Independent and Subordinate Clauses

Independent and Dependent Clauses

​It's complex...

Dependent Clauses

• ​A DEPENDENT CLAUSE HAS A SUBJECT AND A VERB, BUT CANNOT STAND ALONE AS A COMPLETE SENTENCE.

• ​IT IS INTRODUCED BY A CONJUNCTION (CALLED A SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTION)

• ​COMMON SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS:

  • ​before, if, since, when, although

  EXAMPLES:

• After I went to bed,... (This is a dependent clause because it cannot stand alone and it starts with a subordinating conjunction)

• Since I lost my phone,...(This is a dependent clause because it cannot stand alone and it starts with a subordinating conjunction)

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of a DEPENDENT clause?

• I finished my homework.

• The answer is wrong.

• When I exercise too much,

• Sometimes I fail.

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of a dependent clause?

• If people could just listen to each other,

• Your past affects your future.

• It is impossible for humans to be honest.

• People can change.

Multiple Choice

What is the SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTION in this sentence:

When I am angry, I drive really fast.

• When

• angry

• I

• drive

Multiple Choice

What is the SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTION in this sentence?

You won't get into the program unless you write an essay.

• you

• won't

• program

• unless

​INDEPENDENT CLAUSES (REVIEW!!)

• ​AN INDEPENDENT CLAUSE IS ANOTHER NAME FOR A COMPLETE SENTENCE. IT CAN STAND ALONE BECAUSE IT DOES NOT "DEPEND" ON ANYTHING ELSE TO COMPLETE IT OR "MAKE SENSE."

• ​An INDEPENDENT CLAUSE has a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence.

​A complex sentence

• Contains both an independent clause and a dependent clause connected together with a subordinating conjunction.

• Remember- dependent clauses always BEGIN with a subordinating conjunction.

• EXAMPLE:

  • Because she worked really hard, she made the Varsity soccer team.

  • After I finish high school, I will travel the world for a year.

​COMPLEX SENTENCES (order)

​In a complex sentence, if the dependent clause comes first, follow it with a comma.

​

​Ex: Before they reached America, Lucinda's relatives were in a makeshift boat.

​

​If the independent clause comes first, NO COMMA IS NEEDED.

​Ex: Lucinda's relatives were in a makeshift boat before they reached America.

​

More examples:
- Because Adil lies so much, no one trusts him. (Dependent clause first, COMMA, independent clause)
- No one trusts Adil because he lies so much. (Independent clause first, NO COMMA, dependent clause)

Multiple Choice

Independent or Dependent Clause?

Before the U.S. Coast Guard cutter towed them.

• Dependent

• Independent

Multiple Choice

Independent or Dependent Clause?

The perilous journey lasted two days.

• Dependent

• Independent

Multiple Choice

Dependent or Independent Clause?

Lucinda's family moved to West New York, New Jersey.

• Independent

• Dependent

Multiple Choice

Dependent or Independent Clause?

Whenever she heard a Spanish song.

• Dependent

• Independent

Multiple Choice

Dependent or Independent Clause?

If the dog has not been found.

• Dependent

• Independent

Multiple Choice

Dependent or Independent Clause?

Since she lived in an apartment building.

• Dependent

• Independent

Multiple Choice

What is the underlined part of the sentence?

When you move, it can be hard to make friends.

• Dependent Clause

• Independent Clause

Multiple Choice

What is the Underlined Part of the sentence?

The task is harder still if you speak a different language.

• Dependent Clause

• Independent Clause

Multiple Choice

What is the Underlined Part of the sentence?

Before the first day of school arrived, I worried.

• Dependent Clause

• Independent Clause

Multiple Choice

What is the Underlined Part of the sentence?

The new home would not feel like home until I made friends.

• Dependent Clause

• Independent Clause

Multiple Choice

What is the Underlined Part of the sentence?

Although I have many friends now, once I had none.

• Dependent Clause

• Independent Clause

Multiple Choice

What is the Underlined Part of the sentence?

I found a good friend after I joined the band.

• Dependent Clause

• Independent Clause

​On the next two slides, you will see a DEPENDENT clause that cannot stand alone. Choose the independent clause it should be attached to in order to make it complete and correct.

Drag and Drop

When I first met her, ​

Placeholder

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

I didn't like her.

before I met her.

because she is rude.

Drag and Drop

Before you go to the party, ​

Placeholder

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

you need to finish your chores.

after you go to the party

because you can't