Clause Types

1. Clause Types Independent & Dependent

2. Let’s start with a simple sentence… I bought a book. This sentence has the three basic elements required of either a simple sentence or a clause: Subject = I Verb = bought Object = a book

3. Now, let’s add another clause … While my mother drank her coffee, I bought a book. While my mother drank her coffee, Now we have a two clause sentence, but these clauses are not the same. The original clause I bought a book can stand on its own as a simple sentence. It expresses a complete thought by itself. Therefore, it is called an independent clause.

4. An independent clause is a S+V/ O bject or C omplement or A dverbial unit that expresses a complete thought and could stand on its own as a simple sentence. Whether you find an independent clause by itself as a simple sentence or joined with other clauses, you will be able to identify it because it: is a S+V/ unit that expresses a complete thought Independent Clause (IC)

5. But what about the other clause? While my mother drank her coffee, I bought a book. If we only consider the first clause, while my mother drank her coffee, we are left with a question in our minds, “What happened while your mother drank her coffee?!” This clause can not stand on its own as a simple sentence. It requires another clause to a complete its meaning. Therefore, it is called an dependent clause.

6. A dependent clause is a S+V/ O bject or C omplement or A dverbial unit that does not express a complete thought and can not stand on its own as a simple sentence. A dependent clause must always be connected to an independent clause. You will be able to identify it because it: is a S+V/ unit that does not express a complete thought on its own Dependent Clause (DC)

7. Adverb Clause (AdvC) [S+V/] that acts like an adverb Example: [After we drove to the mall] , we looked for a bookstore. This clause gives information about how or why the action happened, so it acts like an adverb. • AdvCs always begin with a subordinating conjunction • after although as because before even though if since unless until when

8. InstructionsEach sentence contains a clause in CAPITAL letters. Decide whether this clause is dependent or independent by clicking on the red button next to your choice. This will turn the button yellow. • 1. If you don't fix the car, IT WILL CONTINUE TO LEAK OIL. dependent clause independent clause • 2. WHILE THE CAR IS BEING FIXED, we will need to take the bus. dependent clause independent clause • 3. It isn't necessary to cram all night IF YOU HAVE STUDIED A LITTLE EACH DAY. dependent clause independent clause

9. InstructionsEach sentence contains a clause in CAPITAL letters. Decide whether this clause is dependent or independent by clicking on the red button next to your choice. This will turn the button yellow. • 4. Before you begin studying for the exam, YOU WILL PROBABLY WANT TO REST. dependent clause independent clause • 5. I can't go to the movies SINCE I DON'T HAVE ANY MONEY. dependent clause independent clause • 6. WHETHER HE ATTENDS THE PARTY OR NOT, I have decided to go. dependent clause independent clause

10. InstructionsEach sentence contains a clause in CAPITAL letters. Decide whether this clause is dependent or independent by clicking on the red button next to your choice. This will turn the button yellow. • 7. I WILL STOP PLAYING THE DRUMS when you go to sleep. dependent clause independent clause • 8. SINCE YOU'VE TAKEN YOUR EXAM IN BIOLOGY, you probably don't feel like studying for tomorrow's exam in math. dependent clause independent clause • 9. Until he apologizes to me for his rude behavior, I REFUSE TO SEE HIM. dependent clause independent clause • 10. I wore my boots BECAUSE IT LOOKED LIKE IT MIGHT SNOW. dependent clause independent clause

11. Well Done!