The Phrase and the Clause Independent & Subordinate clauses

Clauses Clause – a word group that contains a verb and its subject and that is used as a sentence or part of a sentence Clause – a word group that contains a verb and its subject and that is used as a sentence or part of a sentence Independent (or main) clause – expresses a complete thought and can stand by itself as a sentence Independent (or main) clause – expresses a complete thought and can stand by itself as a sentence Note: Note: When an independent clause stands alone, it is called a sentence. Usually, the term independent clause is used only when such a clause is joined with another clause. When an independent clause stands alone, it is called a sentence. Usually, the term independent clause is used only when such a clause is joined with another clause. Ex: Ex: Gertie practices soccer every day. Gertie practices soccer every day. She has improved a great deal. She has improved a great deal. After Kevin had fed the cats, he worked on the jigsaw puzzle. After Kevin had fed the cats, he worked on the jigsaw puzzle.

Clauses Subordinate (or dependent) clause– does not express a complete thought and cannot stand by itself as a complete sentence Subordinate (or dependent) clause– does not express a complete thought and cannot stand by itself as a complete sentence Note: Note: Subordinate means “lesser in rank or importance” Subordinate means “lesser in rank or importance” Subordinate clauses must be joined with at least one independent clause to make a sentence and express a complete thought. Subordinate clauses must be joined with at least one independent clause to make a sentence and express a complete thought. Ex: Ex: If you finish on time If you finish on time Which we found on the sidewalk Which we found on the sidewalk

clauses Ex: Ex: Subordinate Clause: Subordinate Clause: that Dad cooked for us that Dad cooked for us Sentence: Sentence: We all enjoyed the dinner that Dad cooked for us. We all enjoyed the dinner that Dad cooked for us. Subordinate Clause: Subordinate Clause: If you set realistic goals If you set realistic goals Sentence: Sentence: If you set realistic goals, you are more likely to succeed. If you set realistic goals, you are more likely to succeed.

Hint: Words often used to begin subordinate clauses: Words often used to begin subordinate clauses: Afterhowunless Afterhowunless Althoughifuntil Althoughifuntil Assincewhen Assincewhen Whoas ifwhenever Whoas ifwhenever Becausethatwhether Becausethatwhether Beforethroughwhich Beforethroughwhich