Independent and Dependent Clauses

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

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

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

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

Front

Identify the following: 'when I get home from school'.

Back

Dependent Clause

Front

Identify the following: 'I love eating ice cream.'

Back

Independent Clause

Front

Identify the following: 'My favourite subject is English.'

Back

Independent Clause

Front

Identify the following: 'She drove to Toronto.'

Back

Independent Clause

Front

Identify the following: 'if I don't pass the test'.

Back

Dependent Clause

Front

What is the main difference between independent and dependent clauses?

Back

The main difference is that independent clauses can stand alone as complete sentences, while dependent clauses cannot.

Front

Can a dependent clause be part of a larger sentence?

Back

Yes, a dependent clause can be part of a larger sentence, usually functioning as an adjective, adverb, or noun.

Front

Give an example of a sentence with both an independent and a dependent clause.

Back

Example: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.' (Dependent clause: 'Although it was raining'; Independent clause: 'we went for a walk.')