be consumed (understood and memorize) by
yourself.

Answer:
1. Clause: A clause is the basic unit of grammar. A clause must contain a verb. Typically a
clause is made up of a subject, a verb phrase and, sometimes, a complement.
Dependent clause: A dependent clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb. It
does not express a complete thought so it is not a sentence and can’t stand alone.
Independent clause: An independent clause is a group of words with a subject and a
predicate. It expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.
Sentence: A sentence is a unit of grammar. It must contain at least one main clause. It can
contain more than one clause. In writing, a sentence typically begins with a capital letter
and ends with a full stop.
2.

Coordinating
Conjunction
These linking words give equal value to the two elements (nouns, adjectives, clauses, etc.)
Definition
which they coordinate
 And (addition) Note: For and so are sometimes mentioned as coordinating
 or (alternative) conjunctions, but modern English rarely uses them
Words used but (contrastive)
 anymore for that purpose. They are more commonly used
(limited list) yet (contrastive)
 as subordinating conjunctions.
 nor (negative)
  Conjunctions must go between two elements (nouns, clauses, etc.) they link
 Commas are optional EXCEPT for and and but:
o and: if there are more than 2 elements being described, a comma must follow
each element being connected. The and must come between the second to last
and last element it links. For only 2 elements, no comma is necessary
Grammar o but: a comma must always precede but
rules  When to use nor vs. or:
o or: links nouns, adjectives, adverb phrases, or positive verb phrases.
o nor: links a negative verb phrases.
 Nor is also often used with “neither.” See the last example sentence
below as well as the correlative conjunctions section for more details.

 The graduate student had to teach section and take classes.

 The graduate student had to teach section, take classes, and conduct research.
 The service animal was not a pony, but a miniature horse.
Example
 He was exhausted yet very happy.
Sentences
 Mary had not gone to the store nor had she visited the gym.
o Note: Notice here that “not” could be replaced with “neither” and have the same
meaning. This is a good way to check if you’ve used nor correctly.

Subordinating
Conjunction
These linking words are often used to expand or further describe the main clause/element
Definition
(the explanation clause is subordinate).

 as, because, since (cause)

 so, so that (purpose)
Words used
 although, though (contrastive)
(limited list)
 after, before, until, while (temporal)
 if, unless, provided, whichever, whenever (conditional)

 The conjunction must go before the subordinating clause (the explanation clause)
Grammar  Commas must go at the end of the first clause, which can be either the subordinating or
rules main clause

 Before going to the game (subordinate), we often eat at the pub (main).
Example  Although very cute (sub), pandas are not suitable pets (main).
Sentences  Candice was feeling lonely (main), so she adopted another cat (sub).
 Peanut butter is delicious (main), provided you don’t have a nut allergy (sub).
  Connectors must go between the two Conjunction Corresponding
statements which they connect. Connector
 Connectors can go before or after the
subject of the second sentence. also, in addition,
o Ex. Mount Kilimanjaro is on the additionally, moreover,
Equator. It, however, has a and
furthermore
covering of snow and ice.
 A comma must follow a connector if it is however, even so,
Grammar the 1st word in the sentence. If it’s not:
though, nevertheless,
rules o If the connector goes after the
but nonetheless, still, yet,
subject of the sentence but before
in
the verb, use a comma before and
contrast, on the other
after the connector (see above).
hand,
 Connectors can sometimes go after the on the contrary
subject and verb of the sentence, but they therefore, thus,
follow different grammar rules (not consequently, hence, for
so, because
discussed). Usually, though, these this reason, as a result,
(cause-­­effect)
connectors do not require commas. that is why
so similarly, likewise
(similarity)
 A ghost named Casper haunted the house. beforehand, before this,
It, though, was not friendly. first, then, next,
before
 We had to get to the beach early. afterwards
Otherwise, we have missed the sunrise. or alternatively, otherwise
Example  The windows were very old.
Sentences Consequently, the room was cold and
drafty. while meanwhile, at the same
 Steph loves ice cream. Her sister, (same time) time/moment
likewise, adores gelato.

3. Clause: A clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a predicate.

e.g Nari smiled (nari as a subject and smiled as a predicate)
Dependent clause: A dependent clause (or subordinate clause) is one that cannot stand
alone as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought.
e.g He literally stitched mail sacks until his fingers bled. (The dependent clause until his
fingers bled modifies the verb to stitch. It is an adverbial clause.)
Independent clause: An independent clause (or main clause) is a clause that can stand
alone as a sentence (it expresses a complete thought).
e.g I like coconut macaroons. (This is an independent clause and simple sentence.)
Sentence: A sentence is a group of words giving a complete thought. A sentence must
contain a subject and a verb (although one may be implied).
e.g I looked at her and she smiled at me. (two main clauses connected by and)