Independent vs. Subordinate 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 subordinate clause?

Back

A subordinate 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.

Front

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

Back

We decided to go for a walk.

Front

Identify the subordinate clause in the following sentence: 'She will go to the party if she finishes her homework.'

Back

If she finishes her homework.

Front

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

Back

A subordinate clause adds additional information to the main clause but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

How can you identify a subordinate clause in a sentence?

Back

Look for a clause that begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, if) and does not express a complete thought.

Front

What is a subordinating conjunction?

Back

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a subordinate clause to an independent clause (e.g., although, because, since, if).

Front

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

Back

'I will go to the store because I need milk.' (Independent: 'I will go to the store'; Subordinate: 'because I need milk.').

Front

What is the difference between a dependent clause and a subordinate clause?

Back

There is no difference; a dependent clause is another term for a subordinate clause.

Front

Identify the independent clause in the following sentence: 'Whenever I see her, I feel happy.'

Back

I feel happy.