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.

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Example of an independent clause.

Back

"She enjoys reading books." This clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

Example of a dependent clause.

Back

"Although she was tired," This clause cannot stand alone and needs an independent clause to complete its meaning.

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

Identify the clause: "When the rain stopped, we went outside."

Back

"When the rain stopped" is a dependent clause.

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Identify the clause: "He finished his homework before dinner."

Back

"He finished his homework" is an independent clause.

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

What is a complex sentence?

Back

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

Front

Identify the clause: "Because it was raining, we stayed indoors."

Back

"Because it was raining" is a dependent clause.