Independent and Dependent Clauses

An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb and expresses a complete thought. It can stand alone as a sentence.

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not express a complete thought. It cannot stand alone as a sentence.

We decided to go for a hike.

Because I was tired.

A dependent clause provides additional information to the independent clause but cannot stand alone.

Yes, an independent clause can be part of a larger sentence that includes one or more dependent clauses.

A comma is typically used to separate them.

When the sun sets, the sky turns orange.

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, indicating a relationship between them (e.g., because, although, when).

You can watch TV.