Dependent & Dependent & Subordinate ClausesSubordinate Clauses

English I

What is a Clause?What is a Clause?

Clause: a group of words with a subject & a verb

A clause is used as part of a sentence

Independent ClauseIndependent Clause

AKA main clauseExpresses a complete thoughtCan stand by itself

– Ex. I love grammar!Independent clauses can be written as

separate sentences or joined using a semicolon (;) or a comma and a conjunction (, and)

Subordinate ClauseSubordinate Clause

AKA dependent clauseDoes not express a complete thoughtCannot stand by itself in a sentence

– Ex. When you get to my house.– Ex. Because I said so.– Ex. Before the football game started.

Subordinating ConjunctionsSubordinating Conjunctions

If a group of words begins with a subordinating conjunction, then it probably cannot stand alone.– Ex. It started to rain. (independent)– Ex. After it started to rain. (subordinate)– Ex. I watched a scary movie. (independent)– Ex. While I watched a scary movie. (subordinate)

Independent or Independent or Subordinate?Subordinate?

If you are unsure if a clause is independent or subordinate, try this…

“I believe that…”Sounds Good

Independent

(Sentence)

Sounds Bad

Dependent

(Fragment)