Independent and dependent clauses - How To Discuss
Matthew Perez
Updated on May 26, 2026
Independent and dependent clauses
What are dependent clauses? A clause (also known as a dependent clause) is a clause that relies on information from an independent clause to form complete and logical thinking. Therefore, it cannot itself make sense. There are three types of clauses: nouns, relative clauses (also called adjectives), and adverbial clauses.
What are the three dependent clauses?
- material clause
- Adjective
- Nominal clause
What words do dependent clauses start with?
Subordinate clauses can function as nominal clauses, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence. However, the clause starts with words like after, because, before, when, since, before, what, when, where, who, what and why.
How do you join two independent clauses?
Add two independent sentences (complete sentences) that are closely related. Combine two independent sentences if the second sentence begins with a subjunctive or transitional sentence (therefore, in fact, etc.).
What does a dependent clause do in a sentence?
A dependent (or subordinate) sentence is a sentence that cannot be considered a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. Like all dependent clauses, a dependent clause has a subject and a verb. Here are some examples of subordinate (shaded) clauses. Keep in mind that shadow offers cannot stand alone as offers.
What are examples of a dependent clause in writing?
- What the girl did didn't help much.
- Because I said so
- After months of research, he has finally finished his novel.
- The trophy is for whoever wins the race.
- If you pass the exam
- While he was sleeping, the cat knocked over the plant.
- Where's the ice cream that was in the freezer?
- I don't understand why he said that.
- They will do whatever it takes.
Is a dependent clause a simple sentence?
A clause cannot make sense. They do not express complete thoughts and therefore cannot function as sentences. They are usually marked with the dependent tag words. This word is added at the beginning of a single sentence, making it a dependent sentence.
How do you join two independent clauses need a comma
An independent sentence (also known as a subject sentence) is a group of words with a subject and a verb, and can be used as an independent sentence. A dependent clause (also called a dependent clause) is a group of words that have a subject and a verb, but cannot be independent as a sentence.
How do you combine two independent clauses?
If you combine independent and dependent sentences, put a comma between them: After lifting weights, I did circles in the pool. When combining two independent sentences, follow the basic rules of sentence punctuation. The easiest way to combine sentences is to use the coordinating conjunctions for, and, none, but, or, again, and so on.
What does a dependent clause start with?
Subordinate clauses begin with the conjunction subordination, or after, if, because, from the moment, or with a relative pronoun, e.g. who, who, what, when. Subordinate clauses should be followed by a comma if they come before an independent clause.
What is an example of an independent clause?
Independent article. A single sentence definition is a group of words in a sentence that can act as a single sentence on their own. An example of a separate clause is when you went to the store on Tuesday to avoid running out of milk.
Which two clauses are dependent clauses in english
A complex clause contains at least one clause and at least one clause. Subordinate clauses can refer to the subject (who, who), order/time (of, while), or causal elements (because, if) of an independent clause. If the clause starts with a clause, put a comma after that clause.
Which can be used between two independent clauses?
A semicolon can be used between two closely related independent sentences if they are not already connected by a coordinating union. You can use semicolons instead of commas to separate items in a list, especially if the items in that list contain commas.
How do you connect two independent clauses?
Add two independent sentences (complete sentences) that are closely related. Combine two independent sentences if the second sentence begins with a subjunctive adverb or a transitional sentence (therefore, but in fact, etc.). Separate elements in the string if one or more elements contain a comma.
What are 2 independent clauses?
There can be two independent clauses (each with a subject and a predicate) or an independent clause and a dependent clause (there is no subject or predicate). The use of a comma between them depends on the types and positions of the sentences. A standalone sentence is a sentence that can stand alone as a sentence.
What can be used to separate two independent clauses?
A comma concatenation is the use of a comma between two independent sentences. You can usually correct the error by replacing the comma with a period to convert the two subclauses into two separate clauses, replacing the comma with a semicolon, or creating a subclause by adding a dependent bullet in front of it.
Which two clauses are dependent clauses in grammar
There are three types of dependent clauses: nominal clauses, relative clauses (also called adjectives), and adverbial clauses.
What are dependent and independent clauses?
Independent and subordinate clauses are the building blocks of sentences. An independent and independent offer can be an offer in itself. However, dependent clauses are used to make sentences complete and interesting.
Which two clauses are dependent clauses in french
The if clause in French expresses the condition associated with the resulting action. They consist of a dependent clause, which indicates the condition introduced by the if word, and a main clause, which can be independent and shows the resulting action.
What are the three types of clauses in French?
This man lives here. A dependent clause, also known as a dependent clause, is one of three types of sentences in French, each containing a subject and a verb: the dependent clause, the main clause, and the dependent clause.
When do you need a dependent clause in an independent clause?
A dependent clause is a clause that cannot exist on its own and requires a separate clause to build upon. You must combine the dependent offer with the dependent offer. This is called submission.
