English Language Arts
Grade 7
15 min
Identify dependent and independent clauses
Identify dependent and independent clauses
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Define what a clause is.
Distinguish between an independent clause and a dependent clause.
Identify the subject and predicate within any given clause.
Recognize subordinating conjunctions as key indicators of dependent clauses.
Explain why an independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Explain why a dependent clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
Apply their knowledge of clauses to analyze sentence structure in various texts.
Ever wonder why some sentences feel complete on their own, while others seem to hang in the air, waiting for more information? 🤔
In this lesson, you'll learn to identify the two main types of clauses: independent and dependent. Understanding these fundamental building blocks will help you write cle...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
ClauseA group of words that contains both a subject and a predicate (a verb and its related words). It's the basic building block of sentences.The dog barked loudly.
SubjectThe noun or pronoun that performs the action or is described in the clause. It tells 'who' or 'what' the clause is about.In 'The student studied,' 'student' is the subject.
PredicateThe part of the clause that contains the verb and tells something about the subject. It includes the verb and all its modifiers and objects.In 'The student studied diligently,' 'studied diligently' is the predicate.
Independent ClauseA clause that contains a subject and a predicate and can express a complete thought. It can stand alone as a simple sentenc...
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Key Rules & Conventions
The 'Stand Alone' Test
If a clause can stand alone as a complete, understandable sentence, it is an independent clause. If it leaves you asking 'What happened then?' or 'So what?', it's a dependent clause.
This is the most crucial test. Read the clause by itself. If it makes sense and feels finished, it's independent. If it feels incomplete or like it needs more information, it's dependent.
Subordinating Conjunctions Signal Dependence
If a clause begins with a subordinating conjunction (e.g., *because, although, when, if, while*), it is almost always a dependent clause.
These words act like a 'red flag' indicating that the clause cannot stand on its own. They connect the dependent clause to an independent clause, showing...
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Challenging
A student analyzes the sentence: 'The team that won the championship celebrated.' They claim 'The team' is the independent clause. What is the error in their reasoning?
A.'The team' is the dependent clause.
B.'The team' is only a subject; it is a phrase, not a clause, because it lacks a predicate.
C.The entire sentence is one dependent clause.
D.The independent clause is 'that won the championship'.
Challenging
Which option correctly revises the sentence fragment 'While the orchestra played beautifully' into a complete, complex sentence?
A.The audience listened intently while the orchestra played beautifully.
B.While the orchestra played beautifully, and the crowd was silent.
C.Played beautifully by the orchestra.
D.While the orchestra played beautifully. The audience was captivated.
Challenging
Analyze the sentence: 'The book that I am reading is fascinating, but it is also very long.' Which of the following is a dependent clause found within this sentence?
A.The book is fascinating
B.it is also very long
C.that I am reading
D.but it is also very long
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