What is an independent clause in English grammar?
An independent clause is a clause that can stand alone as a sentence (i.e., it expresses a complete thought). An independent clause, like all clauses, has a subject and verb. When there are no dependent clauses in the same sentence as an independent clause, the independent clause is a simple sentence.
Why is the fourth phrase a dependent clause?
The fourth phrase is a dependent clause because it does not express a complete thought. We’ll look at the differences between dependent and independent clauses in the next section. Here's a quick video to help you review what you've learned so far:
How do you identify dependent and independent clauses?
To identify dependent and independent clauses, it will be helpful to define each of them. An independent clause is a simple sentence, meaning it includes both a subject and a predicate. A subject is a noun (person, place, or thing), while a predicate is a verb (action) and all other words that describe the subject or show what it is doing.
Why is the B clause not an independent clause?
B is not an independent clause because it begins with the subordinating phrase “By the time that,” making this clause subordinate or dependent on clause A. Without this subordinator, “he arrived at the house” by itself would be independent clause.
What kind of clause is a question?
Interrogative clauses most commonly function as questions.
What are the examples of independent clause?
independent clause. Example: I was tired after working all day, so I decided to go to bed early. Use a semicolon between two independent clauses with no coordinating conjunction. Independent clause ; independent clause.
How do you know if it's an independent clause?
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.
Are interrogative sentences independent clauses?
The interrogative clause is a dependent clause being used as a direct object.
How do you tell if a sentence is independent or dependent?
Review: An independent clause contains a subject, a verb, and a complete thought. A dependent clause contains a subject and a verb, but no complete thought.
What are the 10 examples of clauses?
Subject + Verb = Complete SentenceThese boys are always sleeping. (The subject is 'boys' whereas the verb is 'sleeping'.)My sister loves cold drinks. (The subject is 'sister' and the verb is 'loves'.)I read the book. (The 'I' represents the subject whereas the verb is 'read'.)
What words are dependent clauses?
Some common dependent clause 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.
What are the 3 types of dependent clauses?
It must always be accompanied by at least one independent clause. There are three kinds of dependent clauses: noun clauses, adjective clauses, and adverbial clauses.
What are examples of dependent clauses?
Examples of Dependent ClausesWhen the president arrives.Because I can't wait for the bus.As if he knew what was going to happen.Than his sister can.If you can work on Sundays.Until the sun sets.While flowers continue to bloom.Whenever you come to visit.More items...
What are the two types of questions?
There are two main types of question: those that can be answered yes or no, and those that have to be answered with a specific piece of information or a sentence such as I don't know.
What is interrogative clause?
An interrogative clause is a clause whose form is typically associated with question-like meanings. For instance, the English sentence "Is Hannah sick?" has interrogative syntax which distinguishes it from its declarative counterpart "Hannah is sick".
What is question sentence?
An interrogative sentence is a sentence that asks a question. Interrogative sentences can be direct or indirect, begin with or without pronouns, and feature yes/no interrogatives, alternative questions, or tag questions.
What are dependent clauses 5 examples?
Examples of Dependent ClausesWhen the president arrives.Because I can't wait for the bus.As if he knew what was going to happen.Than his sister can.If you can work on Sundays.Until the sun sets.While flowers continue to bloom.Whenever you come to visit.More items...
What are the examples of independent and dependent clause?
If a dependent marker word is used, the clause cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. For example: "If she leaves" = not a complete sentence.If an independent marker word is used, the clause can stand alone as a complete sentence. For example: "Therefore, she leaves" = a complete sentence.
What is a simple sentence 5 examples?
A simple sentence has the most basic elements that make it a sentence: a subject, a verb, and a completed thought. Examples of simple sentences include the following: Joe waited for the train. The train was late.
What are two independent clauses?
Independent and Dependent Clauses: Coordination and SubordinationCoordinating Independent ClausesMethod 1 SemicolonIndependent clause;Method 2 Comma and coordinating conjunctionIndependent clause, for , and , nor , but , or , yet , so1 more row
What is an independent clause?
Independent Clause. An independent clause is a clause that can stand alone as a sentence (i.e., it expresses a complete thought). A dependent clauses (or subordinate clause) is one that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence (i.e., it does not express a complete thought). Remember that a clause has a subject and a verb .
Why Should I Care about Independent and Dependent Clauses?
There's only one reason to care about independent and dependent clauses: comma placement.
Why do you put a comma after a fronted adverbial dependent clause?
The purpose of the comma is to aid reading. It shows your readers where the clause ends. Omitting a comma isn't a hideous crime (and lots of writers do it, even prefer it), but omitting the comma can cause your readers to stumble as they try to find the end of the dependent clause.
Why didn't Jack win?
This issue typically crops up with "because" that explains a negative. Jack didn't win because he was the best player. He won because he paid the referee. (In this example, Jack actually won. The dependent clause "because he was the best player" is deemed essential to distinguish it from the situation below.)
