Independent and dependent clauses

A clause is a group of words

• that has a subject and a verb.

• that does not have a subject and a verb.

• that can stand alone as a complete sentence.

• that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

An independent clause

• cannot stand on its own as complete sentence.

• can stand on its own as a complete sentence.

A dependent clause

• is also called a subordinate because it can only be part of a sentence.

• can stand alone as a sentence.

Is the underlined part an independent or a dependent clause? All motorcycles should stop when the traffic light is red.

• independent

• dependent

Is the underlined part an independent or a dependent clause? He almost got hit by a motorcycle as he was crossing the street.

• independent

• dependent

Is the underlined part a phrase or a clause?

He got a ticket for running a red light. (Remember the definitions of phrase and clause.)

• phrase

• clause

Is the underlined part a phrase or a clause?

He got a ticket when he ran a red light.

• phrase

• clause

How many clauses does this sentence have?

He got a ticket when he ran a red light.

• 1

• 2

• 3

(a) How many independent clauses does this sentence have? (b) How many dependent clauses does this sentence have? Select the option with the correct numbers. Traffic signs and traffic lights must be obeyed.

• (a) 2 (b) 1

• (a) 1 (b) 0

• (a) 1 (b) 1