What do you mean by subordinate clause in French?
This man lives here. A dependent clause, also called a dependent clause or dependent clause, is one of three types of sentences in English, each of which contains a subject and a verb: an independent clause, a main clause, and a dependent clause.
What does a Si clause mean in French?
No, not Santa, if it's a reservation! The if clause in French expresses the condition associated with the resulting action. They consist of a dependent clause, which indicates the condition introduced by the if word, and a main clause, which can be independent and shows the resulting action.
Which two clauses are dependent clauses worksheet
There are two types of independent and dependent clauses. Write an advertisement if the sentence is a dependent clause. If there is no complete thought, but the subject and verb remain, call it a dependent clause. This table for dependent and independent items is suitable for students in grades 8-10.
What is the dependent clause?
Subordinate sentence. A clause or clause is a clause that provides a clause element with additional information, but cannot be considered a clause.
What does independent clause mean?
A stand-alone offer (or main offer) is an offer that can be seen as a stand-alone offer. An independent sentence contains a subject and a predicate and has its own meaning.
What are the different types of dependent clauses?
Types of dependent clauses 1 Definition and types of clauses. A sentence is a group of sentences that consists of a subject and a verb. 2 nominal sentences. This type of clause is used in two ways. 3 adverbial phrases. 4 adjectives / relative clauses.
When do dependent clauses act as an adverb?
These types of clauses act as adverbs and inform them about the information contained in the main clause (independent). Here are some of the common goals of adverbial causes and common subordination associations:.
What are the different types of subordinate clauses?
Definition and types of clauses. A sentence is a group of sentences that consists of a subject and a verb. These two types are independent and dependent. There is both a self-employed and a dependent clause in this judgment: You had to quit your job because of a back injury. Independent clause + subordinate clause (subordinate clause).
Can a dependent clause be a complete sentence?
Subordinate clause A subordinate clause (or subordinate clause) is a subordinate clause that cannot be considered a complete subordinate clause because it does not express a complete thought. Like all dependent clauses, a dependent clause has a subject and a verb.
What are the types of dependent clauses in Spanish?
The three most common types of clauses in Spanish are: Nominal clauses (nominal clauses or substantive clauses). In this case, the whole sentence appears as a noun, usually as a direct object of the verb. It is usually introduced with the conjunction that .
Which is the dependent marker word in Spanish?
In the dependent clause above, when is the dependent word of the tag. A tag dependent word is a word that is added to the beginning of an independent sentence, making it a dependent sentence. In Spanish, subordinate clauses are introduced by what or another subordinate union.
Can a sentence contain more than one dependent clause?
Underline the relative clauses in the following clauses and define each as a main clause, adjective, or adverbial clause, using an appropriate abbreviation, such as an adjective. or adv. Note: a sentence can contain several or no subordinate clauses. You didn't tell me you were going to Guatemala.
Which is an example of an adjectival clause?
Here the whole sentence takes on the function of an adjective, which usually modifies a noun or pronoun, antecedent (antecedent). Adjectives are often introduced with relative pronouns such as who (who), who (who/what/who), or which (who/what/who).
What are the three dependent clauses in french
A dependent clause, also called a dependent clause or dependent clause, is one of three types of sentences in English, each of which contains a subject and a verb: an independent clause, a main clause, and a dependent clause.
Which is the subject of a dependent clause?
Subordinate sentence. A dependent (or subordinate) sentence is a sentence that cannot be considered a complete sentence because it does not express a complete thought. Like all dependent clauses, a dependent clause has a subject and a verb.
Can a dependent clause stand alone in a sentence?
In a grammatical context, a dependent clause is a group of words with a subject, a verb, and a predicate. But most importantly, they cannot be left alone. When you read a sentence, it seems incomplete. It doesn't express the whole idea. They are also called subordinate clauses.
Which sentences contain dependent clauses?
Examples of auxiliary equipment. The crew could see a whale appearing just 50 meters behind them. You know the butcher who went to court on Saturday? I won't do the dishes if Peter doesn't help me. The superiority of a gift lies in its meaning, not its value.
What are the three dependent clauses in sentences
A compound sentence contains at least two independent sentences. A compound sentence has two or more independent sentences in which the ideas are linked to some degree.
How many dependent clauses must there be in a sentence?
A compound clause contains at least one dependent clause and at least one dependent clause. Subordinate clauses can refer to the subject (who, who), order/time (of, while), or causal elements (because, if) of an independent clause.
Can a sentence have more than one dependent clause?
Everyone leaves the question unanswered. The clause itself is only a fragment (incomplete clause). Therefore, it must be combined with a separate phrase to become a phrase. Complex sentences contain at least one dependent clause, but there can be two or more.
