independent clauseA word group with a subject (who or what does the action or is described) and a verb (an action or state) that can stand alone as a complete sentence.
You’ll leave with these skills
01Keep the words after “while” or “because” attached to the sentence before themWhen a clause starting with “while,” “because,” or “although” ends the sentence, cross out any choice with a period, semicolon, or colon before it.
02Tell whether a comma goes before “although” or “because”When a subordinate clause follows the main clause, a contrasting clause usually takes a comma. A clause giving a necessary reason or time, often starting with because or when, usually does not.
03Mark where an “although” aside in the middle of a sentence starts and endsPut a comma on each side of an “although” clause that sits between the subject and its verb.
04Catch a “while” or “whereas” that has the right commas but the wrong meaningWhile can describe events happening at the same time or contrasting facts. Whereas expresses contrast. Check the relationship between the facts as well as the punctuation.
This lesson is part of the full library
207 lessons that teach every skill the SAT tests
71Math
40Reading
24Grammar
10 full-length practice tests to build test-day stamina and confidence
A Desmos simulator to solve math questions faster
A step-by-step guide to every practice test question
The Bluebook Simulator, so test day feels familiar
A drawing for every key term, so new ideas make sense at a glance
