Clauses and Sentences Study Guide

Front

What is a clause?

Back

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. It can be independent (able to stand alone) or dependent (cannot stand alone).

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence. It expresses a complete thought.

Front

What is a dependent (subordinate) clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It does not express a complete thought.

Front

What is the function of the word 'although' in a sentence?

Back

The word 'although' is used to introduce a contrast or an unexpected fact.

Front

What is the function of the word 'because' in a sentence?

Back

The word 'because' is used to show cause and effect.

Front

What is a simple sentence?

Back

A simple sentence consists of a single independent clause and expresses a complete thought.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, but, or).

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

Front

What is a compound-complex sentence?

Back

A compound-complex sentence consists of at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.

Front

What is a coordinating conjunction?

Back

A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance (e.g., for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).