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.

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.

Front

Example of an independent clause.

Back

I enjoy reading books.

Front

Example of a dependent clause.

Back

Although I enjoy reading books.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

What punctuation is used before an independent clause when it follows a dependent clause?

Back

A comma is used before an independent clause when it follows a dependent clause.

Front

Identify the independent clause: 'When it rains, the ground gets wet.'

Back

The ground gets wet.

Front

Identify the dependent clause: 'Because I was tired.'

Back

Because I was tired.

Front

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

Back

A dependent clause provides additional information but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

Can a sentence have more than one independent clause?

Back

Yes, a sentence can have more than one independent clause, often joined by a conjunction.