Independent or Dependent?

Front

What is an independent clause?

Back

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.

Front

What is a dependent clause?

Back

A dependent 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.

Front

Example of an independent clause:

Back

"I will go to the store." This clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Front

Example of a dependent clause:

Back

"Because I was late." This clause cannot stand alone and needs an independent clause to make sense.

Front

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

Back

A dependent clause adds additional information to the independent clause, often explaining the reason, time, or condition.

Front

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

Back

"We went for a walk." This is the independent clause that can stand alone.

Front

Identify the dependent clause: "If you finish your homework, you can watch TV."

Back

"If you finish your homework" is the dependent clause that cannot stand alone.

Front

What conjunctions often introduce dependent clauses?

Back

Common conjunctions include: because, although, if, when, and since.

Front

What is a complex sentence?

Back

A complex sentence is a sentence that contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

Front

Transform the sentence: "I will go to the park" into a complex sentence.

Back

"I will go to the park if it stops raining." This includes a dependent clause.