Grammar: FANBOYS and Clauses

FANBOYS

• FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) are coordinating conjunctions used to connect independent clauses.
• An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. It expresses a complete thought.
• Coordinating conjunctions join clauses of equal grammatical weight. They connect independent clauses that express related ideas.
• Example: The dog barked loudly, and the cat ran away. (Both independent clauses joined by "and")

Independent Clauses

• An independent clause contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.
• It can stand alone as a sentence without needing modification.
• For example: The birds chirped happily. (subject: birds; verb: chirped)

Dependent Clauses

• A dependent clause contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought.
• It cannot stand alone as a sentence; it needs an independent clause to complete its meaning.
• Dependent clauses are often introduced by subordinating conjunctions (e.g., although, because, since, if, when, while).
• Example: Because the weather was nice, we went for a walk. ("Because the weather was nice" is a dependent clause)

Using FANBOYS Correctly

• Ensure the clauses joined by FANBOYS are truly equal in grammatical function.
• A dependent clause cannot be joined to another independent clause without creating a grammatical error.

Colons

• Colons introduce a list, an explanation, or an example that clarifies or expands on the preceding independent clause.
• The clause before the colon is complete and stands alone.
• Example: The presentation needed several key elements: a strong introduction, supporting evidence, and a compelling conclusion.

Semicolons

• Semicolons connect closely related independent clauses.
• Use a semicolon to connect independent clauses that are closely related in thought and already have internal punctuation.
• Example: The students studied diligently; their teacher praised their efforts.

Distinguishing Colons and Semicolons

• Use a colon to introduce a list, explanation, or example.
• Use a semicolon to join closely related independent clauses.

Important Considerations

• A run-on sentence occurs when two or more independent clauses are joined incorrectly, usually without any punctuation.

• A comma splice is a run-on sentence error using a comma to join two independent clauses.

• Always double-check to ensure clauses are correctly joined using proper punctuation to avoid grammatical errors.

Complex Sentences

• A complex sentence contains both an independent clause and a dependent clause, often using subordinating conjunctions.
• Dependent clauses can come before or after independent clauses
• Example: "Although the rain fell, the game continued. ( dependent clause first) "The crowd cheered wildly." (independent clause first).

This quiz covers the use of FANBOYS as coordinating conjunctions, along with the definitions and examples of independent and dependent clauses. Test your understanding of how these elements work together to form complete sentences.