Independent vs. Dependent Clauses

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.

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Identify the independent clause in the sentence: 'Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.'

Back

The independent clause is 'we decided to go for a walk.'

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Identify the dependent clause in the sentence: 'Because she was tired, she went to bed early.'

Back

The dependent clause is 'Because she was tired.'

Front

What is the function of a dependent clause in a sentence?

Back

A dependent clause provides additional information to the independent clause but cannot stand alone.

Front

Can an independent clause be part of a larger sentence?

Back

Yes, an independent clause can be part of a larger sentence that includes one or more dependent clauses.

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What punctuation is typically used to separate an independent clause from a dependent clause?

Back

A comma is typically used to separate an independent clause from a dependent clause when the dependent clause comes first.

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Provide an example of a sentence with both an independent and a dependent clause.

Back

Example: 'If it snows tomorrow, we will stay home.' (Dependent clause: 'If it snows tomorrow'; Independent clause: 'we will stay home.')

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction or a semicolon.

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.