Identify dependent and independent clauses
Key Notes:
✅ What is a Clause?
- A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb.
🟢 Independent Clause
- An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.
- It expresses a complete thought.
Examples:
- She went to the market.
- The sun is shining brightly.
✅ Test Tip: If you can put a period at the end and it makes sense—it’s independent.
🔵 Dependent Clause
- A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
- It depends on the independent clause to make sense.
- Usually begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, although, when, if).
Examples:
- Because she was tired
- Although it was raining
- When the bell rang
✅ Test Tip: If it leaves you hanging—it’s dependent.
💬 Common Subordinating Conjunctions (for dependent clauses):
- because, although, since, when, while, if, unless, even though, after, before
🧩 Examples of Sentences with Both Clauses:
- Because it was late, we went home.
- Dependent Clause: Because it was late
- Independent Clause: we went home
- I will call you when I get home.
- Independent Clause: I will call you
- Dependent Clause: when I get home
Let’s practice!✒️
