Independent and Dependent Clauses

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

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

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

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

Front

Identify the independent clause in the sentence: 'I went to the store because I needed milk.'

Back

The independent clause is 'I went to the store.'

Front

Identify the dependent clause in the sentence: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

Back

The dependent clause is 'Although it was raining.'

Front

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

Back

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

Front

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

Back

'When the sun sets, the sky turns orange.' (Independent: 'the sky turns orange'; Dependent: 'When the sun sets')

Front

What punctuation is often used before a dependent clause when it starts a sentence?

Back

A comma is often used before a dependent clause when it starts a sentence.

Front

Can a dependent clause come before an independent clause?

Back

Yes, a dependent clause can come before an independent clause in a sentence.

Front

What is a subordinating conjunction?

Back

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, such as 'because,' 'although,' or 'since.'

Front

Identify the subordinating conjunction in the sentence: 'I will go to the party if I finish my homework.'

Back

The subordinating conjunction is 'if.'