Independent and Dependent Clauses

PowerPoint by Amelie C., Caroline R., and Mauricio R.

Definition(s):

Independent: A clause in a complex that can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Dependent: A clause in a complex sentence that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Must have a subordinating conjunction.

Identifying Independent and Dependent Clauses in a

Regular Sentence:

When Caroline studied at the ice cream shop for the

math test, it was very loud.

Dependent marker such as after, although, since and while plus many more.

Independent can stand alone.

Sample Sentences:

Independent: Bobby ate some pie in the pie shop.

Dependent: When Bobby ate some pie at the pie shop.

Both: When Bobby ate some pie at the pie shop, it was noisy.

Resources:

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/598/01/