Punctuating Dependent Clauses

Which needs a comma?

• Because the night was dark we could see the plankton.

• We could see the plankton because the night was dark.

Which needs a comma?

• While we swam in the ocean we saw seagulls.

• We saw seagulls while we swam in the ocean.

Which of these is correct?

• A lizard slipped under the door, I almost squished it.

• A lizard slipped under the door; I almost squished it.

• A lizard slipped under the door; I want Hawaiian pizza.

Which of these is a dependent clause?

• If the jellyfish arrive.

• The ocean was full of jellyfish.

• The jellyfish have been seen in the bay.

• The jellyfish arrived.

Which needs a comma?

• Once we arrived at the waterfall we heard the frogs.

• We heard the frogs once we arrived at the waterfall.

Which statement about complex sentences is correct?

• Complex sentences don’t ever need any punctuation except at the end because they have subordinating conjunctions.

• A complex sentence needs a comma if the independent clause comes before the dependent clause.

• A complex sentence needs a semicolon before the subordinating conjunction.

• A complex sentence needs a comma if the dependent clause comes before the independent clause.

Which complex sentences are punctuated correctly?

• Ciang writes her thesis while Phyu paraphrases her evidence.

• Ciang writes her thesis, while Phyu paraphrases her evidence.

• While Ciang writes her thesis, Phyu paraphrases her evidence.

• While Ciang writes her thesis; Phyu paraphrases her evidence.

• While Ciang writes her thesis Phyu paraphrases her evidence.

Select all of the dependent clauses.

• when Jay and Jas are messaging

• Lilee made Mrs. Naftzger snort

• because he never pays attention

• if you studied diligently

• Skylar and Julia are giggling again

Which complex sentences are written clearly and correctly?

• If Owen leaves another mess, Mrs. Hall might torture him.

• If Owen leaves another mess; Mrs. Hall might torture him.

• If Owen leaves another mess Mrs. Hall might torture him.

• Mrs. Hall might torture Owen if he leaves another mess.

• Mrs. Hall might torture Owen, if he leaves another mess.

Which of the following sentences is punctuated correctly?

• Although it was raining, we went for a walk.

• Although, it was raining we went for a walk.

• Although it was raining we went, for a walk.

• Although it was raining we, went for a walk.