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 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 sentence. It has a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought.

Front

Identify the type of clause: 'Because he ran.'

Back

Dependent Clause.

Front

Identify the type of clause: 'He was able to catch the bus.'

Back

Independent Clause.

Front

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.

Front

Example of an Independent Clause:

Back

'She loves to read books.'

Front

Example of a Dependent Clause:

Back

'Although it was raining.'

Front

Identify the type of clause: 'If you work on Saturday.'

Back

Dependent Clause.

Front

Identify the type of clause: 'I will follow him.'

Back

Independent Clause.

Front

What punctuation is often used to separate independent and dependent clauses?

Back

A comma is often used to separate them when the dependent clause comes first.