Dependent and Independent Clauses

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

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

Identify the dependent clause in the sentence: 'The trees move wildly, whenever the wind blows.'

Back

whenever the wind blows

Front

Identify the dependent clause in the sentence: 'You must park on the street if the broken gate doesn’t open automatically.'

Back

if the broken gate doesn’t open automatically

Front

Identify the independent clause in the sentence: 'Although Kate is a writer, she works nights at a restaurant.'

Back

she works nights at a restaurant

Front

Identify the dependent clause in the sentence: 'Stay with us as long as you want.'

Back

as long as you want

Front

Identify the dependent clause in the sentence: 'Although she was better at music, she loved science.'

Back

Although she was better at music

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

What punctuation is often used before a dependent clause?

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.