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 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 sentence. It has a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought.

Front

Example of an independent clause.

Back

I will plant more trees.

Front

Example of a dependent clause.

Back

while the flowers bloom.

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 independent clause: 'If you work on Saturday, you will not have time.'

Back

You will not have time.

Front

Identify the dependent clause: 'When my father arrives, he will give the directions.'

Back

When my father arrives.

Front

What punctuation is often used to separate independent and dependent clauses?

Back

A comma is often used to separate them.

Front

Can a sentence have more than one independent clause?

Back

Yes, a sentence can have multiple independent clauses joined by conjunctions.

Front

What is a coordinating conjunction?

Back

A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects two independent clauses. Examples include 'and', 'but', and 'or'.