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 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 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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I will have to make dinner.

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Example of a dependent clause.

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Even though chocolate is her favorite.

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How can you identify a dependent clause?

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Dependent clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions like 'because', 'unless', 'if', or 'although'.

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What is a subordinating conjunction?

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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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Identify the independent clause: 'They love to go camping.'

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This is an independent clause because it expresses a complete thought.

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Identify the dependent clause: 'Unless it is raining.'

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This is a dependent clause because it does not express a complete thought.

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What is the purpose of an independent clause in a sentence?

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The purpose of an independent clause is to convey a complete idea or thought.

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

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The purpose of a dependent clause is to add additional information to the independent clause but cannot stand alone.