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

Example of an Independent Clause.

Back

"I love eating ice cream." This is an independent clause because it expresses a complete thought.

Front

Example of a Dependent Clause.

Back

"If I don't pass the test." This is a dependent clause because it does not express a complete thought.

Front

Can an Independent Clause stand alone?

Back

Yes, an independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

Can a Dependent Clause stand alone?

Back

No, a dependent clause cannot stand alone and needs an independent clause to form a complete sentence.

Front

What is a simple sentence?

Back

A simple sentence consists of one independent clause and no dependent clauses.

Front

What is a compound sentence?

Back

A compound sentence consists of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction.

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence consists of one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

Front

What is a compound-complex sentence?

Back

A compound-complex sentence consists of at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.