Apostrophes

The Clause (Independent Clauses and Subordinate Clauses) Quiz

Dependent and Subordinate Clauses

What is an independent or main clause?

An independent (or main) clause expresses a complete thought and can stand by itself as a sentence. 

EXAMPLES 

• The Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada opposed the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz. [one independent clause]
• In his paintings, Posada attacked the Díaz regime, and he made thousands of inexpensive prints of his work. [two independent clauses joined by and] 
• Posada’s art helped to stir the social unrest that led to the overthrow of Díaz in the revolution of 1910. [an independent clause combined with a subordinate clause]

What is a subordinate or dependent clause?

A subordinate (or dependent) clause does not express a complete thought and cannot stand by itself as a sentence.

EXAMPLES 

• whoever knows the song
• which always pleases my mother
• as we were singing

The meaning of a subordinate clause becomes clear only when the clause is combined with an independent clause.

• Whoever knows the song may join in.
• We sang “We Shall Overcome,” which always pleases my mother.
• As we were singing, we joined hands and formed a circle.

Like a word or a phrase, a subordinate clause can be used as an adjective, a noun, or an adverb.

• ADJECTIVE CLAUSE We sang “We Shall Overcome,” which always pleases my mother.
• NOUN CLAUSE Whoever knows the song may join in.
• ADVERB CLAUSE As we were singing, we joined hands and formed a circle.

Here is a table that summarises the different types of subordinate clauses. 

Type	Description	Example
Adjective Clause	Modifies a noun/pronoun, usually introduced by a relative pronoun/adverb, telling what kind or which one.	The report that Diego wrote was significant.
Noun Clause	Functions as a noun; used as a subject, predicate nominative, direct/indirect object, etc.	What he thinks is irrelevant.
Adverb Clause	Modifies a verb, adjective, or adverb, expressing how, when, where, why, etc.	She sings as if she's alone.
Elliptical Clause	Omits part of the clause when meaning is clear, often in comparative structures.	He can run faster than I (can run).

Sentence Types According to Structure

Simple Sentences

What is a simple sentence?

A simple sentence contains one independent clause and no subordinate clauses. A simple sentence may contain a compound subject, a compound verb, or both, and any number of phrases. 

EXAMPLES 

• Great literature stirs the imagination. 
• Located on an island in Lake Texcoco, Tenochtitlán was the capital of the Aztec empire and may have had more than 100,000 inhabitants in the 1500s.

Compound Sentences

What is a compound sentence?

Compound sentences connect two independent clauses with a conjunction, semicolon, or colon. There are no subordinate clauses.

Independent clauses may be joined by a comma and a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor, or, so, or yet), by a semicolon, or by a semicolon and a conjunctive adverb or transitional expression.

EXAMPLES 

• In 1528, the Spanish explored the area near present-day Tampa, but Europeans did not begin settling there until 1823. [two independent clauses joined by a comma and the coordinating conjunction but] 
• We could drive to San Antonio on the freeway, or we could take back roads to get there. [two independent clauses joined by a comma and the coordinating conjunction or] 
• The Aswan High Dam is on the Nile River in Egypt; it is one of the world’s largest dams. [two independent clauses joined by a semicolon] 
• We should leave early; otherwise, we will miss our bus. [two independent clauses joined by a semicolon, the conjunctive adverb otherwise, and a comma] 
• Not all birds fly south for the winter; for instance, cardinals live in the northern states throughout the year. [two independent clauses joined by a semicolon, the transitional expression for instance, and a comma]

NOTE

Do not confuse a simple sentence that has a compound subject, a compound verb, or both, with a compound sentence. 

• SIMPLE SENTENCE The 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo destroyed many homes and led to the closing of Clark Air Base. [This sentence contains a compound verb.] 
• COMPOUND SENTENCE The 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo destroyed many homes, and it led to the closing of Clark Air Base. [This sentence contains two independent clauses.]

Complex Sentences

What is a complex sentence?