What are the three dependent clauses in literature
The third type of clause is an adjective or relative clause. It works as an adjective because it changes the noun or pronoun. The sentence begins with the relative pronoun who, who, that, who, where, or from whom.
When to use a dependent clause in a sentence?
When a dependent clause is used as an adjective or adverb, it is usually part of a complex clause (a clause with an independent clause and at least one clause). The connection between a dependent clause and a dependent clause is often a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun.
Which is an example of an adverbial dependent clause?
In adverbial clauses, the dependent clause can appear before or after an independent clause. Here are some examples of adverbial clauses: The third type of clause is an adjective or relative clause. It works as an adjective because it changes the noun or pronoun.
What are the three dependent clauses in writing
Subordinate clauses that do not form a sentence (sentence fragments). Sometimes students write subordinate clauses when they think of writing a sentence. This is one of the most serious typos you can make. Subordinate clauses that are left alone are often called subordinate clause fragments.
What kind of sentence has two independent clauses?
(One independent clause and two dependent clauses). An offer consisting of two or more independent sentences and one or more dependent sentences.
What are dependent markers in an independent clause?
A tag dependent word is a word that is added to the beginning of an independent sentence, making it a dependent sentence. It was very loud as Jim was getting ready for his chemistry test at Sweet Shop.
Can a dependent clause stand alone without context?
Therefore, dependent clauses cannot exist separately without additional context. When I went to Oklahoma City. The number of dependent clauses and subordinate clauses can also determine the type of clause as simple, compound, complex or complex.
What are phrases and dependent clauses?
Suggestion or Disclaimer. * Description / instruction. A sentence is a group of words with a subject and a predicate. A single clause can act itself as a clause. Dependent bidding is not possible. A sentence is a group of words in which there is no subject, predicate, or both.
What are some examples of dependent words?
Here are some examples of a dependent clause: What the girl did didn't help much. Because I said he finally finished his novel after months of research. The trophy is for whoever wins the race. If you passed the test. While he was sleeping, the cat fell over the plant. Where's the ice cream that was in the freezer? I don't understand why he said that. They will do whatever it takes.
What is an example of a dependent clause in a sentence?
The definition of a dependent is based on someone or something else, or on a proposal that should not be considered a proposal. An example of a dependent person is a child of one of the parents. An example of a drug addict is when it rains.
How do you use independent in a sentence?
Independent use in a sense In biology, the wings of an insect and a bird are considered analogous in that they evolved independently of each other as adaptations for the general function of flight.
What words do dependent clauses start with subordinating conjunctions
Subordinate clauses often begin with subordinate clauses, words that connect subordinate clauses with independent clauses, such as for, how, there, therefore, but based on, if, because, except once, during, when, when, where, where, before, and after.
What are independent and subordinate clauses?
- Standalone offers can be a full proposal or part of a proposal.
- Clauses cannot be complete clauses. A clause can be only part of a sentence.
- The clause must start with a relative clause (eg because, why, during, etc.) or with a relative pronoun.
What are dependent and independent clause?
A dependent clause is a group of words that contain a subject and a predicate, but do not express the whole idea. An independent sentence is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate and expresses a holistic idea.
What is the definition of dependent clause?
In English grammar, a dependent clause is a group of words that includes a subject and a verb, but (unlike a dependent clause) it cannot be a sentence in itself.
Dependent clauses worksheet
This PDF subordinate clause worksheet will explain to students in detail how the dependent clause is related to the main clause by means of subordinate conjunctions such as before, during, because, etc. the given proposals.
What words do dependent clauses start with u
A clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb. It does not express a complete thought, therefore it is not meaning and cannot exist by itself. These sentences contain adverbial phrases, adjectives and nouns. Adverbs change verbs and start with subordinate conjunctions.
When is a dependent marker word added to an independent clause?
A tag dependent word is a word that is added to the beginning of an independent sentence, making it a dependent sentence. It was very loud as Jim was getting ready for his chemistry test at Sweet Shop.
What are the words at the beginning of an independent clause?
There are two types of words that can be used as connectors at the beginning of an independent sentence: coordinate conjunctions and independent markers. 1. Connection coordination. The seven coordinating conjunctions used as conjunctions at the beginning of a noun sentence are and, but, for, or, therefore, for now.
Are there any words that begin with a subordinate clause?
Words that start subordinate (dependent) sentences. A dependent clause (dependency) is a group of words with a subject and a verb, but it cannot be considered a complete sentence. A clause works like an adverb, adjective or noun in a sentence. Adverb suggestion. - always starts with a combination of subordination.
Which is the first word in a noun clause?
A clause that behaves like a noun is called a dependent clause. Nominal clauses usually start with the that clause. Other words to start a noun are when, how, what, what, when, where, when, who, who, who, who and why. Since a noun behaves like a noun, it can do everything a noun can.
What are the two main parts of independent clause?
