FlashKeepers

Grammar · K-12

Clauses and Sentence Structure Basics

Independent and dependent clauses and the four basic sentence structures, with example sentences for each.

27 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.

Study this set free Look inside first Get FlashKeepers for iPhone
What is an independent clause?
A clause with a subject and verb that expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.
How do you identify an independent clause?
It must have a subject, a predicate, and express a complete thought.
Can an independent clause stand alone as a sentence?
Yes, it expresses a complete thought by itself.
Which is an independent clause: "after the storm" or "the rain stopped"?
"The rain stopped" is independent because it has a subject and expresses a complete thought.
Can an independent clause have a compound subject?
Yes, two or more subjects can be joined by a conjunction (and, or).
Can an independent clause have a compound predicate?
Yes, two or more verbs can be joined by a conjunction.
What is a dependent clause?
A clause with a subject and verb that does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone.
Can a dependent clause stand alone as a sentence?
No, it leaves the reader hanging and requires an independent clause to complete the thought.
What is a subordinating conjunction?
A word that connects a dependent clause to an independent clause.
Name three subordinating conjunctions.
Examples: because, when, if, although, after, before, since, unless, while
What makes a clause dependent instead of independent?
A subordinating conjunction at the beginning that makes it unable to stand alone.
Does a dependent clause have a subject and verb?
Yes, but the subordinating conjunction makes it depend on an independent clause.
What is a simple sentence?
A sentence with one independent clause and no dependent clauses.
Can a simple sentence have a compound subject and a compound predicate?
Yes, as long as it remains one independent clause.
Is this a simple sentence: "The cat slept on the couch"?
Yes, it has one independent clause and no dependent clauses.

12 more cards in the app