Independent and Dependent Clauses

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What is an independent clause?

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

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What is a dependent clause?

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

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Identify the independent clause in this sentence: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

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The independent clause is 'we went for a walk.'

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Identify the dependent clause in this sentence: 'If you finish your homework, you can watch TV.'

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The dependent clause is 'If you finish your homework.'

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What punctuation is often used to separate independent clauses?

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A semicolon (;) or a comma followed by a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so).

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Can a dependent clause start a sentence?

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Yes, a dependent clause can start a sentence, but it must be followed by an independent clause to form a complete thought.

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Example of a sentence with both an independent and a dependent clause:

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'Because it was cold, I wore a jacket.' (Dependent: 'Because it was cold'; Independent: 'I wore a jacket.').

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What is a coordinating conjunction?

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A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects two independent clauses. Examples include 'for,' 'and,' 'nor,' 'but,' 'or,' 'yet,' and 'so.'

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What is a subordinating conjunction?

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

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Identify the subordinating conjunction in this sentence: 'Although she was tired, she finished her homework.'

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The subordinating conjunction is 'Although.'