1. Independent & Dependent
Clause Types
Independent & Dependent

2. 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 = I
Verb = bought
Object = a book

3. Now, let’s add another clause …
While my mother drank her coffee,
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.

4. Independent Clause (IC)
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

5. 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.

6. Dependent Clause (DC) 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

7. 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

8. 1. If you don't fix the car, IT WILL CONTINUE TO LEAK OIL.
Instructions Each 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.
3. It isn't necessary to cram all night IF YOU HAVE STUDIED A LITTLE EACH DAY.
dependent clause independent clause

9. dependent clause independent clause
Instructions Each 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.

10. 7. I WILL STOP PLAYING THE DRUMS when you go to sleep.
Instructions Each 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.
9. Until he apologizes to me for his rude behavior, I REFUSE TO SEE HIM.
10. I wore my boots BECAUSE IT LOOKED LIKE IT MIGHT SNOW.

11. Well Done!