1. Clauses: Dependent and Independent
Mrs. Davis’s 5th Grade
Language Arts Classes

2. What is a Clause?
A clause is a related group of words with a subject and a predicate.
There are 2 types of clauses: independent and dependent.

3. Independent Clauses
Something independent does not rely on others for support.
An independent clause is simple: it’s just a sentence!
So, independent clauses:
express a complete thought,
stand alone, and make sense.

4. Dependent Clauses Something dependent DOES rely on others for support.
A dependent clause is a clause that has a subject and a predicate (just like a sentence).
But, a dependent clause
DOES NOT
express a complete thought,
stand alone, or make sense.

5. Dependent Markers This is where it gets tricky…
A dependent clause often has a marker, which is just a word that makes it dependent.
Common markers include:
if, since, after, when, while,
although, because, before
Need help remembering?
I SAW W.A.B.B.
(radio station)

6. Punctuating Clauses
You already know how to punctuate an independent clause (. / ? / !).
If a dependent clause comes at the beginning of a sentence, put a comma (,) after it.
If a dependent clause comes at the end of a sentence, add an end mark (. / ? / !) after it (but NO comma before it).

7. Punctuating Clauses Look at these dependent clauses:
When I cry, my nose gets red.
My nose gets red when I cry.
(Notice the comma after the dependent clause
at the beginning of the sentence!)
Because I lied, I can’t go.
I can’t go because I lied.

8. Time for Practice! Write the dependent clause, and
underline its marker.
Although I’m new, I have many friends.
I can’t go to the park before I do my homework.
My sister will cry if I pull her hair.
While you wait, would you like some tea?
Since you’re late, you have more work to do.

9. Practice Answers! Write the dependent clause, and
Underline its marker.
Although I’m new
before I do my homework.
if I pull her hair.
While you wait
Since you’re late

10. POP Quiz! Write an independent clause.
Write a sentence with a dependent clause at the beginning.
List as many of the 8 markers you learned as you can remember.
What makes a clause dependent?
When do you use a comma to set off a dependent clause?
Change this dependent clause into an independent clause:
since I’m going home today

11. POP Quiz Answers! Volunteers?
Volunteers?…did you remember the comma after the clause?
if, since, after, when, while, although, because, before
A marker makes a clause dependent.
You use a comma to set off a dependent clause when it comes at the beginning of a sentence.