Independent & 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 contains a subject and a verb.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

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

Front

Example of an independent clause.

Back

The cat slept on the mat.

Front

Example of a dependent clause.

Back

Although it was raining.

Front

Can a dependent clause stand alone as a complete sentence?

Back

No, a dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

What punctuation is used to separate an independent clause from a dependent clause?

Back

A comma is used to separate an independent clause from a dependent clause when the dependent clause comes first.

Front

True or False: An independent clause can be part of a larger sentence.

Back

True.

Front

True or False: A dependent clause can express a complete thought.

Back

False.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

Identify the independent clause: 'Whenever it rains, I like to read.'

Back

I like to read.