Among the basic components of sentences in the English language are the independent and dependent clauses. But first, let us define a clause. A clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb. It may be a part of a sentence or a complete sentence itself already.
Examples:
Clauses can be further classified as independent and dependent clauses. To understand these concepts more, read on below.
An independent clause is a group of words that contains both a subject and a verb and already expresses a complete thought. This means that it can already stand on its own.
In addition, an independent clause may be connected to another independent clause in various ways.
1.) We can connect two independent clauses using a semi-colon.
2.) Coordinating conjunctions can connect independent clauses.
It is easy to remember coordinating conjunctions by their acronym FANBOYS (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Furthermore, we should use a comma before a coordinating conjunction. This is to avoid run-on sentences.
3.) We can also use conjunctive adverbs to combine two independent clauses.
Some commonly used conjunctive adverbs are moreover, however, consequently, finally, etc. Remember that when using conjunctive adverbs, we also need to follow the appropriate punctuation. Use a semi-colon after the first independent clause, then the conjunctive adverb, followed by a comma, and finally the second independent clause.
We already know that a clause, both independent and dependent clauses, has a subject and verb. To be more specific, a dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a verb but does not have a complete thought. In contrast to an independent clause, a dependent clause cannot stand alone. Moreover, it is headed by a dependent marker word which we also call subordinating conjunction.
In the given examples, “because” and “though” are the subordinating conjunctions. Both sentences are incomplete. Thus, we have to attach them to independent clauses. We call this subordination.
When subordinating dependent clauses, proper punctuation is also important. In the first given sentence, the dependent clause comes at the beginning. This is followed by a comma, then the independent clause. In the second sentence, the independent clause comes first, and the dependent clause follows it. We do not need to put any punctuation such as a comma.
In each given sentence below, identify which ones are the independent and dependent clauses.
Now it’s time to check your answers! Let’s see how well you know the independent and dependent clauses.
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