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.

"She enjoys reading books." This can stand alone as a complete sentence.

"Although she enjoys reading books." This cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.

A conjunction is a word that connects clauses or sentences. Examples include 'and', 'but', 'or', 'because'.

"I like to stay inside." This is the independent clause.

"If I finish my homework" is the dependent clause.

A dependent clause provides additional information but cannot stand alone as a complete thought.

A comma is often used before a dependent clause when it starts a sentence.

Yes, a sentence can have multiple independent clauses joined by conjunctions.