Independent and 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.

Front

Identify the type of clause: 'We will get to the game, and we will have a hotdog.'

Back

Independent clause.

Front

Identify the type of clause: 'Before I went to school, I had a big cup of coffee.'

Back

Dependent clause.

Front

Identify the type of clause: 'I had a huge cup of coffee before I went to school.'

Back

Independent clause.

Front

Identify the type of clause: 'Whenever I have a bad day, I call my best friend.'

Back

Dependent clause.

Front

Identify the type of clause: 'Whenever I have a bad day, I call my best friend.'

Back

Independent clause.

Front

What is the function of an independent clause in a sentence?

Back

An independent clause functions as a complete sentence and can convey a complete idea.

Front

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

Back

A dependent clause provides additional information but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

Can a dependent clause stand alone as a sentence? Why or why not?

Back

No, a dependent clause cannot stand alone because it does not express a complete thought.