Clause: Group of words that contains a subject and a verb (predicate).

EXAMPLE:

 Some students work in the homeless shelter

because they care about helping others.If I had a dollar for every time you said that, I 

would be rich!

This sentence has two clauses, each with a subject and a verb.

Independent Clause: Expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.

EXAMPLE:Some students work in the homeless shelter.I don’t believe it for a second. My dog is small and adorable.

This clause can stand alone in a simple sentence, so it is independent! 

Simple Sentence:  Contains one independent clause and no dependent clauses.

EXAMPLES -Shawn tutors.-Benita teaches young children

acrobatics after school.-Mike rides his bike.

Compound Sentence: Contains two or more independent clauses and no dependent clauses.

EXAMPLES Shawn tutors, and he helps students learn

math. Some children have no toys; volunteers

can collect toys for them.

Common mistake:  Don’t mistake a simple sentence with a compound predicate for a compound sentence.  No punctuation should separate the parts of a compound predicate.

 EXAMPLE: WRONG:   The Newcomers’ Club wrote a clever script, and

then filmed it. CORRECT: The Newcomers’ Club wrote a clever script and

then filmed it.

Punctuation? Add if necessary1. Greg shoveled the snow and his brother began a snow

sculpture. 2. The boat nosed up to the dock our trip was finally over. 3. Tom and Gail quickly cut and stacked the firewood. 4. Several people listened but nobody volunteered.5. Sheila calls it a dragonfly I call it a darning needle.6. Did you and Lee walk or ride to your dance class? 7. Gina and Dave picked the wildflowers and we arranged

them. 8. The clown made a face the child burst into laughter.

Punctuation? Add if necessary1. Greg shoveled the snow, and his brother began a snow

sculpture. 2. The boat nosed up to the dock; our trip was finally over. 3. Tom and Gail quickly cut and stacked the firewood. 4. Several people listened, but nobody volunteered.5. Sheila calls it a dragonfly; I call it a darning needle.6. Did you and Lee walk or ride to your dance class? 7. Gina and Dave picked the wildflowers, and we arranged

them. 8. The clown made a face; the child burst into laughter.

Punctuation? Add if necessary.9. Her mother went to the trade show but Doreen stayed

home. 10. Wang and his brother looked at the problem and spotted

the solution. 11. Mrs. Ballak may be in court or she may be in her office. 12. Snow fell winter was now upon us.13. Kathy phoned this morning but our phone was out of

order. 14. The radio crackled with static and then went out. 15. We could play a video game or we could go to Jim’s house. 16. Lou has been baking bread and Connie is making a big

salad.

Punctuation? Add if necessary.9. Her mother went to the trade show, but Doreen stayed

home. 10. Wang and his brother looked at the problem and spotted

the solution. 11. Mrs. Ballak may be in court, or she may be in her office. 12. Snow fell; winter was now upon us.13. Kathy phoned this morning, but our phone was out of

order. 14. The radio crackled with static and then went out. 15. We could play a video game, or we could go to Jim’s

house. 16. Lou has been baking bread, and Connie is making a big

salad.

HW1: Simple or compound sentences?

1. I would go with you but I am tired and just want to go to bed._____

2. He listened in class but he didn't take part in class discussions. _____

3. My mom sets the alarm and wakes me in the morning. _____

4. My family owned a farm and they used to raise livestock._____

5. The horse trotted and soon broke into a gallop. _____6. A beard covered his face and his eyes were bloodshot.

_____7. I caught a tiny trout and we had it for supper. _____8. She didn't like me she even said so. _____

HW 1:Simple or compound sentences?

1. I would go with you but I am tired and just want to go to bed. compound

2. He listened in class but he didn't take part in class discussions. compound

3. My mom sets the alarm and wakes me in the morning. simple

4. My family owned a farm and they used to raise livestock. compound

5. The horse trotted and soon broke into a gallop. simple6. A beard covered his face and his eyes were bloodshot.

simple7. I caught a tiny trout and we had it for supper. compound8. She didn't like me she even said so. compound

Simple or compound sentences?

9. The band played all night long and the crowd cheered even longer._____10. The wolf pack stalked and killed an injured elk._____11. My dad drives me to school and he also picks me up at

three. _____12.The moon was full last night and there were many stars out

too. _____13. Mexico is a great place to vacation and I can’t wait to go

there. _____14. Mexico is a great place to snorkel and see Myan ruins.

