Understanding Sentence Structure and Punctuation

What is the main characteristic of an independent clause?

• It lacks a subject.

• It can stand alone as a complete sentence.

• It always starts with a conjunction.

• It cannot stand alone as a sentence.

Which word, when added to a clause, typically makes it dependent?

• But

• Or

• And

• While

In the sentence 'While the boy over there climbed a tree, the girl set up the lawn game,' which part is the independent clause?

• The boy over there climbed a tree

• While the boy over there climbed a tree

• The girl set up the lawn game

• While the girl set up the lawn game

Which of the following is NOT a word that typically introduces a dependent clause?

• Because

• Since

• And

• Until

Why is option D the best answer in the given question example?

• It uses a semicolon after the dependent clause.

• It uses a period after the dependent clause.

• It uses a comma after the introductory dependent clause.

• It uses no punctuation at all.