What Is a Clause?Oh, You better watch out! They can be tricky!

The Basics PhraseClauseGroup of words that does not have a subject and a verb.A noun + verb it may or may not be a sentenceExample: My neighbors dogExample: My neighbors dog left me a present.

Independent ClausesAn independent clause expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence. Notice that Dirk expresses himself with two independent clauses I dont need you. I dont need anybody!

Dependent clausesA dependent clause contains a subject and a verb, but it does not express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence. How much money did you say you make?Because I cannot stand alone, I need you Daphne.

Caution!Independent clauses can stand alone as fully functioning sentences.

Dependent clauses do not communicate a complete thought . They do not make sense by themselves because they are incomplete.

How do we identify and use dependent clauses?

Look for the subordinating conjunctionsDependent clauses begin with words like although, before, because, so that, when, while, so, and that.

Example: Although it was dangerous

AasAafterA althoughWwhileWwhenUuntilBbeforeB becauseIifSsince

We use the AAAWWUBBIS WORDS (aka subordinating conjunctions) to start a dependent clause.

Example: Although I was very sickWe then join this clause with an independent clause to make a sentence.

Example: Although I was very sick, I still managed to grade all of my students papers.

*So remember . . .

Main clauses can stand alone as fully functioning sentences.

Subordinate clauses depend for their sense on the main clause. They do not make sense by themselves because they are incomplete.