2-5: 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 clause: 'My dog is black and brown.'

Back

Independent clause.

Front

Identify the clause: 'Because she had lost her job.'

Back

Dependent clause.

Front

Identify the clause: 'The store ran out of the sale item quickly.'

Back

Independent clause.

Front

What does it mean for a clause to express a complete thought?

Back

It means that the clause can stand alone as a sentence and makes sense by itself.

Front

What is an example of a dependent clause?

Back

'When my mother arrives' is a dependent clause.

Front

What is an example of an independent clause?

Back

'I enjoy reading books' is an independent clause.

Front

What punctuation often follows a dependent clause when it starts a sentence?

Back

A comma is often used after a dependent clause when it precedes an independent clause.

Front

Can a dependent clause be a complete sentence?

Back

No, a dependent clause cannot be a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought.