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).