Clauses - Independent and Subordinate

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What is an Independent Clause?

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An Independent Clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence. It has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

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What is a Subordinate Clause?

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A Subordinate Clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence. It has a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought.

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Example of an Independent Clause:

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"I enjoy reading books." This clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.

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Example of a Subordinate Clause:

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"Although I enjoy reading books," this clause cannot stand alone and needs an Independent Clause to complete its meaning.

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What is the function of a Subordinate Clause in a sentence?

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A Subordinate Clause adds additional information to the Independent Clause but cannot stand alone.

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Identify the Independent Clause: "She went to the store because she needed milk."

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"She went to the store" is the Independent Clause.

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Identify the Subordinate Clause: "If it rains tomorrow, we will stay inside."

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"If it rains tomorrow" is the Subordinate Clause.

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What is a conjunction?

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A conjunction is a word that connects clauses or sentences. Common conjunctions include 'and', 'but', 'or', 'because', and 'although'.

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What role do conjunctions play in connecting clauses?

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Conjunctions help to join Independent Clauses and Subordinate Clauses to form complex sentences.

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Can a Subordinate Clause start a sentence?

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Yes, a Subordinate Clause can start a sentence, but it must be followed by an Independent Clause to make sense.