_____15. I eat a huge piece of pie and drank a tall glass of milk too.

_____

Simple or compound sentences?

9. The band played all night long and the crowd cheered even longer. compound10.The wolf pack stalked and killed an injured elk. simple11. My dad drives me to school and he also picks me up at

three. compound12. The moon was full last night and there were many stars

out too. compound13. Mexico is a great place to vacation and I can’t wait to go

there. compound14. Mexico is a great place to snorkel and see Myan ruins.

simple15. I eat a huge piece of pie and drank a tall glass of milk too.

simple

Dependent Clause:  Does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone in a sentence. (also known as subordinate clause)

EXAMPLE …because they care about helping people. A dependent clause must be joined to an independent clause or it is a fragment.

Dependent clause starts with a subordinate conjunction.afterbeforeoncealthoughasas ifas long asas thoughbecause

stilleven ifeven thoughifif onlyin order tonow thatrather thansince

so thatthanthatunlessuntilwhenwheneverwherewhereas

whereverwhile

Coordinate ConjunctionsCompound Sentences

ForAndNorButOrYetSo

Subordinate ConjunctionsComplex Sentences

afterbeforeoncealthoughasas ifas long asas thoughbecausestilleven ifeven though

ifsincethatunlessuntilwhenwheneverwherewhereaswhereverwhile

Independent or Dependent?

1. Although it was raining, Maria went for a jog at the park. 2. Brianna eats chocolate whenever she gets a poor grade in

math. 3. After the flood waters retreated, the family moved into a

temporary shelter. 4. While walking in the woods, John saw a raccoon eating

potato chips. 5. Students who play an instrument do better on math tests. 6. When you finish your homework, please take the dog for a

walk. 7. After Juan completed the assignment, he swam laps at the

gym. 8. Before he completed the assignment, Evan decided to eat a

quick lunch.

Independent or Dependent?

1. Although it was raining, Maria went for a jog at the park. D 2. Brianna eats chocolate whenever she gets a poor grade in

math. D3. After the flood waters retreated, the family moved into a

temporary shelter. D4. While walking in the woods, John saw a raccoon eating

potato chips. I5. Students who play an instrument do better on math tests. I6. When you finish your homework, please take the dog for a

walk. D7. After Juan completed the assignment, he swam laps at the

gym. D8. Before he completed the assignment, Evan decided to eat a

quick lunch. D

Independent or Dependent?

1. Juan continued playing although he injured his knee.2. I thought that the offer was too good to be true.3. While I was scrubbing the floors, Juliet was watching

television.4. Although she was tired and grumpy, Laura agreed to babysit

for her sister-in-law.5. My friend has been visiting since the winter break started.6. As she was driving home from spring break, Maria saw a

tornado touch down.7. People who drink and drive should be arrested.8. Ever since my daughter purchased a ferret, I have noticed an

unpleasant smell in the house.9. If I cannot make it to the dance, I will give away my tickets.

Independent or Dependent?

1. Juan continued playing although he injured his knee. I2. I thought that the offer was too good to be true. I3. While I was scrubbing the floors, Juliet was watching

television. D4. Although she was tired and grumpy, Laura agreed to babysit

for her sister-in-law. D5. My friend has been visiting since the winter break started. I6. As she was driving home from spring break, Maria saw a

tornado touch down. D7. People who drink and drive should be arrested. I8. Ever since my daughter purchased a ferret, I have noticed an

unpleasant smell in the house. D9. If I cannot make it to the dance, I will give away my tickets. I

If the dependent clause begins a sentence, it must be followed by a comma.

Examples:

While I was eating, the cat scratched at the door.

If you are ill, you ought to see a doctor.

If the independent clause starts the sentences, no comma is required.

Examples:

The cat scratched at the door while I was eating.

You ought to see a doctor if you are ill.

Comma or No Comma?1. Whenever I’m late for the bus my mom drives me to school. 2. My mom drives me to school whenever I’m late for the bus. 3. I had to stay at a neighbor’s house after school because I

lost my key. 4. Because I lost my key I had to stay at a neighbor’s house

after school.5. When I forgot to do my chores my mom grounded me for

the day. 6. My mom grounded me for the day when I forgot to do my

chores.7. Because her friends were all on vacation Mary was lonely all

summer break. 8. Before I could go to the party my mom made me walk the dog.

