Independent and Dependent Clauses

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What is an independent clause?

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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.

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What is a dependent clause?

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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.

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Example of an independent clause.

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She enjoys reading books.

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Example of a dependent clause.

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Although she enjoys reading books.

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How can you identify an independent clause?

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An independent clause can be identified by checking if it has a subject, a verb, and expresses a complete thought.

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How can you identify a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause often begins with a subordinating conjunction (like because, although, or when) and cannot stand alone.

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What is a subordinating conjunction?

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A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, indicating a relationship between the two.

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List some examples of subordinating conjunctions.

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Examples include: although, because, since, unless, and while.

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Can an independent clause be part of a larger sentence?

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Yes, an independent clause can be part of a compound or complex sentence.

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What is a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (like and, but, or).