Independent and Dependent Clauses Independent Clause

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause is a sentence.

Example: Jim studied in the library for his chemistry quiz.

Dependent Clause

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought. A dependent clause cannot be a sentence. Often a dependent clause is marked by a dependent marker word.

Example: When Jim studied in the library for his chemistry quiz . . . (What happened when he studied? The thought is incomplete.)

Dependent Marker Words A dependent marker word is a word added to the

beginning of an independent clause that makes it into a dependent clause.

Example: When Jim studied in the library for his chemistry quiz, it was very quiet.

Some common dependent markers are: after, although, as, as if, because, before, even if, even though, if, in order to, since, though, unless, until, whatever, when, whenever, whether, and while.

Commas in Introductory Elements In general, an introductory element gives, at the

beginning of the sentence, information that prepares or orients the reader for a sentence's independent clause.

An intro element can be a dependent clause: Before she went insane, she taught English at Dakota.

An introductory element can also be a transition word, like however or therefore:

Therefore, she never was truly sane.

Notice that in both cases the comma comes just before the independent clause. In general, you'll really help yourself with commas and all kinds of punctuation if you first find the independent clause.

In each sentence, underline the DEPENDENT clause, and DOUBLE UNDERLINE the INDEPENDENT clause. Circle any MARKER WORDS. Add any necessary commas to make the sentence correct.

To stay in shape for competition athletes must exercise every day.

Barking insistently Smokey got us to throw his ball for him.

A popular and well respected mayor James was the clear favorite in the campaign for governor.

The wind blowing violently the townspeople began to seek shelter.

After the adjustment for inflation real wages have decreased while corporate profits have grown.

In each sentence, underline the DEPENDENT clause, and DOUBLE UNDERLINE the INDEPENDENT clause. Circle any MARKER WORDS. Add any necessary commas to make the sentence correct.

The coaches reviewed the game strategy. Meanwhile the athletes trained on the Nautilus equipment.

Most of the evidence seemed convincing. Still the credibility of some witnesses was in question.

Although she liked going to school she hated going to Chemistry class.

Because I like to swim I am excited for summer.

Until my teacher tells me to put my phone away I am going to text.