Comma or No Comma?1. Whenever I’m late for the bus, my mom drives me to school. 2. My mom drives me to school whenever I’m late for the bus. 3. I had to stay at a neighbor’s house after school because I lost

my key. 4. Because I lost my key, I had to stay at a neighbor’s house after

school.5. When I forgot to do my chores, my mom grounded me for the

day. 6. My mom grounded me for the day when I forgot to do my

chores.7. Because her friends were all on vacation, Mary was lonely all

summer break. 8. Before I could go to the party, my mom made me walk the dog.

Comma or No Comma?

1. Although she was popular Laurie couldn’t get a date for the prom.2. We went to hang out at Dairy Queen after school since the game

was cancelled. 3. Unless you hear otherwise I’ll be in my classroom all afternoon. 4. We celebrated at the Wagon Wheel after we won the game.5. The dancer injured her foot while she was rehearsing for the recital.6. As the sun rose my friend and I were up and ready for our run.7. Because Sarah is my sister I have to forgive her for ruining my

favorite shirt.8. I am going to Hershey Park this weekend if the weather is good.

Comma or No Comma?

1. Although she was popular, Laurie couldn’t get a date for the prom.2. We went to hang out at Dairy Queen after school since the game

was cancelled. 3. Unless you hear otherwise, I’ll be in my classroom all afternoon. 4. We celebrated at the Wagon Wheel after we won the game.5. The dancer injured her foot while she was rehearsing for the recital.6. As the sun rose, my friend and I were up and ready for our run.7. Because Sarah is my sister, I have to forgive her for ruining my

favorite shirt.8. I am going to Hershey Park this weekend if the weather is good.

Underline dependent clause and add punctuation if needed.

1. Although they eat me out of house and home I will love my children.

2. I won’t buy new clothes unless they are on sale.3. While we watched the basketball game on television

my friend and I ate up all of the snacks in the house. 4. I ran out of water and was very thirsty as we hiked

through the dense forest. 5. My mom will not drive me to the mall unless I help

her with the laundry.6. I don’t like to be alone while I’m watching a scary

movie.

Underline dependent clause and add punctuation if needed.

1. Although they eat me out of house and home , I will love my children.

2. I won’t buy new clothes unless they are on sale.3. While we watched the basketball game on television,

my friend and I ate up all of the snacks in the house. 4. I ran out of water and was very thirsty as we hiked

through the dense forest. 5. My mom will not drive me to the mall unless I help

her with the laundry.6. I don’t like to be alone while I’m watching a scary

movie.

Underline dependent clause and add punctuation if needed.

1. Stephen won’t do his homework unless his mom makes him

2. If I don’t finish this project tonight I’ll just do it over the weekend.

3. After Jack had fallen Jill came tumbling after. 4. As we hiked through the woods I was bitten up by

mosquitoes. 5. My dog will roll over and play dead if I offer him a

treat. 6. Unless the team works harder we will not make it

to the playoffs.

Underline dependent clause and add punctuation if needed.

1. Stephen won’t do his homework unless his mom makes him.

2. If I don’t finish this project tonight, I’ll just do it over the weekend.

3. After Jack had fallen, Jill came tumbling after. 4. As we hiked through the woods, I was bitten up by

mosquitoes. 5. My dog will roll over and play dead if I offer him a

treat. 6. Unless the team works harder, we will not make it

to the playoffs.

HW 2: Underline dependent clause and add punctuation if needed.

1. Although it has been celebrated for more than ten years National Youth Service Day is not well-known.

2. This national event was founded so that young people’s volunteer work would be recognized.

3. After the volunteers work on a project they have a deep sense of satisfaction.

4. Because they wanted to help beautify the city some volunteers in Atlanta, Georgia, painted a playground.

5. While adult volunteers helped most of the work was done by elementary-school and middle-school students.

6. Since they were interested in identifying major problems in their neighborhood about 90 high school students in San Francisco conducted a community survey.

7. Perhaps you can get involved next year if you are interest in volunteering.

HW 2: Underline dependent clause and add punctuation if needed.

