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Understanding Sentence Structures: Independent and Dependent Clauses

This guide explores the essential components of sentence structures, focusing on independent and dependent clauses. An independent clause is a complete thought with a subject and verb, while a dependent clause is not complete and cannot stand alone. We will examine examples of simple, compound, and complex sentences, showcasing how to effectively combine clauses for improved writing. Learn to enhance your sentence variety and clarity using tools like the readability index in Microsoft Word.

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Understanding Sentence Structures: Independent and Dependent Clauses

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  1. Sentence Solutions…

  2. Independent Clause • It is a complete sentence has a subject and a verb that work together to make a complete thought. Bobby smiled until he thought his face would crack.

  3. Dependent Clause • A part of a sentence that cannot stand by itself.

  4. Dependent Clause • may locate something in time and place, but lack a subject-verb relationship. Last Saturday after the ballgame at the ice cream shop.

  5. Dependent Clause • may describe something, but have no subject-verb relationship. Shooting just before the buzzer rang and hoping to score the winning point.

  6. Dependent Clause • may have most of the makings of a sentence but still be missing an important part of a verb string. Some of the girls going together to the mall.

  7. Dependent Clause • may have a subject-verb relationship, but cannot stand by itself. Even though she was the prettiest girl and had a great talent presentation.

  8. Simple Sentence- • Contains just one independent clause and NO dependent clauses. • They are simple, elementary and dull!

  9. 2 simple ways to improve your writing-- • Combine sentences! • Choose more interesting words! Just watch this…

  10. Write-ability index • Go to Microsoft Word – set the readability level and check your sentences for their grade level! • Where is your writing grade level?

  11. A Compound Sentence • contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. (Helpful hint: Remember FABNOSY.)

  12. Ready for practice? • On your paper combine each pair of sentences. A suggested answer will be supplied.

  13. Danny ran a mile. John fell down and dropped out. ANSWER

  14. Compound sentence: Danny ran a mile, but John fell down and dropped out.

  15. Susan ate dinner. Mother fixed the dessert. ANSWER

  16. Compound sentence: Susan ate dinner, and Mother fixed the dessert.

  17. I went to the game. Joey went skating. ANSWER

  18. Compound sentence: I went to the game, so Joey went skating.

  19. You can come with us. We are leaving early. ANSWER

  20. Compound sentence: You can come with us, but we are leaving early.

  21. He studied late. Father told him it was time for bed. ANSWER

  22. Compound sentence: He studied late, so Father told him it was time for bed.

  23. The boys got into a fight. The teacher sent them to the office. ANSWER

  24. Compound sentence: The boys got into a fight, therefore the teacher sent them to the office.

  25. NOTE!! • Did you notice that a COMMA precedes each coordinating conjunction? • For, and, but, nor, or so, yet all have a comma in front of them when they are joining 2 independent clauses!

  26. Complex Sentence • Contains only 1 independent clause, and 1 or MORE dependent clauses. • A comma is often used when a dependent clause starts a sentence.

  27. Is this an independent clause or a dependent (subordinating) clause?

  28. Walking through the dark forest. Independent clause Dependent clause Other

  29. To make a complex sentence, add an independent clause to this dependent clause. • Walking through the dark forest, I felt a rush of adrenaline.

  30. Bob was running in the yard. Independent clause Dependent clause Other

  31. Independent clause- Let’s add a dependent clause to make a complex sentence. • Bob was running in the yard even though it was freezing out.

  32. This is my first ball game but I think we will win. Independent clause Dependent clause Other

  33. Other = Fragment Needs a comma in front of the coordinating conjunction • This is my first ball game, but I think we will win.

  34. Since the other girls at the mall were wearing them. Independent clause Dependent clause Other

  35. To make a complex sentence, add an independent clause to this dependent clause. • I needed to buy some Uggs, since the other girls at the mall were wearing them.

  36. My arm hurts a little. Independent clause Dependent clause Other

  37. Independent clause- Let’s add a dependent clause to make a complex sentence. • Because I played 12 hours of Wii bowling, my arm hurts a little.

  38. Mother washed the clothes and she waxed the floor. Independent clause Dependent clause Other

  39. Other = Fragment Needs a comma in front of the coordinating conjunction • Mother washed the clothes, and she waxed the floor.

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