Independent/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: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

Back

The independent clause is 'we went for a walk.'

Front

Identify the dependent clause: 'Because I was tired, I went to bed early.'

Back

The dependent clause is 'Because I was tired.'

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 the function of an independent clause in a sentence?

Back

An independent clause serves as the main idea or action in a sentence.

Front

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

Back

A dependent clause provides additional information but cannot stand alone.

Front

Example of a sentence with both an independent and a dependent clause: 'If it rains, we will stay inside.'

Back

In this sentence, 'If it rains' is the dependent clause and 'we will stay inside' is the independent clause.

Front

Can a sentence have more than one independent clause?

Back

Yes, a sentence can have more than one independent clause, often joined by a conjunction.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a conjunction.