Independent and Dependent Clauses

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

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

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence. It usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.

Front

Give an example of an independent clause.

Back

"I went to the store." This clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

Give an example of a dependent clause.

Back

"Because I was tired." This clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

What is a subordinating conjunction?

Back

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, such as 'because', 'although', or 'when'.

Front

Identify the independent clause: "After we ate, I checked out the rest of the fair."

Back

The independent clause is "I checked out the rest of the fair." It can stand alone.

Front

Identify the dependent clause: "I got in free because I am a student."

Back

The dependent clause is "because I am a student." It cannot stand alone.

Front

What is the purpose of an independent clause in a sentence?

Back

The purpose of an independent clause is to express a complete thought and can function as a standalone sentence.

Front

What is the role of a dependent clause in a sentence?

Back

A dependent clause adds additional information to an independent clause but cannot stand alone.

Front

Can a sentence have more than one independent clause?

Back

Yes, a sentence can have multiple independent clauses, often joined by coordinating conjunctions like 'and' or 'but'.