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

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', 'while', and 'if'.

Front

Identify the clause: 'I stayed at the booth while she went to get lunch.'

Back

Dependent clause: 'while she went to get lunch'.

Front

Identify the clause: 'After we ate, I checked out the rest of the fair.'

Back

Independent clause: 'I checked out the rest of the fair'.

Front

Identify the clause: 'I got in free because I am a student.'

Back

Dependent clause: 'because I am a student'.

Front

Identify the clause: 'Several people stopped by, but no one bought anything.'

Back

Independent clause: 'Several people stopped by'.

Front

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

Back

An independent clause serves as the main part of a sentence, providing the primary information or action.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

Can a sentence have more than one independent clause?

Back

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