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

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 used before a dependent clause when it starts a sentence?

Back

A comma is used before a dependent clause when it starts a sentence.

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 study hard, you will pass the test.'

Back

The independent clause is 'you will pass the test.'

Front

Identify the dependent clause: 'When the sun sets, the sky turns orange.'

Back

The dependent clause is 'When the sun sets.'

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

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

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains two or more independent clauses joined by a conjunction.