SAT Grammar: Linking Clauses
Master the rules for connecting clauses and eliminate run-ons and comma splices on the SAT
Linking clauses questions test your ability to correctly connect independent and dependent clauses using proper punctuation and conjunctions. Understanding these rules is essential—comma splices and run-on sentences are among the most frequently tested grammar errors on the SAT.
What are Clauses?
Definition: A clause is a series of words that contains a subject and a conjugated verb. There are two main types of clauses you need to understand for the SAT:
Independent Clause
Can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Example:
Dolores went to the grocery store.
Dependent Clause
Cannot stand alone; must be linked to an independent clause.
Example:
Where she bought milk and eggs
🎯 Critical Test:
To identify if a clause is independent, ask: "Can this stand alone as a sentence?" If yes, it's independent. If no, it's dependent.
Four Methods for Linking Clauses
The SAT tests four main ways to connect clauses correctly. Understanding when to use each method is crucial for avoiding errors.
Method 1: Periods (or Question Marks/Exclamation Points)
Rule:
End punctuation (. ? !) can only separate two independent clauses. Never use a period after a dependent clause.
❌ Incorrect:
After sliced bread was introduced to the market in 1928. It quickly eclipsed the popularity of unsliced bread.
Problem: The first clause is dependent and cannot stand alone as a sentence.
✓ Correct:
After sliced bread was introduced to the market in 1928, it quickly eclipsed the popularity of unsliced bread.
✓ Correct Use of Periods:
Sliced bread was introduced in 1928. It quickly became popular.
Both clauses are independent and can stand alone.
Method 2: Coordination (Comma + FANBOYS)
Rule:
To connect two independent clauses, use:
Comma + Coordinating Conjunction
FANBOYS
These are the ONLY coordinating conjunctions in English!
❌ Incorrect (Comma Splice):
Astronomical seasons are based on the position of the sun, meteorological seasons are based on temperature.
Two independent clauses joined by only a comma—comma splice error!
❌ Incorrect (Run-on):
Astronomical seasons are based on the position of the sun but meteorological seasons are based on temperature.
Missing the comma before "but"—run-on sentence error!
✓ Correct:
Astronomical seasons are based on the position of the sun, but meteorological seasons are based on temperature.
⚠️ Common Trap:
Words like however, therefore, moreover, furthermore are NOT coordinating conjunctions—they cannot fix comma splices!
Method 3: Subordination
Rule:
Use a subordinating conjunction to turn an independent clause into a dependent clause, then connect it to another independent clause.
Common Subordinating Conjunctions:
❌ Incorrect (Comma Splice):
Broccoli, kale, and kohlrabi may seem like very different vegetables, they are all cultivars of the same plant species.
✓ Correct:
Though broccoli, kale, and kohlrabi may seem like very different vegetables, they are all cultivars of the same plant species.
"Though" makes the first clause dependent, fixing the comma splice.
📌 Comma Rule:
Dependent clause first: Use a comma
Independent clause first: Usually no comma needed
• Because it rained, we stayed home.
• We stayed home because it rained.
Method 4: Semicolons
Rule:
A semicolon can only connect two independent clauses. It cannot be used with conjunctions or to connect dependent clauses.
✓ Correct:
The Green Zebra tomato ripens without turning red; this makes it difficult to know when one is ready to eat.
Both clauses are independent.
❌ Incorrect:
The Green Zebra tomato ripens without turning red; which makes it difficult to know when one is ready to eat.
"Which makes..." is a dependent clause—cannot use semicolon.
❌ Incorrect:
He was hungry; and he bought a burrito.
Never use both semicolon AND conjunction together!
✓ Semicolon with Transitional Expressions:
He was hungry; therefore, he bought a burrito.
Words like "however," "therefore," and "moreover" can follow semicolons.
Common SAT Errors: Comma Splices and Run-Ons
Comma Splice
Definition: Two independent clauses joined by only a comma.
❌ Example:
I love basketball, I don't play it myself.
Run-On Sentence
Definition: Two independent clauses with no punctuation or conjunction between them.
❌ Example:
I love basketball I don't play it myself.
Four Ways to Fix Comma Splices and Run-Ons:
- Use a period: I love basketball. I don't play it myself.
- Use comma + FANBOYS: I love basketball, but I don't play it myself.
- Use a semicolon: I love basketball; I don't play it myself.
