Pesky Punctuation: Joining Dependent & Independent Clauses

Now we’ve covered the basics and have explored terminal marks, it’s time to turn our attention to the second use of punctuation: joining clauses. Last time, we looked at joining independent clauses so now we’ll explore adding dependent clauses to the mix.

As a quick review, a clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb, and a dependent clause is one that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

>> Don’t miss the other posts in the series: The Basics, Terminal Marks, Joining Independent Clauses, and Phrases & Omissions <<

TYPES OF DEPENDENT CLAUSES

Dependent clauses are typically introduced by subordinating conjunctions. These words or phrases include: than, since, unless, because, so that, where, as though, or, and whether. Among other uses, they indicate time, purpose, results, the manner in which an action is done, or time. But what really matters when it comes to joining independent with dependent clauses is understanding the two types of dependent clauses—restrictive and non-restrictive.

• Restrictive dependent clauses are essential to the meaning of the sentence. They limit (or restrict) the full meaning of the independent clause.

• Non-restrictive dependent clauses are, in turn, not essential to the meaning of the sentence. If you took it away, the meaning of the independent clause would not change.

ADDING INDEPENDENT CLAUSES

Once you’ve got that down, there are three general guidelines you can use when joining an independent and a dependent clause. The bad news is that it mostly involves commas. I know. I’m sorry. (For clarity, I have italicized the dependent clause in each of the examples below.)

• Rule #1: Use a comma after a dependent clause that introduces an independent clause.

  • “Your computer may have automatic backup, but it is a good idea to keep files on an external hard drive.”

  • “When you go to the store, don’t forget to buy some apples.”

• Rule #2: No punctuation is needed when a restrictive dependent clause comes after an independent clause. Remember these clauses restrict the meaning of the independent clause so the relationship needs to be clear. The subordinating conjunction will act as the connection instead.

  • “The picture will be ruined if the dog doesn’t wear its holiday bow tie.”

  • “I can’t bake a pie unless we go to the store for apples.”

• Rule #3: Use a comma when a non-restrictive dependent clause comes after an independent clause.

  • “Documents should be backed up on an external hard drive, even though the computer will automatically do so in its internal memory.”

  • “I have to go to the store for some apples, as they are needed to bake the pie.”

RELATIVE CLAUSES

Dependent clauses may also be introduced by a relative adjective (whose), a relative adverb (where, what), or a relative pronoun (that, who, which). Together, these are called relative clauses and are also restrictive or non-restrictive. When used to join dependent and independent clauses, they follow the rules above.

• Restrictive. No punctuation is needed if the relative clause is necessary to the meaning of the sentence.

  • “Dogs that are blind require special attention and care.”
    The use of “that” restricts which dogs require attention, so no comma is used.

• Non-restrictive. Use commas (or, sparingly, em dashes) to set off the non-restrictive clause. Remember it is not necessary to the meaning of the sentence.

  • “The apples, which I got from the orchard, were perfect for the pie.”

    The non-restrictive dependent clause is enclosed by commas. Without, the sentence still works as “The apples were perfect for the pie.”

As in the last example above, relative clauses can also function as appositives, which rename the subject of a sentence or add a new piece of information. (Also referred to as a parenthetical construction.) These, by nature, are non-restrictive and may also be used with and or or.

COMMON PITFALLS

There are a few common pitfalls to watch for when joining dependent and independent clauses. Here, considering the meaning and context of the sentence will guide your use of punctuation.

• Pitfall #1: Determining if a clause is restrictive or non-restrictive.
  This can sometimes be quite tricky! Take, for example, “She was mad when her mother-in-law dropped by.” This indicates the unexpected event of having to entertain her mother-in-law caused the woman’s anger. As there is no comma to separate the elements and indicate they are unrelated, the dependent clause (“when her mother-in-law dropped by”) is restrictive.

  However, if there was a comma—“She was mad, when her mother-in-law dropped by”—it indicates that the woman was already mad when her mother-in-law showed up. The presence of the comma separates the two elements and suggests there is no relation between them, making the same dependent clause non-restrictive.

• Pitfall #2: Because Clauses.
  Using a comma (or not) with a because clause will also change whether the dependent clause is restrictive or non-restrictive. When “because” is used it illustrates a relationship, and whether this is a negative or positive relationship determines when or if to use punctuation.

  • Negative. “The dog didn’t win, because of its rare breed.” As the comma separates the two elements, it makes the dependent clause that comes after non-restrictive. Really, this is taken to mean that the dog didn’t win because of the fact they are a rare breed. How rude!
    If the comma is removed—“The dog didn’t win because of its rare breed”—this signals a relationship between the two and makes the dependent clause restrictive. Careful readers will realize the missing comma really means this sentence reads as though the dog did win, but its rare breed was not the reason why it got the top prize. If this is the case, reword the sentence to avoid confusion.

  • Positive. The presence, or not, of a comma will shift the emphasis. Consider the following sentences:

    • “The racers must register, because official times will only be posted by bib number.”

    • “The racers must register because official times will only be posted by bib number.”

    The first sentence places the emphasis on the dependent clause, “The racers must register”. This construction may sound best in dialogue, as it reflects the way we speak—you can imagine a character using it as an assertion. However, the second sentence, without the comma, places the emphasis on the reason why registration is needed. Without the comma, the dependent clause also becomes restrictive. With the comma, it is non-restrictive as the reason why racers must register is not being stressed.

I know that was a lot of information, but really taking the time to make sure you grasp these concepts will help end any punctuation woes you may have. In the long run, it will make you a better writer, and better able to impart your meaning to readers.

Leave any questions or comments below. Next, I’ll wrap things up with the final use of punctuation: setting off phrases and omissions.

Until then, keep creating,

>> Don’t miss the other posts in the series: The Basics, Terminal Marks, Joining Independent Clauses, and Phrases & Omissions <<

(Post Photo by Max Anderson on Unsplash; all examples written by Jennifer Dinsmore.)