Identifying Independent and Dependent Clauses: Practice 1
Answer Key
Review
An independent clause, also known as a simple sentence, includes a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought.
Example: Juliet, a border collie
puppy, prefers to chase apples and pears.
Subject
Verb
A dependent clause has a subject and verb, is introduced by a subordinate conjunction or a relative pronoun, but does not express a complete thought. A dependent clause is not a complete sentence.
Example: Because the heavy
rains flooded the entrance to the subdivision.
Sub. Conj.
Subject Verb
Example: After
Laura carefully read the assigned chapter.
Sub. Conj. Subject
Verb
Determine whether the underlined word groups are dependent clauses, independent clauses, or not a clause.
1. Although it was raining, Maria went for a jog at Civitan Park. Dependent Clause
2. Brianna eats chocolate whenever she gets a poor grade in math. Dependent Clause
3. After the flood, the family moved into a temporary shelter. Not a Clause (This is simply a prepositional phrase.)
4. While walking at the park, John saw a raccoon eating potato chips. Independent Clause
5. Students enrolled in bachelor's and associate's degree programs must pass the Regents' Test as a graduation requirement. Independent
6. Students who fail to show up for the Regents' test must enroll in the Regents' remediation courses. Dependent Clause
7. When you finish your homework, please take the dog for a walk. Dependent Clause
8. After Juan completed the assignment, he swam laps at the gym. Dependent Clause
9. Christa left home at 4:00 a.m. since she had to drive to Atlanta for a meeting. Dependent Clause
10. Before completing the assignment, Evan decided to eat a quick lunch. Not a Clause
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