When combining sentences, where should the idea that deserves most emphasis be placed?

Placing the idea that deserves the most emphasis in an independent clause is effective because independent clauses can stand alone as complete thoughts. They often convey the main point of a sentence strongly and clearly. In technical communication, where clarity and directness are vital, positioning the primary idea in an independent clause ensures that it is easily understood and highlighted.

Independent clauses also allow for more straightforward punctuation and readability, making the emphasized idea more accessible to the reader. In contrast, subordinate and dependent clauses may dilute the emphasis, as they are typically used to provide additional information or context rather than convey the main idea directly. Relative clauses function similarly by adding information but often do not carry the primary emphasis one needs to highlight effectively. Thus, utilizing independent clauses for key ideas enhances clarity and impact in your writing.