Identify dependent and independent clauses: set 2

Learning Objectives Define an independent clause as a complete thought with a subject and a verb. Define a dependent clause as an incomplete thought that often starts with a special 'starter word'. Identify the subject and simple verb in a given clause. Distinguish between an independent clause and a dependent clause within a complex sentence. Identify common 'starter words' (subordinating conjunctions) like 'because', 'since', 'after', 'although', and 'when'. Explain why a dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Ever feel like some sentences are missing a piece of the puzzle? 🤔 Let's find out which ones need a buddy to feel complete! In this lesson, we'll become sentence de...

TermDefinitionExample ClauseA group of words that has both a subject and a verb.the dog barked Independent ClauseA clause that is a complete thought and can be a sentence all by itself. It's the 'strong' clause!The dog barked loudly. Dependent ClauseA clause that is NOT a complete thought and cannot be a sentence by itself. It 'depends' on an independent clause to make sense.because the mailman arrived SubjectWho or what the sentence is about.In the sentence 'The *cat* slept,' the subject is 'cat'. Verb (Simple Tense)An action word (like run, jump, think) or a state of being (like is, are, was).She *runs* (present tense), she *ran* (past tense), she *will run* (future tense). Subordinating ConjunctionA 'starter word' that turns a comp...

The 'Stand-Alone' Test An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. A dependent clause cannot. To check if a clause is independent, read it by itself. Does it sound like a complete thought? If yes, it's independent. If it leaves you asking 'what happened next?', it's dependent. The 'Starter Word' Clue Dependent clauses often begin with a subordinating conjunction (a 'starter word'). Look for words like 'because', 'when', 'since', or 'if' at the beginning of a clause. If you see one, it's a big clue that the clause is dependent. For example, 'the team cheered' is independent, but '*When* the team cheered' is dependent.