Independent and Dependent Clauses

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause does not express a complete thought.

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.

Front

What is a subordinating conjunction?

Back

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause.

Front

Give an example of a subordinating conjunction.

Back

Examples include: because, unless, although, while.

Front

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

Back

A dependent clause provides additional information but cannot stand alone.

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: 'When the sun sets.'

Back

The dependent clause is 'When the sun sets.' It cannot stand alone.

Front

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

Back

An independent clause serves as the main idea and can function as a complete sentence.

Front

What is an example of a sentence with both an independent and a dependent clause?

Back

Example: 'Because I was tired, I went to bed early.'

Front

What punctuation is often used to separate independent clauses?

Back

A comma is often used before a coordinating conjunction to separate independent clauses.