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

Can an independent clause function as a complete sentence?

Back

Yes, an independent clause can function as a complete sentence because it expresses a complete thought.

Front

Can a dependent clause function as a complete sentence?

Back

No, a dependent clause cannot function as a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought.

Front

What is an example of an independent clause?

Back

An example of an independent clause is 'She enjoys reading books.'

Front

What is an example of a dependent clause?

Back

An example of a dependent clause is 'Although she enjoys reading books.'

Front

What punctuation is often used to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence?

Back

A comma is often used to separate independent clauses in a compound sentence when they are joined by a coordinating conjunction.

Front

What are coordinating conjunctions?

Back

Coordinating conjunctions are words that connect independent clauses. The most common ones are 'for,' 'and,' 'nor,' 'but,' 'or,' 'yet,' and 'so' (FANBOYS).

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence is a sentence that contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.