what is and independent clause and a dependent clause
the student handed in their homework
the computer is on the table
if she wins the race
before they leave tonight
An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a sentence and express a complete thought. It contains a subject and a predicate.
Example: "The student handed in their homework."
- This is an independent clause because it expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.
A dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence because it does not express a complete thought. It relies on the main clause to provide the complete meaning.
Example: "If she wins the race"
- This is a dependent clause because it cannot stand alone as a sentence. It requires additional information or context to form a complete thought.
- When combined with an independent clause, it can create a complete sentence.
An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence. It expresses a complete thought and can function as a sentence on its own.
Example of an independent clause:
- "The student handed in their homework."
- "The computer is on the table."
On the other hand, a dependent clause is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It depends on an independent clause to make sense and provide a complete thought. It does not express a complete thought on its own and usually begins with a subordinating conjunction.
Examples of dependent clauses:
- "If she wins the race." (dependent on the result of winning the race)
- "Before they leave tonight." (dependent on the timing of leaving tonight)
An independent clause is a group of words that can stand alone as a complete sentence. It expresses a complete thought and contains a subject and a predicate. In other words, it can function as a complete sentence on its own.
A dependent clause, on the other hand, is a group of words that cannot stand alone as a sentence. It relies on an independent clause to complete its meaning and does not express a complete thought. It functions as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence.
In the provided examples:
1. "The student handed in their homework" is an independent clause because it can stand alone as a complete sentence. It contains a subject "the student" and a predicate "handed in their homework."
2. "The computer is on the table" is also an independent clause since it expresses a complete thought on its own. It has a subject "the computer" and a predicate "is on the table."
3. "If she wins the race" is a dependent clause because it cannot stand alone as a sentence. It is a conditional clause that relies on an independent clause for its complete meaning. It functions as an adverb in the sentence.
4. "Before they leave tonight" is another dependent clause. It does not express a complete thought and relies on an independent clause. It functions as an adverbial clause in the sentence.
To identify independent and dependent clauses, it is essential to look for the presence of a subject and a predicate, as well as the ability of the clause to form a complete thought on its own.