Worked examples
Two examples
Example 1
Because the train was ______ were late.Choices: delayed we / delayed, we / delayed; we
- Find the dependent clause: because the train was delayed. It comes first.
- When the dependent clause comes first, a comma marks where it ends.
- A semicolon would not work: it joins two complete sentences, and the because part is not one.
Answer: Because the train was delayed, we were late.
Example 2
We were late ______ train was delayed.Choices: , because the / because the / because, the
- The same two clauses, but now the dependent clause comes second.
- When the dependent clause comes second, no comma is needed.
- And a comma never goes right after because.
Answer: We were late because the train was delayed.
Where this is taught: Sentences: Start Here, Part 4: Joining ideas that are not equal
More practice: Quiz 34, Combining sentences · In your Kaplan book: Unit 1, Chapter 4, Lesson 4, “Subordinate Ideas”
The drill
Ten questions
How many:
In each sentence, open the drop-down and choose the words that make the sentence correct, the way the GED test asks. A few questions ask you to tap a whole sentence instead. Then press Check my answers at the bottom.In each sentence, circle the choice in the brackets that makes the sentence correct; where whole sentences are given, circle one. The answer key, with the reasoning, is on the last page.