Subordinating Conjunctions and Independent and Dependent Clauses

An independent clause:

• has a subject and a verb but no complete thought

• has a subject and a verb and a complete thought

• can't be a sentence on its own

• makes a sentence complex

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

A dependent clause:

• has a subject and a verb but no complete thought

• has a subject and a verb and a complete though

• can be a sentence on its own

• makes a sentence compound

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

While the band was playing

• This is an independent clause.

• This is a dependent clause.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Because she studied diligently

• This is an independent clause.

• This is a dependent clause.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

She studied diligently

• This is an independent clause.

• This is a dependent clause.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

CCSS.L.7.1A

I eat my lunch in the shade.

• This is an independent clause.
• This is a dependent clause.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

A complex sentence is:

• two independent clauses
• one independent clause alone
• an independent clause and a dependent clause
• two dependent clauses

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1B

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.3.1I

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.2.1F

I was able to get my work checked since the bus was early today.
The subordinate conjunction of this sentence is:

• was
• able
• since
• today

Tags

CCSS.L.5.1A

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.1.1G

As she looked out the window, a bird swooped down from the tree.
The subordinate conjunction of this sentence is:

• as
• out
• down
• from

Tags

CCSS.L.5.1A

CCSS.L.5.1E

CCSS.L.3.1H

CCSS.L.1.1G

Once we practice this many times, it will be much easier to do.
The dependent clause is:

• once we practice this
• once we practice this many times
• it will be much easier
• it will be much easier to do

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B