Worked examples
Two examples
Example 1
Which best combines these? The oven broke. We closed early.
- First ask how the two ideas are related. The broken oven caused the early closing.
- Look for the choice that says so, with correct punctuation: Because the oven broke, we closed early.
- Be careful with choices that are correct grammar but say something else. Although the oven broke, we closed early promises a surprise that is not there.
Answer: Because the oven broke, we closed early.
Example 2
Which best combines these? My neighbor fixes bicycles. She lives upstairs.
- The main point is that she fixes bicycles. Where she lives is an extra fact about her.
- Who can tuck the extra fact inside the sentence, right after the person it describes.
- The main clause keeps the main point: my neighbor fixes bicycles.
Answer: My neighbor, who lives upstairs, fixes bicycles.
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:
Tap the sentence that best combines the two. A few questions ask you to choose one word from a drop-down instead. Then press Check my answers at the bottom.Circle your answer to each one; where there are brackets, circle the word that fits. The answer key, with the reasoning, is on the last page.