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.

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 starts with a subordinating conjunction.

Front

What is a subordinating conjunction?

Back

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects an independent clause with a dependent clause. Examples include 'because', 'when', 'after', and 'although'.

Front

Give an example of an independent clause.

Back

I like to read books.

Front

Give an example of a dependent clause.

Back

Although I like to read books.

Front

What is the purpose of a comma before a subordinating conjunction?

Back

A comma is used before a subordinating conjunction when the dependent clause comes before the independent clause.

Front

What is the effect of removing a subordinating conjunction from a sentence?

Back

Removing a subordinating conjunction can change the meaning of the sentence or make it grammatically incorrect.

Front

Identify the independent clause in this sentence: 'When it rains, we stay inside.'

Back

The independent clause is 'we stay inside.'

Front

Identify the dependent clause in this sentence: 'If you study hard, you will pass the test.'

Back

The dependent clause is 'If you study hard.'

Front

What is the difference between an independent clause and a dependent clause?

Back

An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, while a dependent clause cannot.