7.6: Identifying Dependent and Independent Clauses

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Practice 1

An independent clause, also known as a simple sentence, includes a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought.

Example \(\PageIndex{1}\):

Juliet, a border collie puppy, prefers to chase apples and pears.
Subject Verb

A dependent clause has a subject and verb, is introduced by a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun, but does not express a complete thought. A dependent clause is not a complete sentence.

Example \(\PageIndex{2}\):

Because the heavy rains flooded the entrance to the subdivision.
Sub. Conj. Subject Verb

Example \(\PageIndex{3}\):

After Laura carefully read the assigned chapter.
Sub. Conj. Subject Verb

Determine whether the underlined word groups are dependent clauses, independent clauses, or not a clause.

Although it was raining, Maria went for a jog at Civitan Park.
Brianna eats chocolate whenever she gets a poor grade in math.
After the flood, the family moved into a temporary shelter.
While walking at the park, John saw a raccoon eating potato chips.
Students enrolled in bachelor's and associate's degree programs must pass the Regents' Test as a graduation requirement.
Students who fail to show up for the Regents' test must enroll in the Regents' remediation courses.
When you finish your homework, please take the dog for a walk.
After Juan completed the assignment, he swam laps at the gym.
Christa left home at 4:00 a.m. since she had to drive to Atlanta for a meeting.
Before completing the assignment, Evan decided to eat a quick lunch.

Answer: Identifying Dependent and Independent Clauses - Practice 1 Answer Key

Practice 2

Determine whether the underlined word groups are dependent clauses, independent clauses, or not a clause.

Juan continued playing although he injured his knee.
I thought that the offer was too good to be true.
While I was scrubbing the floors, Juliet was watching television.
Although tired and grumpy, Laura agreed to babysit for her sister-in-law.
Inspired and energized, Sean solved the case of the missing energy drink.
While driving home from spring break, Maria saw a tornado touch down.
People who drink and drive should be arrested.
Ever since my daughter purchased a ferret, I have noticed that authors describe their bad guys as ferret-like.
Such descriptions are not fair to ferrets.
Since I could not go to the Pancake Breakfast, I gave away my tickets.

Answer: Identifying Dependent and Independent Clauses - Practice 2 Answer Key

References

Dr. Mary Nielsen, Dean of the Dalton State College School of Liberal Arts.