Join and separate complete clauses
A complete clause has a subject and a finite verb. Two complete clauses need a valid boundary.
Make it repeatable
- Locate the subject and main verb on each side of the blank.
- If both sides are complete, use a period, semicolon, or comma plus a coordinating conjunction.
- If one side is incomplete, do not add a period.
- Read the completed sentence aloud to catch a comma splice.
Watch the method in action
“The team collected samples ___ the lab analyzed them.”
- “The team collected samples” is complete.
- “The lab analyzed them” is complete.
- A semicolon or “, and” joins them correctly.
“The team collected samples; the lab analyzed them.”
Try it yourself
Which boundary works?
Apply the method to real questions
Start with guided questions and feedback. Then take a fresh independent set without hints. Reach at least 80% on that set to record this lesson.
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