A dependent clause cannot stand alone, though they often contain both a subject and a verb. Where independent clauses express complete thoughts, dependent clauses do not, and left on their own, ...

Two recent experiments highlight aspects of writing instruction that are rarely studied—or taught. Recent research suggests that secondary students can benefit significantly from learning how to ...

For eighth-grade social studies my teacher made us write all of our homework assignments in complete sentences, even if they were questions that only needed a one-word answer. She told us that if we ...

Letters represent sounds. Words are built from letters. A group of words makes a phrase. Add a subject and verb, and you have a clause. If that clause expresses a complete thought, we call it a ...

Sentences that snatch our readers’ attention get positive results. Whether you’re back working in the office or still in your jim-jams, no one has the time or inclination to slog through a convoluted ...

Semicolons must combine similar elements and are either used to combine complete sentences or items in a long, complicated list. Use semicolons in the following situations: Combine two complete ...