Independent and Dependent (Subordinate) Clauses
Presentation
•
English
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6th - 12th Grade
•
Practice Problem
•
Medium
Standards-aligned
Kelsey Hopson
Used 43+ times
FREE Resource
10 Slides • 10 Questions
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Independent and Dependent (Subordinate) Clauses
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What is a clause?
Definition: A clause is a word group that contains a verb and its subject and that is used as a sentence or as part of a sentence.
Every clause has a subject and a verb.
Not every clause, however, expresses a complete thought.
Independent clause: A clause that expresses a complete thought.
Dependent (subordinate) clause: A clause that does not express a complete thought.
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The Independent Clause
An independent clause (or main clause) expresses a complete thought and can stand by itself as a sentence.
Ms. Martin explained the binary number system.
1 independent clause
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2 independent clauses
The binary system is a number system; however, it is not the only number system.
2 independent clauses joined by a semicolon, a conjunctive adverb, and a comma
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2 independent clauses
(In the binary system), each number is expressed (in powers) (of two), and only the digits 0 and 1 are used.
2 independent clauses joined by a comma and and
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1 independent combined with a dependent clause
The binary number system is important to know because it is used (by computers).
An independent clause with a dependent clause.
because indicates the beginning of a dependent clause
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Note
An independent clause used by itself is generally called a sentence. The term independent clause is generally used when such a clause is joined with at least one other clause (either independent or dependent) to make a sentence).
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The Dependent (Subordinate) Clause
A dependent clause does not express a complete thought and cannot stand by itself as a sentence.
Like a word or a phrase, a dependent clause can be used as an adjective, a noun, or an adverb in a sentence.
Examples: that we had collected, what Sue named her pet beagle, when Roberto proofread his essay
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The thought expressed by a dependent clause becomes complete when the clause is combined with an independent clause.
Mr. Smith took the aluminum cans that we had collected to the recycling center. [adj. clause]
Do you know what Sue named her pet beagle? [noun clause]
When Roberto proofread his essay, he found several typographical errors. [adv. clause]
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Identifying Independent and Dependent Clauses
Identify the highlighted word group in the follow sentences as an independent clause or a dependent clause.
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Multiple Choice
Large plants like the one in the photographs are where most eggs are processed today.
Independent clause
Dependent clause
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Multiple Choice
After an egg is laid, it gently rolls along the slanted floor of the cage to a narrow conveyor belt.
Independent clause
Dependent clause
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Multiple Choice
These narrow conveyor belts converge into one wide belt that runs directly into the processing plant.
Independent clause
Dependent clause
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Multiple Choice
As soon as the eggs reach the processing plant, they are automatically sprayed with detergent and water.
Independent clause
Dependent clause
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Multiple Choice
The eggs then pass through a specially lit inspection area, where defective eggs can be detected and removed.
Independent clause
Dependent clause
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Multiple Choice
After the eggs are weighed, they are separated by weight into groups.
Independent clause
Dependent clause
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Multiple Choice
Each group of eggs goes onto a separate conveyor belt, which leads to a forklike lifting device.
Independent clause
Dependent clause
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Multiple Choice
This device lifts six eggs at a time while the empty egg cartons wait two feet below it.
Independent clause
Dependent clause
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Multiple Choice
The eggs are gently lowered into the cartons, which are then shipped to grocery stores and supermarkets.
Independent clause
Dependent clause
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Multiple Choice
What is truly amazing is that no human hands touch the eggs during the entire process.
Independent clause
Dependent clause
Independent and Dependent (Subordinate) Clauses
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