Independent vs. 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

Identify the independent clause in the sentence: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

Back

We went for a walk.

Front

Identify the dependent clause in the sentence: 'If you finish your homework, you can go out.'

Back

If you finish your homework.

Front

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

Back

A dependent clause provides additional information to the independent clause but cannot stand alone.

Front

Provide an example of a sentence with both an independent and a dependent clause.

Back

'When the sun sets, the sky turns orange.' (Dependent: 'When the sun sets'; Independent: 'the sky turns orange.')

Front

What punctuation is often used before a dependent clause when it starts a sentence?

Back

A comma is often used before a dependent clause when it starts a sentence.

Front

Can a dependent clause be a complete sentence?

Back

No, a dependent clause cannot be a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought.

Front

What is a subordinating conjunction?

Back

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause (e.g., because, although, if, when).

Front

Identify the type of clause: 'Since I was tired.'

Back

Dependent clause.