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Forming Sentences Containing Transitions You can use transitions (joining words and phrases) to show the connections between ideas in a piece of writing. Different kinds of transitions require different sentence structures. The following information explains how to form and punctuate two kinds of sentences: compound and complex. An independent clause is a construction that expresses a complete thought. You can join two or more independent clauses with a transition to form a COMPOUND SENTENCE. How you punctuate the sentence depends on the transition. Independent clause, , , , , , , and but or nor for yet so independent clause. NOTE: With these transitions, use a comma between the clauses.

The wind roared in the chimney, and the sleet beat against the window panes. I mailed my rent cheque, but the landlord never received it. Independent clause; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; furthermore, independent clause. in addition, as a result, consequently, NOTE: With these transitions and therefore, others like them, use a semicolon between however, the clauses. Use a comma after instead, the transition. nevertheless, on the other hand, meanwhile, for instance,

The most qualified candidate has a graduate degree; in addition, she has twenty years experience. The letter lay in plain view on the desk; however, no one in the room noticed it. We waited for James at the airport; meanwhile, James was caught in traffic on the QEW.

A dependent clause contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought. One type of dependent clause begins with a transition such as after although as soon as before INDEPENDENT CLAUSE: DEPENDENT CLAUSE: even though if since unless until when while

Trevor slammed on the brakes. When Trevor slammed on the brakes

You can join ideas by expressing one in a dependent clause and one in an independent clause. Such a sentence is COMPLEX. Use a comma between the clauses if the dependent clause comes first. Do not use a comma if the independent clause comes first. When Trevor slammed on the brakes , the car slid into the ditch. The car slid into the ditch when Trevor slammed on the brakes. NOTE: Use a COMPOUND sentence when you want to join ideas of equal importance. Jobs were scarce during the Great Depression; as a result, many men left their homes and travelled across the country searching for work. [This sentence gives equal emphasis to both ideas.] Use a COMPLEX sentence when you want to emphasize one idea and de-emphasize another. Put the idea you want to emphasize in the independent clause and the one you want to de-emphasize in the dependent clause. Because jobs were scarce during the Great Depression, many men left their homes and travelled across the country searching for work. [This sentence emphasizes the idea that men left their homes and travelled in search of work.]