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!