Independent and Dependent Clauses

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What is an independent clause?

Back

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

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What is a dependent clause?

Back

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

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What is a relative clause?

Back

A relative clause is a type of dependent clause that modifies a noun and usually begins with a relative pronoun like 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.'

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Example of an independent clause.

Back

'The dog barked loudly.' This is a complete thought and can stand alone.

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Example of a dependent clause.

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'Although it was raining.' This cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

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Identify the independent clause: 'She went to the store because she needed milk.'

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'She went to the store.' This is the independent clause.

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Identify the dependent clause: 'If you finish your homework, we can go to the park.'

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'If you finish your homework.' This is the dependent clause.

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What punctuation is often used before a dependent clause?

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A comma is often used before a dependent clause when it starts a sentence.

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What is the function of an independent clause in a sentence?

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An independent clause serves as the main idea or action in a sentence.

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What is the function of a dependent clause in a sentence?

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A dependent clause provides additional information but cannot stand alone.