🎓SAT English

GRAMMAR 6

SAT Linking Clauses for ESL Students

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Digital SAT linking clauses uses punctuation like commas to link two clauses in a sentence. There are two type of clauses, independent and dependent, and there are connecting words that join clauses. These determine which type of punctuation we should use.

What is a clause?

A clause is a group of words that contain a subject and a verb

words – phrases – clauses – sentences

teeth (word)
brush her teeth (phrase)
Mary brushes her teeth (clause)
Mary brushes her teeth every morning (sentence)

Grammar Rules: Linking Clauses

dependent clause

‘After she ate’ is a clause
But, it does not make sense by itself
‘After she ate’ is a clause dependent on Mooky did her work.
so it is a dependent clause

independent clause

‘She ate dinner afterward’ is a clause
‘She ate dinner afterward’ is a clause independent of Mooky did her work.
so it is an independent clause

using a semicolon

(between independent clauses)

You can use two independent clauses in one sentence by using a semicolon

Independent Clause

Independent Clauses makes sense on its own e.g. The man was walking along the road

Dependent Clause

Dependent Clauses doesn’t make sense on its own e.g. when he saw a friendly cat

Coordinate

If you join 2 equals, they coordinate

Coordinate clauses are independent clauses of equal grammatical rank joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS)
- For
- And
- Nor
- But
- Or
- Yet
- So

Coordinate

Independent Clause + Independent Clause
a comma (,) followed by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so)

Subordinate

If a lesser part is dependent, then it is subordinate

Subordinate clauses are dependent clauses not of equal grammatical rank joined by a subordinating conjunctions like
- because, although, since, if, while, before, after, and unless

Subordinate

Independent Clause + Dependent Clause
a comma (,) followed by a subordinating conjunction
- e.g. although, since, because, while, when, and after

Exercise 1 Linking Clauses for ESL Students

Complete the 4 multiple choice questions in the worksheet

Introduction to Linking Clauses worksheet #2 pdf download

Clause Linker Tool

Select your username from the drop-down menu and choose the Clause Linker tool at the bottom of the main menu

Try our Linking Clause Tool – move the correct option between the two clauses

Tips for Linking Clauses

Using a Semicolon

Try the “before and after test” to evaluate semicolons!

1) Check the part of the sentence before the semicolon—is it an independent clause? In other words, could it stand alone as a solo sentence?

2) Check the part of the sentence after the semicolon—is it an independent clause? In other words, could it stand alone as a solo sentence?

If the answers to 1 and 2 are YES, and the two clauses are closely related, then the semicolon is used correctly.

Exercise 2 SAT Linking Clauses for ESL Students

Complete the 8 multiple choice questions in the worksheet

Introduction to SAT Linking Clauses worksheet #2 pdf download

Student Tips for Linking Clauses

The semicolon is only for two related independent clauses.
So you can say: Joe cleaned up after him; James didn’t clean up after him.
You can’t say: Joe cleaned up after him; the assignment was completed successfully.
because those two sentences aren’t related.

Knowing some of the main subordinate conjunctions and their corresponding uses will also help:

Because – shows cause/reason
Although – shows contrast
Though – shows contrast
Since – shows time or cause
If – shows condition
When – shows time
While – shows contrast or time
Before – shows time
After – shows time

always use a comma to separate an independent and a dependent clause (can’t use periods or semicolons here)
semicolons are only used for two independent clauses and are interchangeable with periods
if you have a FANBOY you must also have a comma BEFORE it
you can only use a comma for two independent clauses if there is a FANBOY present. otherwise it’s a comma splice I’m pretty sure and it wouldn’t work
you must use a comma to seperate a dependent clause and an independent clause because a dependent is always dependent
it helps to recognize these things and eliminate obvious answer choices (like fanboys without a comma before, or two independent clauses being seperated by a comma)

Help for Linking Clauses

Details and definitions on clauses and how to answer linking clauses questions are available here:

Key Strategies for Using Words and Phrases for Linking Clauses SAT Practice Questions for Digital SAT

SAT questions

Do you wish to try Khan Academy SAT practice questions now? Linking Clauses | Lessons