Clauses and Complex Sentences Flashcard

Front

What is a clause?

Back

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. It can be independent (able to stand alone) or dependent (cannot stand alone).

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 nonrestrictive clause?

Back

A nonrestrictive clause provides additional information that can be removed without changing the main meaning of the sentence. It is usually set off by commas.

Front

What is a restrictive clause?

Back

A restrictive clause provides essential information about the noun it modifies and cannot be removed without changing the meaning of the sentence.

Front

How do you punctuate a complex sentence?

Back

If the dependent clause comes first, it is followed by a comma. If the independent clause comes first, no comma is needed.

Front

Identify the independent clause in the sentence: 'Although it was raining, we went for a walk.'

Back

The independent clause is 'we went for a walk.'

Front

Identify the dependent clause in the sentence: 'Because I was late, I missed the bus.'

Back

The dependent clause is 'Because I was late.'

Front

What is the purpose of a nonrestrictive clause?

Back

The purpose of a nonrestrictive clause is to add extra information about a noun without limiting its meaning.

Front

What is the difference between restrictive and nonrestrictive clauses?

Back

Restrictive clauses are essential to the meaning of a sentence, while nonrestrictive clauses add extra information and are set off by commas.

Front

Provide an example of a complex sentence.

Back

Example: 'When the sun sets, the sky turns orange.'