- Use subordination: Although I love basketball, I don't play it myself.
Fully Worked SAT-Style Examples
Example 1: Identifying Comma Splice
In 2017, the couple converted a vacant lot in the city into an apiary. In the years that ______ acquired nine additional lots and established more than 35 hives.
A) followed, they
B) followed; they
C) followed they
D) followed, and they
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the clauses.
• First clause: "In the years that followed"
• Second clause: "they acquired nine additional lots and established more than 35 hives"
Step 2: Test if both clauses are independent.
Can "In the years that followed" stand alone? No—it's a dependent clause fragment.
Can "they acquired..." stand alone? Yes—it's an independent clause.
Step 3: Determine the appropriate connector.
Since we have a dependent clause followed by an independent clause, we need proper punctuation.
Wait—let's reconsider. If we read carefully: "In the years that followed, they acquired..."
This actually creates: [dependent phrase] + [independent clause]
Step 4: Re-evaluate the structure.
Actually, with answer choice analysis:
• A) creates: "followed, they acquired" = potential comma splice IF "followed" completes an independent clause
• B) semicolon requires TWO independent clauses
• C) no punctuation = run-on
• D) comma + FANBOYS = coordination
Step 5: Apply the rule.
Looking at the full sentence structure, if "In the years that followed" is meant to connect with what comes before ("In 2017, the couple converted..."), then we have TWO independent sentences:
1. "In 2017, the couple converted a vacant lot."
2. "In the years that followed, they acquired..."
This means we need to connect them with either coordination or a semicolon.
Answer: D – "followed, and they" uses comma + coordinating conjunction to properly connect two independent clauses.
Example 2: Subordination vs. Coordination
The idea of a "global village" is fast becoming a reality in the 21st ______ it is vital that we enlarge our worldview and understand the cultures of other nations.
A) century, it is vital
B) century, with it being vital
C) century, making it vital
D) century, with the result being vital
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the original structure.
Choice A gives us: "The idea... is becoming a reality in the 21st century, it is vital that..."
This is two independent clauses separated by only a comma—comma splice!
Step 2: Analyze each answer choice.
• A) "century, it is vital" = comma splice ❌
• B) "with it being vital" = awkward, wordy construction ❌
• C) "making it vital" = creates a modifier that fixes the clause issue ✓
• D) "with the result being vital" = wordy and awkward ❌
Step 3: Verify choice C.
"...becoming a reality in the 21st century, making it vital that..."
"Making" creates a participial phrase (dependent construction) that modifies the main clause.
This eliminates the comma splice by converting the second independent clause into a dependent modifier.
Answer: C – "making it vital" converts the independent clause into a participial phrase, fixing the comma splice.
Example 3: Semicolon vs. Coordination
Environmentalists have worked hard to rid the river of toxic ______ the population of fish still hasn't recovered to previous levels.
A) chemicals, but
B) chemicals; but
C) chemicals,
D) chemicals, however,
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify both clauses.
• First clause: "Environmentalists have worked hard to rid the river of toxic chemicals"
• Second clause: "the population of fish still hasn't recovered to previous levels"
Both are independent clauses.
Step 2: Determine the relationship.
The second clause contrasts with the first—despite the hard work, the fish haven't recovered.
This suggests we need a conjunction that shows contrast: "but" or "however."
Step 3: Evaluate each choice.
• A) "chemicals, but" = comma + FANBOYS (correct format) ✓
• B) "chemicals; but" = semicolon + conjunction (NEVER use both together) ❌
• C) "chemicals," = comma splice ❌
• D) "chemicals, however," = "however" is NOT a FANBOYS conjunction ❌
Step 4: Verify the answer.
Choice A correctly uses comma + "but" (a FANBOYS conjunction) to connect two independent clauses with a contrasting relationship.
Answer: A – "chemicals, but" correctly coordinates two independent clauses with proper punctuation.
Example 4: Relative Clause Fix
One of the foods Korea is famous for is ______ a mix of vegetables over rice served in a hot stone bowl.
A) bibimbap, this is
B) bibimbap, which is
C) bibimbap, it is
D) bibimbap, that being
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the problem.
• A) "bibimbap, this is a mix..." = two independent clauses with only a comma = comma splice ❌
• C) "bibimbap, it is a mix..." = same problem, comma splice ❌
Step 2: Recognize the solution pattern.