1. Although it has been celebrated for more than ten years, National Youth Service Day is not well-known.

2. This national event was founded so that young people’s volunteer work would be recognized.

3. After the volunteers work on a project, they have a deep sense of satisfaction.

4. Because they wanted to help beautify the city , some volunteers in Atlanta, Georgia, painted a playground.

5. While adult volunteers helped, most of the work was done by elementary-school and middle-school students.

6. Since they were interested in identifying major problems in their neighborhood, about 90 high school students in San Francisco conducted a community survey.

7. Perhaps you can get involved next year if you are interest in volunteering.

Complex Sentences:  Contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.

EXAMPLES (dependent clause in bold) When we visited, Mrs. Brodsky shared her

memories of working in a shipyard during World War II.

Mr. Ruiz was a photographer until he was drafted.

• Students enjoy dancing because they can hit the whip.

• While there is no guaranteed spot on the roster, Mike is trying out for the basketball team.

• The family is taking a trip to Texas even though school has already started. 

• Whenever the homeless shelter asks us to volunteer, we accept the invitation immediately.

• My mom says my sister and I fight all the time although I am pretty sure that’s an exaggeration. 

HW 3: Complex Sentences Punctuate the following sentences correctly:

1. I would have gone with you although I am tired.2. Although I am tired I would have gone with you.3. Since our team lost last night we can’t enter the tournament.4. We can’t enter the tournament since our team lost last night.5. He listened in class although he didn’t take part in class discussions.6. Although he didn’t take part in class discussions he listened in class.7. We were raising livestock because my family was living in the

country.8. Because my family was living in the country we were raising livestock.9. The horse trotted until he broke into a gallop.10. Until he broke into a gallop the horse trotted.

HW 3: Complex Sentences Punctuate the following sentences correctly:

1. I would have gone with you although I am tired.2. Although I am tired, I would have gone with you.3. Since our team lost last night, we can’t enter the tournament.4. We can’t enter the tournament since our team lost last night.5. He listened in class although he didn’t take part in class discussions.6. Although he didn’t take part in class discussions, he listened in

class.7. We were raising livestock because my family was living in the the

country.8. Because my family was living in the country, we were raising

livestock.9. The horse trotted until he broke into a gallop.10. Until he broke into a gallop, the horse trotted.

Complex Sentences Cont.

1. Even though he was a strange character I liked being around him.2. I liked being around him even though he was a strange character.3. After I caught a tiny trout in the stream we had it for supper.4. I cannot buy a car until I have saved a down payment since my credit

is bad.5. I will help you since no one else seems to be willing to help.6. She plans to read three books while she is on vacation.7. Please shut the door since it is cold and rainy outside because of El

Nino.8. Because of El Nino it is cold and rainy outside.9. While the strong wind was blowing our boat nearly capsized on the

lake.10. Once you have mastered clauses the rest of the study of grammar is

quite easy.

Complex Sentences Cont.

1. Even though he was a strange character, I liked being around him.2. I liked being around him even though he was a strange character.3. After I caught a tiny trout in the stream, we had it for supper.4. I cannot buy a car until I have saved a down payment since my credit

is bad.5. I will help you since no one else seems to be willing to help.6. She plans to read three books while she is on vacation.7. Please shut the door since it is cold and rainy outside because of El

Nino.8. Because of El Nino, it is cold and rainy outside.9. While the strong wind was blowing, our boat nearly capsized on the

lake.10. Once you have mastered clauses, the rest of the study of grammar is

quite easy.

Compound-Complex Sentence: Contains two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses.

EXAMPLES (dependent clause in bold)

• When out school celebrates Earth Day, we sign up for environmental projects, and we try to complete them all in one day.

• Student have cleaned up the beaches, and they have planted flowers in the parks so that the shore looks inviting to visitors.

• Although I don’t like to snowboard, we are taking a trip up to Jack Frost this winter because our friends have mountain house.

• If the Sixers win the championship this year, I will be highly surprising; the team has performed poorly for several years.

• As far as I am concerned, Beyoncé is an excellent singer and songwriter, and she always makes headlines all over the world

Phrase: Does not contain a subject or predicate. 

EXAMPLES (prepositional phrase in bold)

Spiders live in many different habitats. The deer fled into the woods.

