Independent and Dependent Clauses

Front

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.

Front

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.

Front

Example of an independent clause.

Back

"The dog barked loudly." This clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

Example of a dependent clause.

Back

"Because it was raining." This clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

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

Back

A dependent clause adds additional information to the independent clause but cannot stand alone.

Front

Identify the independent clause: "If it rains, we will stay indoors."

Back

"We will stay indoors." This is the independent clause that can stand alone.

Front

Identify the dependent clause: "Although she was tired, she finished her homework."

Back

"Although she was tired" is the dependent clause.

Front

What punctuation is often used before a dependent clause?

Back

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

Front

What is a subordinating conjunction?

Back

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, such as 'because', 'although', or 'if'.

Front

Can a sentence have more than one independent clause?

Back

Yes, a sentence can have multiple independent clauses joined by coordinating conjunctions like 'and', 'but', or 'or'.