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

Example of an independent clause: 'Cheetahs are the fastest land animals.'

Back

This is an independent clause because it expresses a complete thought and can stand alone.

Front

Example of a dependent clause: 'While I was playing soccer.'

Back

This is a dependent clause because it does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone.

Front

What is the main difference between independent and dependent clauses?

Back

The main difference is that independent clauses can stand alone as complete sentences, while dependent clauses cannot.

Front

Identify the clause: 'She not only bought two dresses but she got matching shoes.'

Back

Independent Clause.

Front

Identify the clause: 'I was watching my brother play video games.'

Back

Independent Clause.

Front

Identify the clause: 'While I was playing soccer.'

Back

Dependent Clause.

Front

Identify the clause: 'The beach is a lot of fun, but the movies are even better.'

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.