Independent v Dependent 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 dependent clause?

Back

A dependent 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

Example of an independent clause: 'I enjoy reading.'

Back

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

Front

Example of a dependent clause: 'Although I enjoy reading,'

Back

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

Front

What is the role of subordinating conjunctions in clauses?

Back

Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses and connect them to independent clauses.

Front

List some common subordinating conjunctions.

Back

Common subordinating conjunctions include: although, because, since, unless, and while.

Front

Identify the independent clause in the sentence: 'When it rains, I like to read.'

Back

The independent clause is 'I like to read.' It expresses a complete thought.

Front

Identify the dependent clause in the sentence: 'If you study hard,'

Back

The dependent clause is 'If you study hard.' It does not express a complete thought.

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

Front

Example of a complex sentence: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

Back

This sentence has an independent clause ('we went for a walk') and a dependent clause ('Although it was raining').