Independent and Dependent Clauses

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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.

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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.

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"The sun is shining." This is an independent clause because it expresses a complete thought.

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Example of a Dependent Clause.

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

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What is the function of a Dependent Clause in a sentence?

Back

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

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Identify the clause: "Because I was late."

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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 punctuation is often used before a dependent clause?

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

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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, such as 'although', 'because', 'if', and 'when'.

Front

Identify the clause: "Whenever she calls, I answer."

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Independent Clause: "I answer." Dependent Clause: "Whenever she calls."