1. Independent v. Dependent Clauses

2. Independent Clauses
An independent clause expresses a complete thought. It makes sense all by itself.
It CAN stand alone as a sentence.
Polygons have more than two sides.
Millard Filmore was America’s thirteenth president.
--Write one of your own!

3. Dependent Clauses
A dependent clause cannot stand by itself. Even if it has both a subject and a verb, alone, it is a fragment.
If they practice all day.
After the fog in the valley lifted.

4. Independent or Dependent?
When Evelyn’s boss promoted her to manager.
She received the good news in the morning.
As soon as Stephanie phoned home.
Her husband began to plan a special dinner.
After we learned to dance the tango.
Scott ate the raspberry pie quickly.
When you hear the bell.

5. Independent or Dependent?
When Evelyn’s boss promoted her to manager.
She received the good news in the morning.
As soon as Stephanie phoned home.
Her husband began to plan a special dinner.
After we learned to dance the tango.
Scott ate the raspberry pie quickly.
When you hear the bell.

6. Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinate conjunctions begin dependent clauses. Putting a subordinating conjunction at the start of an independent clause turns it into a dependent clause—also called a subordinating clause.
After If Unless
Although Since Until
As So that Whenever
Because Than Where
Before That Wherever
Even though Though While

7. Identify the Subordinating Conjunction
If the clause is dependent, identify the subordinating conjunction.
After the car stopped
Bob met me at all the mall after work.
When you hear the bell.
Because he was misunderstood.