Clause TypesClause TypesIndependent & DependentIndependent & Dependent

Let’s start with a simple sentence…

I bought a book.

This sentence has the three basic elements required of either a simple sentence or a clause:

Subject = IVerb = boughtObject = a book

While my mother drank her coffee,

Now, let’s add another clause …

While my mother drank her coffee, I bought a book.

Now we have a two clause sentence, but these clauses are not the same.

The original clause I bought a book can stand on its own as a simple sentence. It expresses a complete thought by itself. Therefore, it is called an independent clause.

An independent clause is a S + V / O bject

or C omplement

or A dverbial

unit that expresses a complete thought and could stand on its own as a simple sentence.

Whether you find an independent clause by itself as a simple sentence or joined with other clauses, you will be able to identify it because it:

– is a S+V/ unit that– expresses a complete thought

Independent Clause (IC)

But what about the other clause?

While my mother drank her coffee, I bought a book.

If we only consider the first clause, while my mother drank her coffee, we are left with a question in our minds, “What happened while your mother drank her coffee?!”

This clause can not stand on its own as a simple sentence. It requires another clause to a complete its meaning. Therefore, it is called an dependent clause.

A dependent clause is a S + V / O bject

or C omplement

or A dverbial

unit that does not express a complete thought and can not stand on its own as a simple sentence.

A dependent clause must always be connected to an independent clause. You will be able to identify it because it:

– is a S+V/ unit that– does not express a complete thought on its

own

Dependent Clause (DC)

Adverb Clause (AdvC)• [S+V/] that acts like an adverb

• Example: [After we drove to the mall] , we

looked for a bookstore. This clause gives information about how or why the action happened, so it acts like an adverb.

• AdvCs always begin with a subordinating conjunction

• after although as because before even though if since unless until when

InstructionsEach sentence contains a clause in CAPITAL letters.

Decide whether this clause is dependent or independent by clicking on the red button next to your choice. This will

turn the button yellow.

• 1. If you don't fix the car, IT WILL CONTINUE TO LEAK OIL.

dependent clause independent clause

• 2. WHILE THE CAR IS BEING FIXED, we will need to take the bus.

dependent clause independent clause

• 3. It isn't necessary to cram all night IF YOU HAVE STUDIED A LITTLE EACH DAY.

dependent clause independent clause

InstructionsEach sentence contains a clause in CAPITAL letters.

Decide whether this clause is dependent or independent by clicking on the red button next to your choice. This will

turn the button yellow.

• 4. Before you begin studying for the exam, YOU WILL PROBABLY WANT TO REST.

dependent clause independent clause

• 5. I can't go to the movies SINCE I DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY.

dependent clause independent clause

• 6. WHETHER HE ATTENDS THE PARTY OR NOT, I have decided to go.

dependent clause independent clause

InstructionsEach sentence contains a clause in CAPITAL letters.

Decide whether this clause is dependent or independent by clicking on the red button next to your choice. This will

turn the button yellow.

• 7. I WILL STOP PLAYING THE DRUMS when you go to sleep. dependent clause independent clause

• 8. SINCE YOU'VE TAKEN YOUR EXAM IN BIOLOGY, you probably don't feel like studying for tomorrow's exam in math.

dependent clause independent clause

• 9. Until he apologizes to me for his rude behavior, I REFUSE TO SEE HIM.

dependent clause independent clause

• 10. I wore my boots BECAUSE IT LOOKED LIKE IT MIGHT SNOW.

dependent clause independent clause

Well Done!