Identify dependent and independent clauses

Key Notes:

Clauses Overview

A clause is a group of words that has a subject and a verb.
There are two main types of clauses:

1. Independent Clause 🟢
2. Dependent Clause 🔴

Independent Clause (Main Clause) 🟢

• Can stand alone as a complete sentence ✅
• Expresses a complete thought 💡
• Usually does not start with a subordinating word like because, although, if

Examples:

• I love reading books 📚.
• She went to the market 🛒.
• The sun is shining ☀️.

Dependent Clause (Subordinate Clause) 🔴

• Cannot stand alone ❌
• Needs an independent clause to make sense
• Often starts with subordinating words: because, although, if, when, while, since, unless, before, after

Examples:

• Because I was tired 😴
• Although it was raining ☔
• If you finish your homework 📖

❗ Notice: These are incomplete thoughts alone.

Key Differences Between Independent & Dependent Clauses

Feature	Independent Clause 🟢	Dependent Clause 🔴
Complete thought?	✅ Yes	❌ No
Can stand alone?	✅ Yes	❌ No
Starts with subordinating word?	❌ Usually not	✅ Often yes
Example	She sings beautifully 🎵	Because she sings beautifully 🎶

How to Identify Clauses 🔍

1. Find the subject 👤
2. Find the verb ✍️
3. Ask: “Does it express a complete thought?” 💭
   • Yes → Independent Clause 🟢
   • No → Dependent Clause 🔴

Example:

• I stayed home because it was raining. 🌧️
  • I stayed home → Independent 🟢
  • because it was raining → Dependent 🔴

Quick Tips & Tricks ✨

• Independent = Complete Sentence ✅
• Dependent = Needs help ❌
• Subordinating words are your clue! 🕵️‍♂️
• Many dependent clauses can be at the start, middle, or end of a sentence 🌟