Clauses

Front

What is a clause?

Back

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. It can express a complete thought (independent clause) or an incomplete thought (dependent clause).

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence. It 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 sentence. It does not express a complete thought and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.

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, such as 'because', 'although', 'if', and 'when'.

Front

Identify the clause: "When the sun sets, the sky turns orange."

Back

The clause "When the sun sets" is a dependent clause.

Front

Identify the clause: "The dog barked loudly."

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The clause "The dog barked loudly" is an independent clause.

Front

What is the function of an independent clause in a sentence?

Back

An independent clause serves as the main idea of a sentence and can stand alone.

Front

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

Back

A dependent clause adds additional information to the sentence but cannot stand alone.