Independent and Dependent Clauses

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What is an Independent Clause?

Back

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

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What is a Dependent Clause?

Back

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

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Example of an Independent Clause:

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"We ran to the store." This clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.

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Example of a Dependent Clause:

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"Because we ran to the store." This clause cannot stand alone and needs an independent clause to complete the thought.

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Identify the clause: "Although it was raining, we went for a walk."

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The independent clause is "we went for a walk." The dependent clause is "Although it was raining."

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Identify the clause: "If you finish your homework, you can play outside."

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The independent clause is "you can play outside." The dependent clause is "If you finish your homework."

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What is a key characteristic of an Independent Clause?

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It expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.

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What is a key characteristic of a Dependent Clause?

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It does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence.

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Identify the clause: "When the sun sets, we will go home."

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The independent clause is "we will go home." The dependent clause is "When the sun sets."

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Identify the clause: "Since it was late, we decided to leave early."

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The independent clause is "we decided to leave early." The dependent clause is "Since it was late."