We need to convert the second clause into a dependent clause using a relative pronoun.
Relative pronouns: who, which, that, whose
Step 3: Choose the appropriate relative pronoun.
• "Which" is used for things (bibimbap is a dish/thing)
• B) "bibimbap, which is" = relative clause, makes second part dependent ✓
• D) "that being" = awkward construction, not standard ❌
Step 4: Verify the complete sentence.
"One of the foods Korea is famous for is bibimbap, which is a mix of vegetables..."
This correctly uses a relative clause to provide additional information about bibimbap.
Answer: B – "bibimbap, which is" uses a relative clause to fix the comma splice.
Example 5: Modifier Solution
______ Tarantino's greatest accomplishment, the movie Pulp Fiction interlaces several stories of seemingly unrelated incidents.
A) It is praised as
B) Praised as
C) People praise it as
D) It is
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the issue with choice A.
"It is praised as Tarantino's greatest accomplishment, the movie Pulp Fiction interlaces..."
This creates TWO independent clauses with only a comma—comma splice!
Step 2: Analyze the alternatives.
• A) "It is praised as" = independent clause, creates comma splice ❌
• B) "Praised as" = participial phrase (dependent), acts as modifier ✓
• C) "People praise it as" = independent clause, creates comma splice ❌
• D) "It is" = incomplete, doesn't make sense ❌
Step 3: Verify choice B.
"Praised as Tarantino's greatest accomplishment, the movie Pulp Fiction interlaces..."
This creates an introductory participial phrase that modifies "the movie Pulp Fiction."
It's no longer two independent clauses—the first part is now a dependent modifier.
Step 4: Confirm grammatical correctness.
The modifier "Praised as..." correctly describes what comes after the comma: "the movie Pulp Fiction."
This is proper subject-modifier placement and eliminates the comma splice.
Answer: B – "Praised as" creates a participial phrase that eliminates the comma splice by making the first part dependent.
Top Test-Day Strategies
1. Spot Comma Splices
When you see a comma, check both sides. If both are complete sentences (independent clauses), it's a comma splice—you need more than just a comma!
2. Memorize FANBOYS
For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So—these are the ONLY coordinating conjunctions. Words like "however" and "therefore" are NOT FANBOYS!
3. Test Independence
Ask "Can this stand alone as a sentence?" for each clause. This helps you determine if you're dealing with independent or dependent clauses.
4. Semicolon Rules
Semicolons ONLY connect two independent clauses. Never use with conjunctions, and never use to connect dependent clauses.
5. Watch for Disguises
The SAT hides comma splices with long introductory phrases and clauses. Read carefully to identify where one complete thought ends and another begins.
6. Use Subordination
Adding subordinating conjunctions (because, although, while) converts independent clauses to dependent ones, fixing comma splices elegantly.
Quick Reference Chart
| Situation | Correct Punctuation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Two independent clauses | Period OR Comma + FANBOYS OR Semicolon | I ran. / I ran, and I won. / I ran; I won. |
| Dependent + Independent (dep. first) | Comma after dependent clause | Because it rained, we stayed home. |
| Independent + Dependent (indep. first) | Usually no comma | We stayed home because it rained. |
| Transitional expression between indep. clauses | Semicolon before, comma after | I studied; however, I failed. |
Key Takeaways
- A clause contains a subject and a verb—independent clauses can stand alone; dependent clauses cannot
- Comma splices (two independent clauses with only a comma) and run-ons (no punctuation) are major SAT errors
- Four ways to link independent clauses: Period | Comma + FANBOYS | Semicolon | Turn one into dependent clause
- FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) are the ONLY coordinating conjunctions
- Words like "however," "therefore," and "moreover" are NOT conjunctions—use semicolon before them
- Semicolons can ONLY connect two independent clauses—never use with conjunctions or dependent clauses
- Subordinating conjunctions (because, although, while, when) create dependent clauses
- When a dependent clause comes first, use a comma; when independent comes first, usually no comma
- Relative pronouns (who, which, that) create dependent clauses that can fix comma splices
- Always test both sides of a comma—if both are complete sentences, you need more than just a comma!
Master linking clauses by always identifying whether clauses are independent or dependent, then choosing the appropriate connector. Remember: comma + FANBOYS, semicolons, or subordination—never just a comma alone!