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

Identify the clause: 'When I read a novel.' Is it independent or dependent?

Back

Dependent

Front

Identify the clause: 'Joe was behind on his work.' Is it independent or dependent?

Back

Independent

Front

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

Back

A dependent clause provides additional information to the independent clause but cannot stand alone.

Front

What punctuation is often used before an independent clause when it follows a dependent clause?

Back

A comma is often used before an independent clause when it follows a dependent clause.

Front

Example of a sentence with both an independent and a dependent clause:

Back

'Because it was raining, we stayed indoors.' (Dependent: 'Because it was raining'; Independent: 'we stayed indoors.').

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 'if.'

Front

Identify the subordinating conjunction in this sentence: 'If you subscribe to this online service, you will need a password.'

Back

'If' is the subordinating conjunction.

Front

Can a dependent clause be a complete sentence?

Back

No, a dependent clause cannot be a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought.