Identifying Independent and Dependent Clauses

 An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought.  An independent clause is often called a simple sentence.  It can also be called a compound sentence compound sentence. For example: Jim studies in the library for his chemistry exams.

 A dependent clause is a group of words that usually contains a subject and verb, but does not express a complete thought.  A dependent clause cannot be a sentence.  Often a dependent clause is marked by a dependent (clause) marker word. For example: After Jim studies in the library for his chemistry exams.

 A dependent marker word is a word added to the beginning of an independent clause that changes it into a dependent clause.  For Example: When Jim studies in the library for his chemistry exam, he usually makes a good grade.

 after, although, as, as if, because, before, even if, even though, if, in order to, since, though, unless, until, whatever, when, and while  Are there any more of these words? Why don’t you try to find out through independent research?

1. Coordinating Conjunctions 2. Independent Marker Words (Subordinating Conjunctions)

 The seven coordinating conjunctions used as connecting words at the beginning of an independent clause are and, but, for, or, nor, so, and yet. (These are often called fanboys)  For example: Jim usually studies in the library for his chemistry exams, and the results are usually good.

 An independent marker word is a connecting word used at the beginning of an independent clause.  These words can always begin a sentence. For example: “Jim studied in the library for his chemistry exam. However, it was hard to concentrate because of the noise.

 They are: also, consequently, furthermore, however, moreover, nevertheless, therefore, first, second, next, finally, in conclusion

1. An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a incomplete thought. 2. An independent clause is a kind of simple sentence. 3. An independent marker word is a connecting word at the beginning of an independent clause. 4. Independent marker words can not begin a sentence. 5. A dependent clause a group of words that contains a subject and verb, but does not express a complete thought. 6. A dependent clause can be a sentence.

 Practice these exercises at home. Pages in Great Writing.