How Do You Identify A Dependent Clause In A Sentence?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A dependent clause has a subject and verb, is

introduced by a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun

, but does not express a complete thought. A dependent clause is not a complete sentence. Example: Because the heavy rains flooded the entrance to the subdivision.

How do you identify independent and dependent clauses in a sentence?

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. Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz. A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought.

What is the example of dependent clause?


After Aidan returned from his fishing trip, he took a long nap

. (After Aidan returned from his fishing trip is a dependent clause. It contains the subject Aidan and the verb returned. The clause does not express a complete thought and cannot stand on its own as a sentence.)

How do you know if a sentence is an independent clause?

Independent clauses have three components: They have a subject –

they tell the reader what the sentence is about

. They have an action or predicate – they tell the reader what the subject is doing. They express a complete thought – something happened or was said.

How do you find the dependent clause in a sentence?

A dependent (or subordinate) clause begins with a

subordinating conjunction

, such as if, after, before, because, although, or when, and it requires the support of an independent clause to constitute a complete sentence.

What are the 3 types of dependent clauses?

  • Adverbial Dependent Clauses.
  • Relative Dependent Clauses.
  • Noun Dependent Clauses.

What is the example of clause?

A clause is a group of words that contain a subject (the noun or pronoun about which something is being said, usually the doer of the action) and a verb (a doing word). An example of a clause is:

The fast, red squirrel darted up a tree

. The subject of this clause is the fast, red squirrel and the verb is ‘darted’.

What type of sentence has 2 independent clauses?


A compound sentence

= 2 independent clauses (joined correctly!) Here is an independent clause (simple sentence): It contains a subject (Tom), a verb (saw), and a complete thought.

What are some examples of independent and dependent clauses?

dependent clause, independent clause. Example:

Since I was tired, I decided to go to bed

. When the dependent (subordinate) clause follows the independent clause, don’t use a comma before or after the subordinating conjunction (connecting word).

Which of the following are examples of independent clauses?

  • I enjoy sitting by the fireplace and reading.
  • Waiting to have my car’s oil changed is boring.
  • She wants to travel the world and see wonderful sights.
  • Our planets revolve around the sun.
  • The professor always comes to class fully prepared.
  • Hurricanes strengthen over warm waters.

How many independent clauses can you have in a sentence?

A SIMPLE SENTENCE has

one independent clause

. Punctuation note: NO commas separate two compound elements (subject, verb, direct object, indirect object, subjective complement, etc.)

What identifies a clause as dependent?

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.

How do you join independent clauses?

To combine two independent clauses (complete sentences),

use a semicolon or a comma and conjunction

. To attach a dependent clause, use a comma if it comes before the independent clause; use no comma if it comes after the independent clause, unless it is a “contrast word” (although, though, even though, whereas).

What words can start a dependent clause?

Subordinate clauses will often begin with

subordinating conjunctions

, which are words that link dependent clauses to independent clauses, such as for, as, since, therefore, hence, consequently, though, due to, provided that, because, unless, once, while, when, whenever, where, wherever, before, and after.

How do you identify a clause?

  1. Identify any verbs and verb phrases. A clause always contains at least one verb, typically a lexical verb. …
  2. Identify any conjunctions. …
  3. Check again.

What are the three clauses?

  • It will contain a subject and a verb.
  • It will begin with a relative pronoun or relative adverb. …
  • The relative clause will function as an adjective, answering questions about the noun, such as: ‘Which one?’
Ahmed Ali
Author
Ahmed Ali
Ahmed Ali is a financial analyst with over 15 years of experience in the finance industry. He has worked for major banks and investment firms, and has a wealth of knowledge on investing, real estate, and tax planning. Ahmed is also an advocate for financial literacy and education.