Independent and Dependent Clauses

A clause is a group of related words A clause is a group of related words.  A clause has both a subject and a predicate.  There are two main types of clauses.

Independent Clause An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence Independent Clause An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence.  Here is an example: we walk to school This clause expresses a complete thought.

Dependent Clause A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence Dependent Clause A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence.  Here is an example: when the cake is done baking  This clause does not express a complete thought.

A hint: Dependent clauses often begin with words called subordinating conjunctions like if, whether, because, although, when, or since. We also call these words dependent clause markers.

Independent Clauses Remember, an independent clause has a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence. my brother likes spinach it was windy at the beach

An independent clause can be long or short: she runs my little sister runs as slow as a snail the car stalled the rusty old car suddenly stalled in the intersection

A dependent clause does NOT express a complete thought A dependent clause does NOT express a complete thought. Dependent clauses depend, or need, an independent clause.

If a dependent clause is at the beginning of the sentence, look for a dependent clause marker, or subordinating conjunction. The dependent clause will usually have a comma at the end of it. While you are waiting, help yourself to some cookies.

If a dependent clause is at the end of the sentence, it will still have a dependent clause marker, or subordinating conjunction, but will not be separated by a comma. Help yourself to some cookies while you are waiting.

Identify each of the following clauses as either independent or dependent.

because I was late

I carried my umbrella

if it stops raining

I like to play wii

when I get home

after Temi finished her homework

Joaquin and David played a fraction game

Let’s identify the dependent and independent clauses in the following sentences.

Remember: An independent clause will express a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence. A dependent clause will have a dependent clause marker such as if, whether, because, although, when, since, or after.

When Andrew got home, he made a chicken quesadilla.

It is time for the test whether you’re ready or not.

If you wait until after school, I can go to the store with you.

Rather than play soccer this year, Jose decided to try out for football.

We ride our bikes to school when the weather is nice.

Since we have some extra time, I think we should work on our homework.

Fernanda made paper flowers for the party while the cookies were baking.

Although he overslept, Oscar wasn’t late for school.

Remember, an independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence because it expresses a complete thought. A dependent clause cannot.