Transcript What are Dependent and Independent Clauses?

Sentences, Phrases, and Clauses
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 York Jets.
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
what the sentence is about.
– The predicate of a sentence tells about the
subject or tells what the subject is doing.
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.
**If the independent clause is first, you do not put a comma.
If the dependent clause is first, you put a comma.
Quick Quiz! Independent Clause?
Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

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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