Independent and Dependent clauses

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a complete thought that can stand by itself as a sentence.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence and depends on an independent clause.

Front

When starting a sentence with an independent clause, do you need a comma?

Back

No, you do not need a comma when starting with an independent clause.

Front

When starting a sentence with a dependent clause, do you need a comma?

Back

Yes, you must have a comma after a dependent clause.

Front

Which of the following is NOT a dependent clause: 'Because I wanted to', 'When she heard her dog', 'if the snow stops', 'Nick likes to build a wall'?

Back

'Nick likes to build a wall' is NOT a dependent clause.

Front

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

Back

A dependent clause provides additional information but cannot stand alone.

Front

Can an independent clause be part of a larger sentence?

Back

Yes, an independent clause can be part of a compound or complex sentence.

Front

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

Back

A comma is used before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to separate independent clauses.

Front

Give an example of a dependent clause.

Back

'Although it was raining' is an example of a dependent clause.

Front

Give an example of an independent clause.

Back

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