Clauses

Independent and Dependent Clauses

A clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb.

Types of Clauses

• An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence.

• A dependent clause can NOT stand alone as a sentence.

•  Independent Clause example: He arrived.

• Dependent Clause example: before I did

Subordinating Conjunctions

• A dependent clause usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.

• Subordinating conjunctions: before, when, because

• Example: He arrived before I did.

Lets practice!

Tell me if the group of words is an independent or a dependent clause.

Multiple Choice

She got a perfect score.

• independent clause

• dependent clause

Multiple Choice

Because she was so smart.

• independent clause

• dependent clause

Multiple Select

Select the words that are subordinating conjunctions.

• and

• before

• because

• so

• when

Multiple Choice

Before I could ask.

• independent clause

• dependent clause

Multiple Choice

It can be dangerous.

• independent clause

• dependent clause