Independent and Dependent Clauses

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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 complete sentence. It has a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought.

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What is a Dependent Clause?

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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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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 Dependent Clause:

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"Whenever I go to the park." This clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

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What is a subordinating conjunction?

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

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

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Independent Clause: "we went for a walk." Dependent Clause: "Although it was raining."

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Identify the clause: "I will call you when I get home."

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Independent Clause: "I will call you." Dependent Clause: "when I get home."

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What is the purpose of a dependent clause?

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A dependent clause adds additional information to an independent clause but cannot stand alone.

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Identify the clause: "Unless you finish your homework, you cannot play outside."

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Independent Clause: "you cannot play outside." Dependent Clause: "Unless you finish your homework."

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What is a compound sentence?

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A compound sentence is made up of two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (like 'and', 'but', or 'or').