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: 'She enjoys reading.'

Back

This is an independent clause because it expresses a complete thought and can stand alone.

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Example of a Dependent Clause: 'Although she enjoys reading,'

Back

This is a dependent clause because it does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone.

Front

What is the main difference between Independent and Dependent Clauses?

Back

The main difference is that independent clauses can stand alone as complete sentences, while dependent clauses cannot.

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Identify the clause: 'Because it was raining.'

Back

This is a dependent clause.

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Identify the clause: 'I will go to the park.'

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This is an independent clause.

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What does a dependent clause often start with?

Back

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

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What does an independent clause often contain?

Back

An independent clause often contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Front

Can a sentence have both independent and dependent clauses?

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Yes, a sentence can have both independent and dependent clauses, forming complex sentences.