Clauses are the foundation of English sentences. A clause is typically defined as related words that contain a subject and a predicate. Show There are two types of clauses: dependent and independent. A dependent (subordinate) clause is an incomplete thought that cannot stand alone as a sentence. An independent (main) clause is a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence. Full sentence: Although it is raining, I am going out for a run. Dependent clause (incomplete thought): Although it (subject) is raining (predicate) Independent clause (complete thought): I (subject) am going out for a run (predicate). Dependent ClausesAs mentioned, being a clause, a dependent clause has a subject and a predicate but cannot stand alone. It is subordinated by a conjunction or a relative pronoun, making it depend on a main clause for completion.
You can see that the clauses are fragments. Although each has a subject and a verb, it remains unfinished. Because they are fragmentary and dependent, these clauses serve the main clause as modifiers or as nouns. They are generally classified as adverb, adjective, or noun clauses.
You may notice that introductory dependent clauses with a subordinating conjunction are typically followed by a comma before the main clause begins. The comma can sometimes be omitted if the dependent clause follows the main clause.
The following table includes common conjunctions that subordinate clauses.
The following table includes relative pronouns that subordinate clauses.
Independent ClausesAs mentioned, an independent clause contains a subject and a predicate and can stand alone as a full thought. It does not need (depend on) another clause to be finished.
Also as we’ve discussed, independent clauses can be modified by dependent clauses. In addition, they can be joined to other independent clauses by a coordinating conjunction, a colon, or a semicolon. If connected by a coordinating conjunction, independent clauses are often separated by a comma, particularly if they are longer sentences. Shorter independent clauses might sometimes omit the comma depending on the chosen style.
The following table includes common coordinating conjunctions that join independent clauses.
Related TopicsClauses and Phrases Pop QuizApplying what you’ve learned, identify the dependent and independent clauses in the following sentences. 1. Meg likes to go out for Japanese food, but Ryan prefers to dine at Thai restaurants. 2. I will go to the party with you if you promise we’ll be home by 11:00 p.m. 3. The distance between the two towers is about 500 yards. 4. Melanie will sign the proposal that you prepared if you send it to her this week. 5. Whenever a new superhero movie comes out, David is among the first to see it on opening weekend. Pop Quiz Answers(dependent clauses) [independent clauses] 1. [Meg likes to go out for Japanese food], but [Ryan prefers to dine at Thai restaurants]. 2. [I will go to the party with you] (if you promise we’ll be home by 11:00 p.m.) 3. [The distance between the two towers is about 500 yards]. 4. [Melanie will sign the proposal] (that you prepared) (if you send it to her this week). 5. (Whenever a new superhero movie comes out), [David is among the first to see it on opening weekend]. Advertisement If the article or the existing discussions do not address a thought or question you have on the subject, please use the "Comment" box at the bottom of this page. Does a comma go between independent and dependent clauses?To attach a dependent clause, use a comma if it comes before the independent clause; use no comma if it comes after the independent clause, unless it is a “contrast word” (although, though, even though, whereas). Was this helpful?
What do you use between independent and dependent clauses?For a sentence to be complete, all it needs is a subject and a verb: “She sighed.” No part of the sentence depends on some element expressed outside the sentence. In many cases, in fact, the only thing that distinguishes an independent clause from a dependent clause is the presence of a subordinating conjunction.
Which sentence correctly uses a comma to join an independent and dependent clause?Answer: the answer is: Although I had been looking forward to the concert, I was just too tired to go.
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Do you use a comma between independent and dependent clauses
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