Is a dependent clause an independent clause?
Grammarians are divided on whether a dependent clause can be a component of an independent clause. Some say yes, and some say no. The no-camp claims that a dependent clause must be linked with a subordinating conjunction or a relative pronoun to an independent clause. Whoever named it necking was a poor judge of anatomy.
Is necking a dependent clause?
(Groucho Marx) (According to the yes-camp, "whoever named it necking" is a dependent clause despite being the subject of the independent clause.) Types of Dependent Clause. Let's quickly look at dependent clauses.
Do you put a comma before or after a clause?
Don't use a comma before the clause if it follows the independent clause. Using a comma after a fronted adverbial dependent clause is such a common style, it's becoming increasingly safe to call it a rule. The purpose of the comma is to aid reading. It shows your readers where the clause ends.
What is an independent clause?
As mentioned, an independent clause contains a subject and a predicate and can stand alone as a full thought. It does not need (depend on) another clause to be finished.
What is a clause in a sentence?
Clauses are the foundation of English sentences. A clause is typically defined as related words that contain a subject and a predicate. There are two types of clauses: dependent and independent. A dependent ( subordinate) clause is an incomplete thought that cannot stand alone as a sentence.
What decision will be remains to be seen?
(The dependent clause serves as the noun of the sentence.) You may notice that introductory dependent clauses with a subordinating conjunction are typically followed by a comma before the main clause begins. The comma can sometimes be omitted if the dependent clause follows the main clause. Examples.
Is a dependent clause a predicate?
As mentioned, being a clause, a dependent clause has a subject and a predicate but cannot stand alone. It is subordinated by a conjunction or a relative pronoun, making it depend on a main clause for completion. The guitar that (subordinating relative pronoun) I (subject) like (predicate)
Can independent clauses be modified?
Also as we’ve discussed, independent clauses can be modified by dependent clauses. In addition, they can be joined to other independent clauses by a coordinating conjunction, a colon, or a semicolon.
Do independent clauses have a comma?
If connected by a coordinating conjunction, independent clauses are often separated by a comma, particularly if they are longer sentences. Shorter independent clauses might sometimes omit the comma depending on the chosen style. Examples.
How to identify independent clauses?
1. By the time that he arrived at the house, the rest of the group already had left. The rest of the group already had left. By the time that he arrived at the house. That he arrived at the house.
Why is B not an independent clause?
B is not an independent clause because it begins with the subordinating phrase “By the time that,” making this clause subordinate or dependent on clause A. Without this subordinator, “he arrived at the house” by itself would be independent clause.
Is "you understood" a complete sentence?
3. B: This is a complete sentence. Its subject is “you understood,” i.e. when the imperative form of a verb (to be) is used, the noun “you” is assumed though unstated. “Be” is a linking verb with the adjective “sure” as its complement. The transitive verb “to bring” modifies “sure” and takes the object noun “sunscreen.” “When you go” (A) is a subordinate clause introduced by the adverb “When” and dependent on the independent clause (B). “To the beach” is a prepositional phrase. “When you go to the beach” (D) is a dependent clause like A, but with the prepositional phrase added.
Is "d" a verb?
D is a verb and by itself is not a phrase, clause, or sentence. 5. A: This is an independent clause with an article, subject noun, verb, article, and object. B is a relative clause dependent on the independent clause.
Is "if it rains" a conditional clause?
“If it is raining” (A) is a dependent or subordinate clause, specifically a conditional clause, a type of adverbial clause stating a condition introduced by the subordinating conjunction “if.” B is incomplete because “take” is a transitive verb requiring an object (an umbrella) to complete it. C has a noun and its article but no verb, so it also is incomplete.
Easy Examples of Dependent and Independent Clauses
- The patrol had spotted the sniper, who was hidingin an attic.
- Do you know the butcher who wentto court on Saturday?
- I am not tidying the dishes unless Peter helps.
- When it rains, the daffodils bow their heads.
Some Real-Life Examples of Dependent and Independent Clauses
- The secret of life is honesty. If you can fake that, you've got it made. (Groucho Marx)
- If you've heard this story before, don't stop me, because I'd liketo hear it again. (Groucho Marx)
- Go, and never darken my towels again. (Groucho Marx)
The Link Between An Independent Clause and A Dependent Clauses
- If I held you any closer, I would be on the other side of you. (Groucho Marx)
- Wives are people "who" feelthey don't dance enough. (Groucho Marx)
Use A Comma Before An "And" That Links Two Independent clauses.
- Yesterday is dead, and tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just today, and I'm going to be happy in it. (Groucho Marx)
- I never forget a face, but in your case I will be glad to make an exception. (Groucho Marx)
- I have a mind to join a club and beat you over the head with it. (Groucho Marx)
- In Hollywood, brides keep the bouquets and throw away the groom. (Groucho Marx)
There's More to Point 3.
- Jack didn't win because he was the best player. He won because he paid the referee.
- Jack didn't win, because he was the worst player.