Complex sentences contain an independent clause and one or more dependent clauses, connected by subordinating conjunctions. This structure is perfect for introducing depth and complexity to your writing.

EXAMPLES 

• Yiddish, which is a Germanic language, is now spoken by millions of people all over the world. [The independent clause is Yiddish is now spoken by millions of people all over the world. The subordinate clause is the adjective clause which is a Germanic language.] 
• After Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated at Waterloo, he was exiled to Saint Helena, where he died. [The independent clause is he was exiled to Saint Helena. One subordinate clause is the adverb clause After Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated at Waterloo. The adjective clause where he died is another subordinate clause.]
• Whatever you can give will be very much appreciated. [The independent clause is Whatever will be very much appreciated. The subordinate clause is the noun clause Whatever you can give.]

Compound-Complex Sentences

What is a compound-complex sentence?

A blend of compound and complex sentences, this structure allows for the expression of multiple, interrelated ideas with sophistication and nuance. A compound-complex sentence contains two or more independent clauses and at least one subordinate clause. 

EXAMPLES 

• The interest that you pay on a car loan will increase the cost of the car, so be sure to shop for the lowest interest rate. [The two independent clauses are The interest will increase the cost of the car and be sure to shop for the lowest interest rate. The subordinate clause is the adjective clause that you pay on a car loan.] 
• Hong Kong had been a crown colony of Britain since 1898; however, as my teacher explained, it reverted to China when the treaty expired in 1997. [The two independent clauses are Hong Kong had been a crown colony of Britain since 1898 and it reverted to China. One subordinate clause is the adverb clause as my teacher explained. The adverb clause when the treaty expired in 1997 is another subordinate clause.]

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The Clause (Independent Clauses and Subordinate Clauses) Quiz

DIRECTIONS

Read each of the following sentences. For items 1–4, choose the answer that identifies the kind of sentence structure. For items 5–10, choose the answer that identifies the type of clause underlined in the sentence.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinction between independent and subordinate clauses is fundamental for mastering sentence structure and crafting compelling, coherent writing. By recognizing how these clauses function individually and in combination, you can elevate your writing from simple statements to complex, nuanced expressions that captivate and inform.

To deepen your understanding and reinforce your knowledge, explore the following resources:

1. Mastering the Difference: Dependent and Independent Clauses Explained: Gain a comprehensive understanding of how these clauses function and interact within sentences. Read more.
2. Sentence Structure: Learn how to construct varied and effective sentence structures to enhance your writing. Read more.
3. Adjective Clauses: Discover how adjective clauses can add depth and detail to your sentences. Read more.
4. Noun Clauses: Uncover the versatility of noun clauses and their role in creating complex sentences. Read more.
5. Adverb Clauses: Understand the importance of adverb clauses in providing context and elaborating on actions. Read more.
6. Elliptical Clause Mad Libs: A Fun and Engaging Way to Learn Grammar: Engage in a creative and interactive way to solidify your grammar skills. Read more.
7. Adverb Clause Mad Libs: A Fun and Engaging Way to Learn Grammar: Another exciting approach to mastering adverb clauses through interactive activities. Read more.
8. Adjective Clause Mad Libs: A Fun and Engaging Way to Learn Grammar: Enjoy learning adjective clauses with this fun and engaging activity. Read more.
9. Get Your Students Excited About Grammar With This Phrase and Clause Game: Make grammar lessons interactive and enjoyable for students. Read more.
10. Fun and Easy Activity for Identifying and Classifying Clauses: Simplify the learning process with engaging activities designed to help identify and classify clauses. Read more.
11. Dependent and Subordinate Clauses Activity: Strengthen your grasp on subordinate clauses through targeted activities. Read more.
12. Noun Clause Mad Libs: A Fun and Engaging Way to Learn Grammar: Dive into the world of noun clauses with this interactive learning tool. Read more.

By leveraging these resources, you can turn grammatical concepts from abstract theory into practical knowledge, ready to be applied in your writing. Take the next step in your grammatical journey today, and transform your writing with the power of well-constructed clauses.