Independent/Dependent Clauses

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence. It contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence. It contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought.

Front

Identify the main function of an independent clause in a sentence.

Back

The main function of an independent clause is to convey a complete idea or thought, allowing it to stand alone.

Front

Identify the main function of a dependent clause in a sentence.

Back

The main function of a dependent clause is to provide additional information to the independent clause, but it cannot stand alone.

Front

What is the difference between independent and dependent clauses?

Back

Independent clauses can stand alone as sentences, while dependent clauses cannot stand alone and rely on independent clauses for meaning.

Front

Example of a sentence with an independent clause.

Back

The dog barked loudly.

Front

Example of a sentence with a dependent clause.

Back

Although it was raining.

Front

What punctuation is often used to separate independent clauses?

Back

A comma is often used before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to separate independent clauses.

Front

What is a coordinating conjunction?

Back

A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects two independent clauses. Examples include 'and', 'but', and 'or'.

Front

What is a subordinating conjunction?

Back

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause. Examples include 'although', 'because', and 'if'.