Independent and Dependent Clauses

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

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

I enjoy reading books.

Although I enjoy reading books.

It means that the clause relies on an independent clause to provide a complete thought.

Dependent Clause.

Independent Clause.

A subordinating conjunction is a word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, such as 'because,' 'although,' or 'when.'

Although.

The purpose of an independent clause is to express a complete thought and can function as a standalone sentence.