Dependent & Independent 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.

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Identify the independent clause in this sentence: 'Although it was raining, we decided to go for a walk.'

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The independent clause is 'we decided to go for a walk.'

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

Back

The dependent clause is 'Because I was tired.'

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

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.

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Can a sentence have more than one independent clause?

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

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 introduces a dependent clause. Examples include 'because,' 'although,' and 'since.'

Front

Provide an example of a sentence with both an independent and a dependent clause.

Back

Example: 'I will go to the store if I have time.' (Independent: 'I will go to the store'; Dependent: 'if I have time.').