Independent and Dependent Clauses

Independent and Dependent Clauses

My High School Essay

I am really excited for high school. It will be fun. I will do sports. I will take interesting classes. I will be successful.

Open Ended

What's wrong with that paragraph?

Independent Clauses

• Express a complete thought

• Can stand alone (acting as a complete sentence)

Examples of Independent Clauses

• She is hungry.

• The earth circles around the sun.

• I am feeling tired.

Independent Clauses are fine...

I am really excited for high school. It will be fun. I will do sports. I will take interesting classes. I will be successful.

But...

coupling them with dependent clauses will make your writing stronger.

Dependent clauses

• Do not represent a complete thought.

• Cannot stand alone as a sentence.

• Need to be connected to another clause.

• Can add detail to independent clauses.

Examples of dependent clauses

• Before I start high school...

• After we won the game...

• ... because it was raining.

• 
  

Multiple Choice

If you have made your decision and are sure

• Dependent

• Independent

Multiple Choice

We ate lunch.

• Dependent

• Independent

Multiple Choice

She took great care of the dog and its puppies.

• Dependent

• Independent

Multiple Choice

After we left the party

• Dependent

• Independent

Multiple Choice

The plane took off an hour late.

• Independent

• Dependent

Multiple Choice

Unless he can get an appointment to see the doctor

• Dependent

• Independent

Multiple Choice

I couldn't find it.

• Dependent

• Independent

Multiple Choice

Don't worry about the lost package.

• Dependent

• Independent

Multiple Choice

Since the weather is so hot and dry in the desert

• Dependent

• Independent