Independent and 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.

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Example of an independent clause.

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"The sun is shining." This is a complete thought and can stand alone.

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Example of a dependent clause.

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"Although it was raining." This cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

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What is a subordinate clause?

Back

A subordinate clause is another term for a dependent clause. It provides additional information but cannot stand alone.

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Identify the independent clause: "I enjoy reading books, and I often visit the library."

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"I enjoy reading books" is the independent clause.

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Identify the dependent clause: "Whenever I finish my homework, I watch TV."

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"Whenever I finish my homework" is the dependent clause.

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What punctuation is used to separate an independent clause from a dependent clause?

Back

A comma is used to separate an independent clause from a dependent clause when the dependent clause comes first.

Front

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

Back

A dependent clause adds information to the independent clause, often indicating time, reason, or condition.

Front

Can a sentence have more than one independent clause?

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