Independent and 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 (dependent) 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 function of a subordinate conjunction in a sentence.

Back

A subordinate conjunction connects a subordinate clause to an independent clause, indicating the relationship between the two.

Front

Give an example of a subordinate conjunction.

Back

Examples of subordinate conjunctions include 'because', 'although', 'while', 'if', and 'as long as'.

Front

What is the difference between an independent clause and a subordinate clause?

Back

An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence, while a subordinate clause cannot stand alone and depends on an independent clause for its meaning.

Front

Identify the subordinate clause in the following sentence: 'I will go to the party if I finish my homework.'

Back

The subordinate clause is 'if I finish my homework'.

Front

What is the role of an independent clause in a complex sentence?

Back

In a complex sentence, the independent clause expresses the main idea, while the subordinate clause provides additional information.

Front

How can you identify a subordinate clause in a sentence?

Back

A subordinate clause often begins with a subordinate conjunction and cannot stand alone as a complete thought.

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

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

Front

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

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Example: 'Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.' (Independent clause: 'we decided to go for a walk'; Subordinate clause: 'Although it was raining').