A phrase is a collection of words that may have nouns or verbs, but it does not have a subject doing a verb.

EXAMPLES:

Leaving behind the dog, I fled from the haunted house.

Before the test, I sharpened my pencil.

after the devastation

With a positive attitude, you can do anything.

Working all night long, I finally finished my English project.

Look at the difference

PhraseLeaving behind the dog

Before the first test

With a positive attitude

Working all night long

ClauseI left the dog behind. (IC)

Before I took the test… (DC)

A positive attitude helps you to accomplish anything. (IC)

After I worked all night long… (DC)

Choose two from each column to write four sentences.

Intro phrases1. After three long years, . . .

2. Any given Sunday, . . .

3. Over the river and through the woods, . . .

4. While riding a bike, . . .

5. Trying to make the team, . . .

6. After waiting for two hours,….

Dependent clauses1. After I practiced the violin, . . .

2. If Andrew works really hard, . . .

3. When Sarah goes to the beach, . . .

4. Even though Mr. Smith is usually nice, . . .

5. As the batter stepped up to the plate, . . .

6. Because my grandmother lives in Alaska,….

I, D, or P (HW 4)

1. The hot dog vendor witnessed the car 

accident that happened early that

morning._____

2.When the hot dog vendor saw the car 

accident, he called the police.______

3.Witnessing the car accident, the hot dog

vendor immediately called the police._____

HW4: I, D, or P

4. Born in Texas, I moved to Aston when I was

eleven._____

5. Born in Texas, I moved to Aston when I was 

eleven._____

6. Born in Texas, I moved to Aston when I was

eleven._____•

HW4: I, D, or P

7.I felt frightened when I heard a strange noise

outside my room last night._____

8. When I heard a strange noise outside my 

room last night, I felt frightened._____

9. Hearing a strange noise outside my room last 

night, I felt frightened._____•

HW4: I, D, or P

10. I panicked when I lost my two friends at the 

carnival over the weekend._____

11. I panicked when I lost my two friends at the

carnival over the weekend._____

12. Having lost my two friends, I panicked at the

carnival over the weekend._____•

HW 4: I, D, or P

13. Never one to dwell on the negative, Sam quickly

forgot about the team loss._____

14. Since he was never  one to dwell on the negative, 

Sam quickly forgot about the team loss._____

15. Sam quickly forgot about the team loss since he

was never one to dwell on the negative._____•

HW 4: I, D, or P

16.My mom worried when I missed my school

bus and didn’t come home._____

17.When I missed my school bus and didn’t 

come home, my mom worried._____

18. Missing the school bus, I worried my

mom._____•

HW4: I, D, or P

19.Because I am failing English, I am grounded

until the marking period ends._____

20. I am grounded until the marking period 

ends because I am failing English._____

21. Failing English, I am grounded until the

marking period ends._____

I, D, or P (HW 5)

1. Tigers, suffering from habitat loss, are one of

the world’s endangered species._____

2.Tigers, since they suffer from habitat loss, are

one of the world’s endangered species._____

3.Tigers, one of the world’s endangered species,

suffer from habitat loss._____

HW5: I, D, or P

4. After you taste my Aunt Rita’s homemade banana cream 

pie, you won’t ever want store-made pie again._____

5. You won’t ever want store-made pie again after you taste

my Aunt Rita’s homemade banana cream pie._____

6. After tasting my Aunt Rita’s homemade banana cream 

pie, you won’t ever want store-made pie again._____

HW 5: I, D, or P

7.The president got angry with the student council 

when no one would help with the fundraiser._____

8.When no one would help with the fundraiser, the

president of the student council got angry._____

9.Getting no help with the fundraiser, the president

of the student council got angry._____

HW5: I, D, or P

10. Although she is my beloved bird, I sometimes

get angry with my noisy bird in the morning._____

11. I sometimes get angry with my noisy bird in 

the morning although she is my beloved pet._____

12. Although my beloved pet, I sometimes get

angry with my noisy bird in the morning._____

HW5: I, D, or P

13. While you were absent, I gathered all of the

work you missed._____

14. I gathered all of the work you missed while

you were absent._____

15. During your absence, I gathered all of the

work you missed._____

HW5: I, D, or P

16. I have run two miles every day since the

summer began._____

17. Since the summer began, I have run two miles

every day._____

18. Since the summer’s beginning, I have run two

miles every day._____

I, D, or P (HW6)

