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.

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Example of an independent clause.

Back

"The dog barked loudly." This is an independent clause because it expresses a complete thought.

Front

Example of a dependent clause.

Back

"Although it was raining." This is a dependent clause because it does not express a complete thought.

Front

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

Back

A dependent clause adds information to an independent clause but cannot stand alone.

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Identify the clause: "When the sun sets."

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Dependent clause.

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Identify the clause: "She enjoys reading books."

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Independent clause.

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What connects independent and dependent clauses?

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They are often connected by subordinating conjunctions like 'because', 'although', or 'while'.

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What is a subordinating conjunction?

Back

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, indicating a relationship between the two.

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

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"Although it was cold, we went for a walk." Here, "Although it was cold" is the dependent clause, and "we went for a walk" is the independent clause.