Writing Formulas

IC = Independent Clause
DC = Dependent Clause or Phrase
Note: Clauses have both a subject and a verb—a phrase simply lacks either a subject or verb.

The Three Formulas:

IC DC (-): No punctuation most of the time, unless there is contrasting or parenthetical

information at the end. (-)
E.g. He worked out every night to build muscle.
Everyone left the room, except the girl. (-) phrase—no verb

DC, IC: When starting with a dependent clause, one automatically creates an introductory
phrase that may be set off by a comma. If the intro phrase is quick, the comma may
be omitted; however, adding the comma is never incorrect.
E.g. To build muscle, he worked out every night.
Note: Whenever a sentence starts with a preposition, subordinating conjunction,
or a conjunctive adverb, one automatically creates an introductory phrase/element.

IC (*) IC: Several options are available to combine (or fix) two independent clauses.
The * denotes the options available.

The (*) Options

. Cap—Period Capital
; (semicolon—AKA The Roundhouse)
; Conjunctive Adverb, (3-Piece Suit)
Sub. Conj. (Subordinating Conjunction)
CCC—(Comma Coordinating Conjunction)

Original Run-On Error: He studied hard every night school was important to
him.
He studied hard every night. School was important to
. Cap
him.
He studied hard every night; school was important to
;
him.
He studied hard every night; moreover, school was
; Conjunctive Adverb,
important to him.
He studied hard every night since school was important
Sub. Conj.
to him.
He studied hard every night, so school was important to
CCC
him.
 IC ccc IC

The CCC Formula:

Comma, Coordinating Conjunction

CC

IC?

IC?

,
Translation:
1: Highlight the coordinating conjunction
2: Analyze for IC/DC to the left of the coordinating conjunction
3: Is it IC? If yes, move to next arrow
4: Analyze for IC/DC to the right of the coordinating conjunction
5: Is it IC? If yes, you must use a comma
6: If no, no comma, unless it’s (+/-)
7: For the formula to be true, it must ALL be true—it’s a CCC formula…
 Some Notes On Introductory Phrases/Elements

When starting a sentence with a preposition, subordinating conjunction, or conjunctive adverb,

you automatically create an introductory phrase or element, which must be set off with a comma.
This is the DC,IC formula. However, if the preposition, subordinating conjunction, or
conjunctive adverb is not the first word of the sentence, you do not use a comma, unless it’s
additional or contrasting information (+/-).

Examples:
In order to build a roof, one must first have a foundation. (DC,IC)
One must first have a foundation in order to build a roof. (IC DC)

Because he wanted to build a roof, he first built a foundation. (DC,IC)

He first built a foundation because he wanted to build a roof. (IC,DC)

However much it rained, he would still build the roof. (DC,IC)

He would still build the roof, however much it rained. (IC, DC (-))