Independent and Dependent Clauses

This type of clause has a complete noun, complete predicate, and can stand alone as a sentence.

• independent

• dependent

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1F

This type of clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and begins with a subordinating conjunction.

• independent

• dependent

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1F

Determine whether the sentence or phrase contains an independent clause

(I), dependent clause (D), or both (B):

Because it was cold outside, I had to wear my coat

• Independent Clause

• Dependent Clause

• Both

Answer explanation

This sentence makes a complete thought, which makes it an INDEPENDENT clause

Determine whether the sentence or phrase contains an independent clause

(I), dependent clause (D), or both (B):

Unless you come with me

• Independent Clause

• Dependent Clause

• Both

Answer explanation

This sentence does not make a complete thought, which makes it a DEPENDENT clause

Determine whether the sentence or phrase contains an independent clause

(I), dependent clause (D), or both (B):

Even though I did my homework

• Independent Clause

• Dependent Clause

• Both

Answer explanation

This sentence does not make a complete thought, which makes it a DEPENDENT clause

Determine whether the sentence or phrase contains an independent clause

(I), dependent clause (D), or both (B):

When I was three, I didn’t like broccoli

• Independent Clause

• Dependent Clause

• Both

Answer explanation

This sentence makes a complete thought, which makes it an INDEPENDENT clause

Determine whether the sentence or phrase contains an independent clause

(I), dependent clause (D), or both (B):

If you ever go to California

• Independent Clause

• Dependent Clause

• Both

Answer explanation

This sentence does not make a complete thought, which makes it a DEPENDENT clause

Match each dependent clause with the appropriate independent clause.

• after the show

• Show it to me so I can check your answers

• while they were eating dinner

• We will go out for a celebratory dinner

• if something bad happens

• A salesman came to the door

• whenever you eat candy

• Be sure to brush your teeth

• once you finish your homework

• Call me on my cell phone

Match the following parts of the sentence:

Please come and say goodbye when you get ready to leave.

• subordinate conjunction

• when you get ready to leave

• dependent clause

• Please come and say goodbye

• independent clause

• when

Answer explanation

*An INDEPENDENT clause makes a complete thought on its own.

*A DEPENDENT clause does not make a complete thought on its own.

*A SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTION links an independent and dependent clause.

Match the following parts of the sentence:

I want to

be sure to give you a hug since I will be asleep when you get home.

• subordinate conjunction

• since

• independent clause

• I want to

  be sure to give you a hug

• dependent clause

• since I will be asleep when you get home.

Answer explanation

*An INDEPENDENT clause makes a complete thought on its own.

*A DEPENDENT clause does not make a complete thought on its own.

*A SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTION links an independent and dependent clause.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.1