Independent and Dependent Clauses

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What is an Independent Clause?

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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.

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What is a Dependent Clause?

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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.

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Example of an Independent Clause:

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She will bring the food.

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Example of a Dependent Clause:

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When my mother shows.

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What does a Dependent Clause start with?

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A dependent clause often starts with a subordinating conjunction like 'if', 'when', 'because', or 'although'.

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Identify the Independent Clause: 'When it rains, we will stay inside.'

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We will stay inside.

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Identify the Dependent Clause: 'If you finish your homework, you can play outside.'

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If you finish your homework.

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What is the purpose of an Independent Clause?

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The purpose of an independent clause is to convey a complete thought and can function as a standalone sentence.

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What is the purpose of a Dependent Clause?

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The purpose of a dependent clause is to provide additional information but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

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Identify the type of clause: 'Although it was late, we decided to continue.'

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Independent Clause: 'we decided to continue.' Dependent Clause: 'Although it was late.'