Independent and Subordinate Clauses

Independent and Subordinate Clauses

Grammar

Open Ended

What do you think the difference between an independent and subordinate clause are?

Independendent clause

• Expresses a complete thought

• can stand alone and still make sense

Multiple Choice

Choose the independent clause in the following sentence.

My mother drove me to school after she got Starbucks.

• My mother drove me to school

• after she got Starbucks.

• there are none

Multiple Select

Choose the independent clause in the following sentence.

My father bought me McDonald's, and he let me get Dairy Queen.

• My father bought me McDonald's

• he let me get Dairy Queen

• there are none

Subordinate Clause

• aka dependent clause

• it cannot stand alone in a sentence

• usually start with because, if, since, that, until, which or whom.

Even Yoda knows....

Multiple Choice

Identify if the underlined part of the sentence is an independent or subordinate clause.

Although acupuncture is an ancient medical technique, it is still in use today.

• Independent

• Subordinate

Multiple Choice

Identify if the underlined part of the sentence is an independent or subordinate clause.

Since this technique uses no medication, some people may prefer it to prescription medicines.

• Independent

• Subordinate

Multiple Choice

Identify if the underlined part of the sentence is an independent or subordinate clause.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of tiny needles, which are made of metal, into the skin.

• Independent

• Subordinate