Punctuation Pattern Sheet

Independent Clause: A clause that can stand on its own (just like an independent person is someone who can stand on his/her own); it would be okay to punctuate it as a simple sentence

Dependent Clause: A clause that can't stand on its own; it must be connected to an independent clause in order to form a complete, grammatical sentence (It's dependent on another clause, like a child is dependent on a care-giver.)

The following list includes examples of the most common uses of the period, comma, semi-colon, and colon. This list is not complete.

1. Independent Clause.
   David cuts fresh flowers for Adrienne.
   The ship will arrive tomorrow.
   
   
2. Independent clause ; independent clause.
   Michael does too; he just loves flowers.
   Mary likes vegetables; green beans are her favorite.
   
   

3. Independent clause,	and independent clause.
   	but
   	or
   	yet
   	for

   
   Amy goes to school, and her husband watches the children.
   John is a great teacher, but he has no free time.
   
   
   

4. Independent clause;	therefore, independent clause.
   	however,
   	consequently,
   	furthermore,
   	moreover,

   
   Mary works hard in her garden; consequently, her lettuce is delicious.
   I have to go to the doctor; however, I will return before dinner.
   
   
   

5. Independent,	[interrupter], clause.
   	[his heart beating wildly]
   	[of course]
   	[on the other hand]
   	[who knows me well]

   
   Zoe, of course, wondered what her daddy did at work.
   Mike, his heart beating wildly, proposed to Carol.
   
   
   
6. Although dependent clause, independent clause.
   Because
   If
   Since, While
   Until, Unless
   When, Whenever
   After, Before
   
   Although Susan considered herself a logical mathematician, her friends knew only too well why she could write such good papers.
   
   When I stop at the store, I will pick up some milk.
   
   
   

7. Independent clause	although dependent clause
   	because
   	if
   	since, while
   	until, unless
   	when, whenever
   	after, before

   
   Alice did it all while raising five children.
   I will pick up some milk when I stop at the store.
   
   
   
8. Independent clause: A, B, and C.
   
   Once upon a time there were three ducks: Huey, Dewie, and Louie.
   Some of our favorite students are the following: Jedadiah, Angela, Jennifer, and Bob.
   
   (But note: Everyone misses Marlene, Tom, and Jon.)
   
   
   
9. The martians are coming.
   "The martians are coming," he said.
   He said, "The martians are coming."
   "The martians are coming," he said. "Let's go meet them."
   Who said (that) the martians are coming?
   Who said, "The martians are coming"?
   

CLC Writing Center
Format from "Punctuation Pattern Sheet" by Muriel Harris, Purdue U.