1.Having never been on a plane, I was very nervous on

the flight to Disney World._____

2. I was very nervous on the flight to Disney World,

having never been on a plane._____

3.Since I had never been on a plane before, I was very

nervous about the flight to Disney World._____

HW6: I, D, or P

4. Because she loved animals, Sarah volunteered to work at

the Humane Society on Saturday morning._____

5. On Saturday mornings, Sarah volunteered to work at the

Humane Society since she was such an animal lover._____

6. Sarah, a lover of animals, decided to volunteer at the 

Human Society on Saturday mornings._____

HW6: I, D, or P

7. Mr. Wilson, a dedicated teacher, spent most of

his evenings grading papers._____

8. Mr. Wilson, a dedicated teacher, spent most of 

his evenings grading papers._____

9. Mr. Wilson spent most of his evenings grading

papers because he was a dedicated teacher._____

HW6: I, D, or P

10.As a huge chocolate lover, I don’t know what 

I’d do if I was allergic to chocolate._____

11. I, a huge chocolate lover, don’t know what I’d 

do if I was allergic to chocolate._____

12. As a huge chocolate lover, I don’t know what

I’d do if I was allergic to chocolate._____

HW6: I, D, or P

13. The lioness, an expert at stalking her prey,

stayed downwind of the herd.______

14. Since she was an expect at stalking her prey, 

the lioness stayed downwind of the herd._____

15. An expert at stalking her prey, the lioness

stayed downwind of the herd._____

HW6: I, D, or P (worksheet 3)

16.When I train for a race, I try to eat very well 

and get plenty of sleep.______

17. I try to eat very well and get plenty of sleep 

when I train for a race._____

18. When training for a race, I try to eat very well

and get plenty of sleep._____

HW7: I, D, or P

1. Not wanting to watch her little brother, Stacy said that she had to study for her

chemistry test. _____

2. My mom, although she is usually patient, flipped out at my little brother today.

______

3. Over the weekend, I had a huge fight with my friends and we aren’t speaking

now._____

4. I cannot see my boyfriend this tonight since he has to work at the WaWa until 

ten._____

5. Running late in the morning, I missed the bus and Mom had to drive me to

school._____

6. Joe, having forgotten to save his work, lost all his research paper when his

computer crashed. _____

7. If you want to pass the upcoming test, you will have to study every night._____

HW7: I, D, or P

8. John’s painting, an ugly mess, was clearly the worst entry in the art show. _____

9. When we win the championship this weekend, my team is going to celebrate at

Dairy Queen.______

10. After Running around the house, the dog finally settled down for a nap by the

fence._____

11. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, my friend’s parents, sat in back of us at the football

game._____

12. On the way to school, I found a wallet that someone had dropped in the street.

_____

13. The teacher, having issued the detention, waited for her student to show up 

the next day._____

14. Dauphin Island, located off the coast of Alabama, is a favorite spot for

fishermen._____

HW7: I, D, or P

15. I don’t like watching television during the day because it makes me feel lazy._____

16. Maria, wearing a hand-made dress of her own design, was the most stunning girl at the

prom._____

17. While I do like baseball, I rarely have time to go to a game._____

18. The cat that was watching the dog intently walked carefully away._____

19. Citizen Kane, considered my many critics to be the greatest American film ever made, won

only one Academy Award._____

20. Joanne was rude to Mr. Simon even though he was just trying to help.______

21. Having worked hard on the paper, Jordan was disappointed to received a low B._____

22. The ballerina moved on stage with grace even though her feet hurt horribly._____

23. When in the company of strangers, be careful what you say._____

24. My favorite store at the mall, the one with all of the great posters, just closed last 

weekend._____

25. If you can’t say something nice, you shouldn’t say anything at all!_____

Clause Review GamesRags to Riches:   http://www.quia.com/rr/744958.html

Clause Quiz: http://www.softschools.com/quizzes/grammar/identifying_subordinate_dependent_clauses/quiz3637.html

Clause and Phrase Race:http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/sentence_speedway/index_pre.html

Clauses and Phrases:http://cite.nwmissouri.edu/ic/Grammar/PhrasesandClauses.html