Tutorial on Independent and Dependent Clauses

1. Tutorial on Independent and Dependent Clauses By: Jeannine Baum

2. English Language Arts • The objective of this tutorial is for learners to be able to identify independent and dependent clauses. They will also be able to demonstrate how to connect these clauses using subordinate conjunctions. • This is part of the Michigan Curriculum Framework under standard 2: All students will demonstrate the ability to write clear and grammatically correct sentences, paragraphs, and compositions.

3. Clauses • A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb. There are two types of clauses: independent and dependent.

4. Independent Clause • An independent clause has a subject , a verb and completes a thought. It serves as a sentence by itself. • Example: He goes to the library. “He” is the subject, “goes” is the verb, and the clause completes a thought.

5. Independent Clause • Think about the letter “I” • When something or someone are independent, that means they can stand on their own. • Think of when a little kids yells, “ I want to do it myself!” They want to be independent.

6. Dependent Clause • A dependent clause or subordinate clause is an incomplete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence. Although a clause may have a subject and verb, it does not complete a thought; therefore it is dependent. • A newborn needs help from their parents or other —they are dependent on their parents.

7. Dependent Clause • If you have to ask “ so what?” when you read the clause because you need more information, it is most likely dependent. • Example: After he goes to the store. • “he” is the subject and “goes” is the verb, but the clause does not complete a thought. What does he do after he goes to the store?

8. Review: Remember to ask three questions when reading a clause:

9. Let’s Practice: Determine if the following clause is dependent of independent: • Help! • Dependent • Independent

10. That is not correct! • This is kind of a trick question. Help! Is actually an independent clause because it has a: • Subject: You: you are an implied subject • Verb: help • Complete thought: Hey you, help me! • Let’s try that again.

11. That is correct! • This is kind of a trick question. Help! Is actually an independent clause because it has the following: • Subject: You: you are an implied subject • Verb: help • Complete thought: You, help me! • Let’s try another one

12. Let’s Practice: Determine if the following clause is dependent of independent: She is at the store • Dependent • Independent

13. That is incorrect! • Remember to ask the three questions? • 1. Does it have a subject? She • 2. Does it have a verb? Is ( to be verb) • 3. Does it complete a thought? at the store This clause passes all three questions, so it is an independent clause. Click here to go back to the quiz.

14. You are correct! You =

15. Let’s Practice: Determine if the following clause is dependent of independent: • Before he naps • Dependent • Independent

16. That is incorrect • Remember to ask the three questions: • 1. Does it have a subject? he • 2. Does it have a verb? naps • 3. Does it complete a thought? No, what does he do before he naps? This is not a complete thought. This clause does not pass all questions, so it is a dependent clause. Click here to go back to the quiz.

17. You are correct! You = I’ve got it. Let’s move on. Go back to the start of the quiz; I need a more practice. Go back to the start of the lesson; I need a review

18. Sentence Fragments • Using an dependent clauses on its own is what we call the dreadedsentence fragment. sentence fragment Because we wanted to Once we had realized Although we did not have any After we left the park Since it’s Friday Before we knew it • But do not worry because we can easily avoid this!

19. Subordinate Conjunction • We can join a dependent clause with an independent clause to make a complete sentence by using a subordinate conjunction.

20. Subordinating Conjunctions The following is a list of the most common subordinating conjunctions:

21. Combining Clauses • We can combine clauses two ways: • The first way: • For example: • I was ready for the test after I had studied all night.

22. More examples: • independentdependent • I worked on my homework while I was making dinner. • West is the best because they showed better sportsmanship. • Watching TV seemed like a bad idea unless I could work while I watched.

23. Combining Clauses • Here is the second way to combine independent and dependent clauses: • Example: Because I was studying, I chose not to go to the party.

24. More Examples • Since she was always tardy, she was going to have to serve a detention. • Although I enjoy sledding, I have not gone since I was a child. • If I want a good grade, I should try to stay awake in class.

25. Let’s Review: • In order to avoid sentence fragments, you can combine dependent clauses and independent clauses in two ways: 1. I wanted to see the scary movie because I heard it was good. 2. Because I heard it was good, I wanted to see the scary movie.

26. I’ve got this! Take me to the test. • I’d like to review. Take me back to review subordinate clauses. • I’d like to start over from the beginning.

27. #1: Determine if the following clause is independent or dependent. • When we left the mall • Dependent • Independent

28. You Rock!

29. Oops, try again! • Remember to ask the three questions: • 1. Does it have a subject? She • 2. Does it have a verb? Is ( to be verb) • 3. Does it complete a thought? at the store This clause does not pass all of the questions, so it is a dependent clause. Click here to go back to the quiz.

30. #2: Determine if the following clause is independent or dependent • Because his feelings were hurt • Dependent • Independent

31. You’re on fire!

32. Oops, try again! • Remember to ask the three questions: • 1. Does it have a subject? She • 2. Does it have a verb? Is ( to be verb) • 3. Does it complete a thought? at the store This clause does not pass all of the questions, so it is a dependent clause. Click here to go back to the quiz.

33. #3: Determine if the following clause is independent or dependent • She was still angry about not going to the Eminem concert • Dependent • Independent

34. You are da’bomb!

35. Oops, try again! • Remember to ask the three questions • 1. Does it have a subject? She • 2. Does it have a verb? Is ( to be verb) • 3. Does it complete a thought? at the store This clause passes all questions, so it is an independent clause. Click here to go back to quiz

36. #4. : Determine if the following clause is independent or dependent • After she and Godzilla finished swimming in the ocean • Dependent • Independent

37. Oops, try again! • Remember to ask the three questions: • 1. Does it have a subject? She • 2. Does it have a verb? Is ( to be verb) • 3. Does it complete a thought? at the store This clause does not complete a thought, so it is dependent. Click here to go back to the quiz.

38. You’re a rock star!

39. #5:Determine if the following clause is independent or dependent • He decided it was wise not to challenge the Hulk in a wrestling match • Dependent • Independent

40. Oops, try again! • Remember to ask the three questions • 1. Does it have a subject? She • 2. Does it have a verb? Is ( to be verb) • 3. Does it complete a thought? at the store This clause passes all questions, so it is an independent clause. Click here to return to the quiz

41. Excellent Work!

42. #6: Determine which of the following sentences is grammatically correct • Because he was going to be late, he called to change the reservation. • Because he was going to be late he changed the reservation. • Because, he was going to be late, he called to change the reservation.

43. Oops, try again. • Remember:

44. You got it!

45. #7:Determine which of the following sentences is grammatically correct • If you want to be successful you should never give up trying. • If you want to be, successful you should never give up trying. • If you want to be successful, you should never give up trying.

46. Oops, try again! Remember:

47. You just slayed that question.

48. 8:Determine which of the following sentences is grammatically correct • When she found out The Rock was returning, to the WWE she was ecstatic. • When she found out The Rock was returning to the WWE, she was ecstatic. • When she found out The Rock was returning to the WWE she was ecstatic.

49. Bravo! I wish I was that smart

50. Oops, try again!Remember: