Independent and Dependent Clauses

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

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

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

I went for a walk.

Front

Identify the dependent clause in the sentence: 'I will go to the store if I need groceries.'

Back

if I need groceries.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

Identify the independent clause in the sentence: 'She will come to the party if she finishes her work.'

Back

She will come to the party.

Front

What punctuation is often used to separate independent clauses?

Back

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

Front

Identify the dependent clause in the sentence: 'He will go to the gym after he finishes work.'

Back

after he finishes work.

Front

What is a coordinating conjunction?

Back

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

Front

Identify the independent clause in the sentence: 'Since it was late, I decided to go to bed.'

Back

I decided to go to bed.