Independent and Dependent Clauses

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

An independent clause is a group of words that has a subject and a predicate and can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent clause is a group of words that has a subject and a predicate but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

Give an example of an independent clause.

Back

"She enjoys painting." This clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

Give an example of a dependent clause.

Back

"When she finishes her homework." This clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

What is a subordinating conjunction?

Back

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, such as 'because', 'although', or 'when'.

Front

Identify the independent clause in this sentence: "Although it was raining, we went for a walk."

Back

The independent clause is "we went for a walk." It can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

Identify the dependent clause in this sentence: "If you finish your work, you can play outside."

Back

The dependent clause is "If you finish your work." It cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

What punctuation is often used to separate independent clauses?

Back

A comma is often used before a coordinating conjunction (like 'and', 'but', 'or') to separate independent clauses.

Front

What is a coordinating conjunction?

Back

A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses that are similar or equal, such as 'for', 'and', 'nor', 'but', 'or', 'yet', 'so'.

Front

Can a sentence have more than one independent clause?

Back

Yes, a sentence can have multiple independent clauses, often joined by coordinating conjunctions.