Understanding the difference between independent and introductory clauses can prevent punctuation errors and sentence fragments. Introductory clauses are preceded by words like before, after, when, and while. Independent clauses can stand alone, while introductory clauses cannot. Commas should follow introductory clauses.
Understanding the difference between an independent clause and an introductory clause can help prevent punctuation errors and sentence fragments. The main difference is that the introductory clause is usually preceded by an introductory word. Some examples of these words include before, after, though, during, when, and while. These words are used to make a sentence richer in detail or to add temporal elements to a sentence.
Consider the following example of an introductory clause: While Henry washed the dishes, Janice vacuumed the floor.
This sentence gives some details about the weather. From it we infer that Henry and Janice’s actions were being taken at the same time.
You can also use an introductory clause to indicate conflicting ideas, like this example: While some experts believe we can continue to use natural gas to solve our energy problems, others believe we can’t find a solution.
Here, the sentence presents two different viewpoints that more fully explain the material in question.
The main mistake in distinguishing independent clauses from introductory clauses occurs when an independent clause is incorrectly defined as something that can stand alone in a sentence. In both examples above, each introductory sentence has a noun and a verb, which would make it look like a complete sentence. It is important to understand that the main difference between these clauses is that introductory or qualifying word that precedes the clause. You can use part of the filing, “Henry was doing the dishes,” to make a complete sentence. However, as soon as you add the “while” to the beginning of either clause, it is no longer independent and will create a sentence fragment when used alone.
An independent clause can be used completely on its own and doesn’t depend on anything else. “Janice was vacuuming the floor” and “others believe we can’t drill our way into a solution” can be lifted fully and used as sentences. If these clauses started with before, while, when, after, however, or if, they would no longer form complete sentences.
One thing you can do is omit the introductory word. Our first example might become “Henry was washing the dishes and Janice was vacuuming the floor,” which doesn’t radically change the meaning. You can also separate these two independent clauses now that you’ve removed the introductory word and make them two sentences or two clauses separated by a semicolon.
When you’re editing your work, look for those opening words that suggest addiction. You can omit them, but when you don’t, make sure a comma follows the introductory clause. Don’t forget to use an independent clause after the comma so that the sentence is complete.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
