Independent and dependent clauses

A clause is a group of words

• that has a subject and a verb.

• that does not have a subject and a verb.

• that can stand alone as a complete sentence.

• that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

An independent clause

• cannot stand on its own as complete sentence.

• can stand on its own as a complete sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

A dependent clause

• is also called a subordinate because it can only be part of a sentence.

• can stand alone as a sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Is the underlined part an independent or a dependent clause? All motorcycles should stop when the traffic light is red.

• independent

• dependent

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Is the underlined part an independent or a dependent clause? He almost got hit by a motorcycle as he was crossing the street.

• independent

• dependent

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Is the underlined part a phrase or a clause?

He got a ticket for running a red light. (Remember the definitions of phrase and clause.)

• phrase

• clause

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1E

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Is the underlined part a phrase or a clause?

He got a ticket when he ran a red light.

• phrase

• clause

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1E

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

How many clauses does this sentence have?

He got a ticket when he ran a red light.

• 1

• 2

• 3

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

(a) How many independent clauses does this sentence have? (b) How many dependent clauses does this sentence have? Select the option with the correct numbers. Traffic signs and traffic lights must be obeyed.

• (a) 2 (b) 1

• (a) 1 (b) 0

• (a) 1 (b) 1

Tags

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B