INDEPENDENT CLAUSE & DEPENDENT CLAUSE



INDEPENDENT & DEPENDENT CLAUSES

Independent Clause (IC)

• 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.

Dependent Clause (DC)

• 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.

• Often a dependent clause is marked by a dependent marker word.

When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz . . . (What happened when he studied? The thought is incomplete.)

Dependent Marker Word

A dependent marker word is a word added to the beginning of an independent clause that makes it into a dependent clause.

When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz, it was very noisy.

Some common dependent markers are: after, although, as, as if, because, before, even if, even though, if, in order to, since, though, unless, until, whatever, when, whenever, whether, and while.

Acronym to help you remember some dependent markers:

ABBI SAW A WU WU

As

Before

Because

If, If only

Since

After

While

Although

When, Whenever

Unless

Whether

Until

Practice A

Identify whether the phrase is an independent clause (IC) or a dependent clause (DC).

1. We were obligated to attend the wedding

2. Before we attended the wedding

3. While we were running late to our appointment

4. The botanical gardens in New Orleans are beautiful

5. Whether we move to our new apartment building or not

6. The lines of people at the show were ridiculous

7. Whenever we were able to visit our family in Texas

8. Until she actually lies to our face

9. Groups need to work well for goals to be achieved

10. In order for us to work together collaboratively

Practice B

Turn these independent clauses (IC) into dependent clauses (DC).

Trick – insert ABBI SAW A WUWU

1. The clock struck midnight

2. We found out that the map was outdated

3. The class worked together to identity the story’s plot line

4. Cindy was stuck in traffic

5. Several students did not have their assignment ready for class

Practice C

Turn these dependent clauses (Dc) into independent clauses (DC).

Trick – remove ABBI SAW A WUWU

1. After Thomas helped his little brother with his homework

2. When my father leaves the house in the morning.

3. Until the turtle cross the finish line

4. Because Joshua missed the first three weeks of practice

5. If only we finished our papers on time

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