Independent and Dependent 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 dependent clause?

Back

A dependent 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 dependent clause in the sentence: 'I will go to the store if I need groceries.'

Back

if I need groceries.

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Identify the independent clause in the sentence: 'Although it was raining, I went for a walk.'

Back

I went for a walk.

Front

How do you combine an independent clause and a dependent clause?

Back

You can combine them using a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, if) to create a complex sentence.

Front

What is a subordinating conjunction?

Back

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause (e.g., because, although, since).

Front

Provide an example of a sentence with both an independent and a dependent clause.

Back

Although it was late, I decided to go to bed.

Front

What punctuation is used when combining independent and dependent clauses?

Back

Typically, no punctuation is needed before the dependent clause if it follows the independent clause. If the dependent clause comes first, a comma is used.

Front

Which of the following is an independent clause? 'Because I was tired,' or 'I went for a walk.'

Back

I went for a walk.

Front

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

Back

A dependent clause adds additional information to the independent clause, providing context or detail.