1. Independent vs. Dependent Clauses

2. Independent Clause
A group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause is a sentence.
Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz.

3. Dependent Clause
When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz.
A group of words that 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 marker word.

4. Dependent Marker Words
Some common dependent markers are after, although, as, as if, because, before, even if, even though, if, in order to, since, though, unless, until, whatever, when, whenever, whether, and while.

5. Independent or Dependent?
She did it anyway.
Until the sun sets.
While flowers continue to bloom.
The quarterback dropped the football.
Whenever you come to visit.
Since I don’t have enough money.
Although I had never considered it.
She needs to practice more.
Unless you have the right size.
The Alps in Switzerland are breathtaking.
Our planets revolve around the sun.
When the president arrives.
Because I can’t wait for the bus.
It is very important to brush your teeth twice a day.
We can hardly wait to see the movie.
As if he knew what was going to happen.
Than his sister can.
If you can work on Sundays.

6. Connecting Dependent/Independent Clauses
Strategy #1: Add a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS) and a comma:
Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz, and he aced it!
What are the two independent clauses in this sentence?
Strategy #2: Add more information:
When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz, he aced it!
What else did I have to add? Why?

7. Mistakes to avoid – Fragment
A fragment is another term for a dependent clause (incomplete sentence)
Because I didn’t like her.

8. Mistakes to avoid – Run-on
Combining two independent clauses without proper punctuation.
I didn’t like her she was mean.

9. Mistakes to avoid – Comma Splice
Combining two independent clauses with a comma but no coordinating conjunction
I didn’t like her, she was mean.

10. Fragments, Run-ons, Comma Splices - Exercises