Transcript What are Dependent and Independent Clauses?

Sentences, Phrases, and Clauses
Mr. Anderson’s 1st and 2nd Periods
What is a Sentence?

A sentence is a group of words with a subject
and predicate.
– The subject of the sentence usually tells what the
sentence is about.
– The predicate of a sentence tells about the subject
or tells what the subject is doing.

A sentence begins with a capitalized word,
and it can end with a period, question mark,
or exclamation point.
 Good sentences convey a complete thought.
Examples of Complete Sentences

The large, red dog
ran quickly down the
path.
 ACT scores can be
improved through
study and practice.
 Real fans like the
New Orleans Saints.
What is a Phrase?

A phrase is a part of a sentence which
does not contain its own subject and
predicate.
– The subject of the sentence usually tells
who or what the sentence is about.
– The predicate of a sentence tells about the
subject or tells what the subject is doing
(verb).
Examples of Phrases

After school

Inside my car

Before the boys’
basketball game

Down the hall

In the principal’s
office

While it was raining
What is a Clause?

A clause is a group of words that includes a
subject and a predicate.
Subject - The noun, noun phrase, or pronoun in
a sentence or clause that denotes who does
the action or what is described by the
predicate.
Predicate - A part of a sentence modifying the
subject, including the verb, objects, or
phrases governed by the verb.
Examples of a Clause
The family stood in front of
the helicopter.
The father taught piano
to his daughter.
What is an Independent (Main)
Clause?

An independent
clause is a clause
that can STAND
ALONE as a
sentence.

It does NOT need to
be attached to
another clause.
Examples of an Independent Clause

The boy played baseball all day.

The cat chased the mouse around the
house.

I went to karate practice after school.
What is a Dependent
(Subordinate) Clause?

A dependent clause
is a clause that does
not complete a
thought, and must
be accompanied by
an independent
clause.
Examples of a Dependent Clause

After class was over,
I bounced the ball in
the cafeteria.

The baby was crying
because he was
hungry.
Introductory Phrases





Introductory phrases and clauses pretty much do what
they say do. They introduce something.
We like to think of it as setting the stage for the rest of
the sentence.
Use a comma after you have prepared readers with an
introductory element in order to let them know that the
main subject and verb are yet to follow.
Introductory parts of a sentence can be small, medium
or large in length but cannot stand alone as a complete
thought.
Example: If you are ill, you ought to see a doctor.
Quick Quiz! Independent Clause?
Write you’re the clause provided & determine if it is a dependent or independent
clause. Write your answers in the ELA tab of your binder under your notes. (a
separate sheet is not needed.

1. We went to the
mall last week.
4. I can’t believe our
friends did that!

2. Because of your
bad haircut.
5. You need to leave.

3. After the fish
jumped out of the
bowl.
6. When we left the
restaurant.
Let’s Check Our Answers!

We went to the mall
last week.

Independent Clause

Because of your bad
haircut.
Dependent Clause

After the fish jumped
out of the bowl.
Dependent Clause
I can’t believe our
friends did that!
Independent Clause

You need to leave.
Independent Clause

When we left the
restaurant.
Dependent Clause
Citation Page
Check Out These Websites!

http://www.english.uiuc.edu/cws/wworkshop/writer_resources/grammar
_handbook/dependent_independent_clauses.htm

http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/predicate

http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/subject;_ylt=At2d
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YOU MADE IT!