Clauses: Independent & 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

"She loves fruit desserts like apple pie, peach cobbler, and blueberry crisp."

Front

Example of a dependent clause.

Back

"Because I practice a lot."

Front

What is the main difference between independent and dependent clauses?

Back

The main difference is that independent clauses can stand alone as complete sentences, while dependent clauses cannot.

Front

Identify the independent clause: "I love horror movies because they are thrilling."

Back

"I love horror movies" is the independent clause.

Front

Identify the dependent clause: "Even though chocolate is her favorite."

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"Even though chocolate is her favorite" is the dependent clause.

Front

What punctuation is often used to separate independent clauses?

Back

A comma is often used before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so) to separate independent clauses.

Front

What is a coordinating conjunction?

Back

A coordinating conjunction is a word that connects two independent clauses. Examples include: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.

Front

Can a dependent clause start a sentence?

Back

Yes, a dependent clause can start a sentence, but it must be followed by an independent clause to form a complete thought.