An independent sentence needs only two things to make sense: the subject and the predicate. However, subclauses can also contain modifiers and objects to make them more granular.
How do you write a complex sentence?
How to write complex sentences. A complex clause consists of a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses linked together by subordinate unions. Two sentences connected by relative pronouns or relative adverbs are also examples of compound sentences.
How to make a complex sentence?
How do you build a complex sentence? Relative sentences. You can use relative phrases to provide important or additional information about a person, place, or thing. Subordinate clauses. A dependent clause can describe nouns and pronouns to describe verbs, adverbs and adjectives, or act as the subject or object of another sentence. Conditional sentences. Complicated sentences.
How do you identify a complex sentence?
A compound sentence is an English sentence that contains at least one dependent clause and one dependent clause. A dependent clause, also called a dependent clause, is connected by a relative pronoun or by a dependent clause. A complex clause can be opposed to a simple clause without a dependent clause.
How to identify a complex sentence?
Complex dependent clause: (with dependent clause) It consists of a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses. Subordinate conjunctions (sometimes relative pronouns) are used to connect these sentences. If a clause starts with a clause, a comma is placed after that clause.
Where does the comma go when combining two independent clauses?
When two independent sentences are joined by a coordinating union, always put a comma before the union. The comma indicates that the two sentences are different ideas connected by a union, and not two parts of the same sentence.
What joins two independent clauses or sentences together?
You can connect two independent sentences with a semicolon instead of a matching union (the word FANBOYS). Another way to form a compound sentence is to use a semicolon. The use of semicolons should be limited to short, independent sentences that are so closely related that they appear to belong to the same sentence.
How do you join two independent clauses definition
Use a semicolon or comma and union to combine two independent sentences (complete sentences). To add a dependent clause, use a comma if it comes before an independent clause, don't use a comma if you go after an independent clause unless it's a "contrasting word" (but with that in mind).
How do you join two independent clauses with semicolon
You should not use a semicolon in a conjunction such as "and" or "but" because a semicolon replaces a subjunctive word. There is an additional use of semicolons: when you create a list and the components of the list contain commas, you must use a semicolon to separate the main components of the list.
When to use a comma versus semicolon?
A comma is used to connect components and a semicolon to separate components. The word coma comes from the Greek comma, which means something like a short or truncated sentence. A comma is a punctuation mark used as a reference between multiple related terms.
What are the rules for a semicolon?
Rule Use a semicolon between independent sentences whose meaning is linked to a jump word. This rule means that a writer may place a semicolon between two complete sentences. B. also, finally, etc.
When to add commas and semicolons?
If a sentence contains multiple commas in the first sentence, it is recommended that you use a union semicolon to connect the two sentences. If there are too many commas in a sentence, the sentence becomes confusing. The semicolons are separated by semicolons so as not to confuse the reader.
How would you join 2 independent clauses in compound sentence?
- Define a compound sentence. Compound sentences contain at least two independent sentences connected by three methods: coordination union, semicolon, and transition expressions.
- Independent article.
- Ways to write and link freelance articles.
- Examples of sentences written in different ways.
When combining two independent clauses a comma must be placed?
When combining two sentences (or independent sentences) with a join, the comma must come before the join. This tells the reader that the whole idea has been implemented, but there is another idea attached that adds additional information. The second standalone sentence is interrupted with a period so that no additional punctuation is needed.
How do dependent and independent clauses differ?
The main difference between dependent and independent sentences is that dependent sentences cannot express a complete thought while independent sentences can express a complete thought. A dependent clause can be defined as a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate, but does not express holistic thinking.
What is an example of independent clause in a sentence?
A single sentence definition is a group of words in a sentence that can act as a single sentence on their own. An example of a separate clause is when you went to the store on Tuesday to avoid running out of milk.
What does an independent clause do?
A standalone sentence is a sentence that can function as a complete sentence on its own. It contains a subject and a predicate, which together express a complete thought.
What is an example of a complex compound sentence?
Examples of complex compound sentences: A bird perched on a perch and ate happily, but then fell off. To my horror, the car was stuck in the mud for a long time and it continued to rain. The store has many kinds of products and other services as it is the only store in a small town.
What are some examples of complex sentences?
A compound clause is a clause with at least two dependent clauses and independent clauses that are mixed using subordinate conjunctions, for example, after, before, during, or when. For example, before the curtain went up, Nick came out and bowed.
What are the types of complex sentences?
There are three main types of sentences: simple, complex and complex. Simple sentences contain a standalone sentence. Complex sentences also contain only sentences that are independent of at least two of them. Complex sentences have both a standalone sentence and one or more dependent sentences.
What is the formula for compound complex sentence?
There are three, consisting of two complete thoughts and one incomplete thought. Complete thought + complete thought + incomplete thought = compound sentence. Once my students have memorized this formula, all they have to do is write it using the same rules for compound sentences and compound sentences.