Please have a seat and wait quietly

for further directions!

Independent and Dependent

(Subordinate) Clauses

A clause has ALWAYS has a subject and a predicate. 

There are two main types of clauses.

Independent Clause

Think of an independent clause as a grown man or woman who can live on his/her own!

Independent Clause

An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence.  Here is an example:

we walk to school

This clause expresses a complete thought.

An independent clause can be long or short:

she runsmy little sister runs as slow as a snail

the car stalledthe rusty old car suddenly stalled in the intersection

Dependent (Subordinate) Clause

Think of a dependent clause as a baby who needs someone to support him!

Dependent clauses depend, or need, an independent clause.

Dependent (Subordinate) Clause

A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence.  Here is an example:

when the cake is done baking 

This clause does not express a complete thought.

A hint:

Dependent clauses often begin with

words called subordinating conjunctions like if, whether, because, although, when, or

since. We also call these words dependent clause markers.

Here’s how to remember what subordinating conjunctions are:

A W U B I S

If a dependent clause is at the beginning of the sentence, look for a dependent clause marker, or subordinating conjunction. The dependent clause will have a comma at the end of it.

While you are waiting, help yourself to some cookies.

If a dependent clause is at the end of the sentence, it will still have a dependent clause marker, or subordinating conjunction, but will not be separated by a comma.

Help yourself to some cookies while you are waiting.

Identify each of the following clauses as

either independent or dependent.

because I was late

I carried my umbrella

if it stops raining

I like to play wii

when I get home

after Temi finished her homework

Joaquin and David played a fraction game

Let’s identify the dependent and independent clauses in the following sentences and punctuate them correctly.

We ride our bikes to school when the weather is nice.

Since we have some extra time I think we should work on our homework.

Although he overslept Oscar wasn’t late for school.

Fernanda made paper flowers for the party while the cookies were baking.

When Andrew got home he made a chicken quesadilla.

If you wait until after school I can go to the store with you.

It is time for the test whether

you’re ready or not.

Please get your journals and take out a pen/pencil.

TRUE or FALSE?

1.Independent clauses and dependent clauses MUST have a subject and verb (predicate)

2.Independent and dependent clauses are always sentences that can stand on their own.

Label the underlined clause as INDEPENDENT (I) or DEPENDENT (D)

1.If the sky looks cloudy, we will cancel our plans.

2.Unless you call first, I will leave for the beach at ten.

3.I cooked dinner after I got home from the beach.

4.Sometimes we surf when we are at the beach with our friends.

5.I like this beach because it is rarely crowded.

BONUS: What is the other, more official term for DEPENDENT CLAUSE?

TRUE or FALSE?

1.Independent clauses and dependent clauses MUST have a subject and verb (predicate)

2.Independent and dependent clauses are always sentences that can stand on their own.

Label the underlined clause as INDEPENDENT (I) or DEPENDENT (D)

1.If the sky looks cloudy, we will cancel our plans.

2.Unless you call first, I will leave for the beach at ten.

3.I cooked dinner after I got home from the beach.

4.Sometimes we surf when we are at the beach with our friends.

5.I like this beach because it is rarely crowded.

BONUS: What is the other, more official term for DEPENDENT CLAUSE?

TRUE

FALSE

D

D

I

I

I

SUBORDINATE CLAUSE

2 More Kinds!

Adverb Clause

Vs.

Adjective Clause

Adverb Clause

A clause that modifies a verb

Samuel gave me a call when he arrived at the airport.

When, Where, How Much, Why

Adjective Clause

A clause that modifies a noun.

How many, which one, what kind

It it ALWAYS introduced by a relative pronoun:

who, whom, which, whose, or that

The car that she is driving is brand new

Adjective or adverb clause?

Ray and I decided to see a movie after we

had dinner. ADVERB

Ray and I decided to see a movie after we

had dinner.

Adjective or adverb clause?

Since I don’t like scary movies, we went to a

comedy.

Since I don’t like scary movies, we went to a

comedy. ADVERB

Adjective or adverb clause?

My brother and I went to the library that

featured my favorite author.

My brother and I went to the library that

featured my favorite author. ADJECTIVE

Adjective or adverb clause?

The library is on Main Street, which is a fifteen

minute walk from our house.

The library is on Main Street, which is a fifteen

minute walk from our house. ADJECTIVE

Adjective or adverb phrase?

We bought popcorn and drinks before the movie

started.

We bought popcorn and drinks before the movie

started. ADVERB

Clause madlibs!1. ____ is someone _____________.

2. I live in a ______ __________________.

3. I only wake up _______________.

4. I _______ cry _______________.

(name) (adjective clause)

(noun) (adjective clause)

(adverb clause)

(adverb) (adverb clause)