the three items below are also linked on the subject-predicate page
team dry erase practice
choose a DCM & a topic
list of DCMs: click here
write DC, IC and then flip it
share w/ class & discuss
individual practice
click here for digital form otherwise use yellow paper/pencil copy
choose topic & do same as above & teacher checks it; correct if necessary & then transfer to Simple Check form
choose new topic & new DCM and do the same & write on form & turn it in
contains a subject and a verb (subject/predicate)
may be independent or dependent
if independent: it makes sense
if dependent: it needs something else for it to make sense
remember
a clause does have a subject & a verb
a phrase does not have a subject & a verb
a complete sentence
has a subject & a verb (subject/predicate)
makes sense; can stand alone
contains a subject & a verb, but it does not make sense to stand alone
often has a word that hints that it is a dependent clause
those clue words are referred to as a DCM, dependent clause markers; these words are the subordinating conjunctions
the placement of the DCM helps you know where the comma goes
comma needed after the dependent clause
How do you know it's a dependent clause?
Look for the DCMs (the dependent clause marker words--they signify that it's NOT a complete sentence)
no comma
Why?
The dependent clause is at the end of the sentence.
comma needed if DC in middle
If the dependent clause is between two independent clauses, put commas around the DC.
It is RARE for 7th graders to write that way, bu that is the rule.
a DCM -- a dependent clause marker -- it shouts, "Hey, I am making this a dependent clause!"
box the DCM & notice the placement of the clause in relation to the entire sentence--then you'll know if a comma is needed
if the dependent clause is at the START of the sentence, a comma is most likely needed after the clause
if the clause is at the END of the sentence, do not put a comma
if the dependent clause is in the MIDDLE, set-off the dependent clause with commas (meaning put a comma before it & after it)