Dependent and Independent Clauses

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a 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 sentence. It has a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

Identify the dependent clause: 'Because I was tired, I went to bed early.'

Back

The dependent clause is 'Because I was tired.'

Front

What punctuation is often used before a dependent clause when it starts a sentence?

Back

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

Example of a sentence with both an independent and a dependent clause:

Back

'When the sun sets, the sky turns orange.' (Independent: 'the sky turns orange'; Dependent: 'When the sun sets').

Front

Can an independent clause be part of a larger sentence?

Back

Yes, an independent clause can be part of a larger sentence that includes one or more dependent clauses.

Front

What is a coordinating conjunction?

Back

A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects two independent clauses. Examples include 'and', 'but', and 'or'.

Front

What is a subordinating conjunction?

Back

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause. Examples include 'because', 'although', and 'since'.