Independent and Dependent Clauses

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

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

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

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

Front

What is a main clause?

Back

A main clause is another term for an independent clause.

Front

What is a subordinating conjunction?

Back

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, such as 'because', 'although', or 'when'.

Front

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

Back

'Although it was raining' is a dependent clause.

Front

Identify the clause: 'She enjoys reading books.'

Back

'She enjoys reading books' is an independent clause.

Front

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

Back

A dependent clause adds additional information to the main clause but cannot stand alone.

Front

Can a sentence have more than one independent clause?

Back

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

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

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

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

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