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 and expresses a complete thought.

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 does not express a complete thought.

Front

Give an example of an independent clause.

Back

"She enjoys reading books." This is an independent clause because it expresses a complete thought.

Front

Give an example of a dependent clause.

Back

"Although she enjoys reading books." This is a dependent clause 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. Examples include 'because', 'although', 'if', and 'when'.

Front

Identify the independent clause in the sentence: 'I went to the store because I needed milk.'

Back

The independent clause is 'I went to the store.' It can stand alone as a complete sentence.

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Identify the dependent clause in the sentence: 'When it rains, I like to stay indoors.'

Back

The dependent clause is 'When it rains.' It cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

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

Back

A dependent clause adds additional information to the independent clause, providing context or detail.

Front

Can a sentence have more than one independent clause?

Back

Yes, a sentence can have multiple independent clauses, often joined by coordinating conjunctions like 'and', 'but', or 'or'.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.