Independent and Subordinate Clauses

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

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

Front

What is a subordinate clause?

Back

A subordinate clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.

Front

Identify the clause: 'Unless it stops snowing, you have to stay home.'

Back

Subordinate clause: 'Unless it stops snowing'.

Front

True or False: Subordinate clauses can stand alone as sentences.

Back

False. Subordinate clauses cannot stand alone.

Front

Identify the subordinate clause: 'Typewriters are a thing of the past since the computer keyboard became popular.'

Back

Subordinate clause: 'since the computer keyboard became popular.'

Front

What is the function of a subordinate clause in a sentence?

Back

A subordinate clause adds additional information to the main clause but cannot stand alone.

Front

Identify the clause: 'Although an idea may be original, it cannot be patented or copyrighted.'

Back

Subordinate clause: 'Although an idea may be original'.

Front

What is the difference between independent and subordinate clauses?

Back

Independent clauses express complete thoughts and can stand alone, while subordinate clauses do not express complete thoughts and cannot stand alone.

Front

Provide an example of an independent clause.

Back

Example: 'She enjoys reading books.'

Front

Provide an example of a subordinate clause.

Back

Example: 'Because it was raining.'