Main & Subordinate Clauses

Identify the clause in red ink as either independent or subordinate:

As far as scientists can tell, there is no connection between these two events.

• Main Clause

• Subordinate Clause

Answer explanation

It can stand on its own!

What is the underlined sentence part?

Although it was raining heavily , she refused to get in the car.

• Main clause

• Subordinate clause

Answer explanation

It needs help!

Identify the subordinate clause in each sentence.
The trees move wildly whenever the wind blows.

• The trees move wildly...
• ...whenever the wind blows.

Jonathon spent his class time reading comic books since his average was a 45 one week before final exams.

• main
• subordinate

Which is the subordinate clause?

• We will go to the beach

• since the sun is shining

• swimming

• the sun is shining

What is the dependent clause in the following sentence?

Because he was talking to his friend, Dylan was late for practice.  

• he was talking to his friend

• Because he was talking to his friend

• Dylan was late for practice 
• for practice

Select the INDEPENDENT clause:

The road is closed until this afternoon because a pipe burst and flooded the street.

• The road is closed until this afternoon

• because a pipe burst and flooded the street

• until this afternoon

Mahalia Jackson was an African American singer who became popular worldwide as a performer of gospel music.

• Main Clause

• Subordinate Clause

Although she was strongly associated with religious music, her vocal style was influenced by blues.

• Dependent Clause

• Independent Clause

Jackson grew up in New Orleans, where she sang in a church choir.

• Subordinate Clause

• Dependent Clause

• None of the above