Dependent and Independent Clauses

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.

Front

What is a subordinate clause?

Back

A subordinate clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.

Front

Identify the type of clause: 'I cannot find it.'

Back

Independent clause.

Front

Identify the type of clause: 'When it is time to take the barbecued tofu out of the oven.'

Back

Subordinate clause.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

Provide an example of an independent clause.

Back

'Monroe removed his muddy boots.'

Front

Provide an example of a subordinate clause.

Back

'Before he entered the house.'

Front

What punctuation typically separates independent clauses in a compound sentence?

Back

A comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but, or).

Front

What is a coordinating conjunction?

Back

A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects two independent clauses. Examples include 'and', 'but', 'or', 'nor', 'for', 'so', and 'yet'.

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

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