The ClauseIndependent and Subordinate

Lesson Objectives

• I can identify independent and subordinate clauses in writing

• I can write sentences using independent and subordinate

clauses.

• I can explain the function of the clause when examining a sentence.

The clause defined:

A clause is a group of words that contain a verb and its subject and is used as a part of a sentence. Every clause contains a subject and a verb.

• However, not all clauses express complete thoughts!

Independent Clause video:http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=317318

http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=248165

The Independent Clause (main clause)

expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.

Examples:

I woke up late this morning.

The alarm clock never rang.

Gloria tied her sneakers.

She wore a red jersey.

Mark the subject and verb of each independent clause (aka sentence)

Independent Clause or Sentence?

**When an independent clause stands alone it is called a sentence. It is called an independent clause when it is joined with another clause.**

Sentence: My mother drove me to school.Independent clause: Since I missed the bus, my mother drove me to

school.Sentence: She leaped over the hurdle.Independent clause: When she reached the turn, she leaped over

the hurdle.

dependent clause video:

http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=317322

The Dependent Clause (Subordinate clause)

does not express a complete thought and cannot stand alone as a sentence.● It must be joined by at least one independent

clause to make a sentence and express a complete thought.

● begins with subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns

Think of a dependent clause as a sentence wannabe--it doesn’t quite make the cut!

Create a complete sentence by adding an independent clause!

Examples ofDependent Clauses & complete sentences

1. since we first met

2. since we moved here

3. that the veterinarian recommended

4. that you will like

5. if the dress is too long

6. if the night is clear

1. You and I have been good friends since we first met.

2. Since we moved here, I have learned to ski.

3. We give our hamster the food that the veterinarian recommended.

4. Ralph rented a movie that you will like.

5. If the dress is too long, we will hem it.

6. If the night is clear, you will see shooting stars.

Practice A: Identifying Independent and Dependent Clauses

Directions: for each of the following sentences, identify the italicized clause as independent (I) or dependent (D).

_____1. The tomatoes, which we grew ourselves, taste wonderful._____2. Jennifer bought that dog when it was just a puppy. _____3. This is Diego, whose sister you met yesterday._____4. If you need more paper, I can loan you some._____5. Rain has fallen every weekend since I bought my skates.

Answer Key Next Slide

Practice A: Identifying Independent and Dependent Clauses

Directions: for each of the following sentences, identify the italicized clause as independent (I) or dependent (D).

_D_1. The tomatoes, which we grew ourselves, taste wonderful._I_2. Jennifer bought that dog when it was just a puppy. _D_3. This is Diego, whose sister you met yesterday._D_4. If you need more paper, I can loan you some._I__5. Rain has fallen every weekend since I bought my skates.

Answer Key

What is the MAJOR difference between Phrases and Clauses?

A clause needs to have both a ________ and a ________.

A phrase cannot have both a _______________ and a ___________________.

Activity: add the clause!

1. __________________________________ I went to summer camp. [add dep. clause]

2. Because I was so young ______________________________________. [add Ind. clause]

3. I had a lot of fun that summer, mainly __________________________________. [add dep. clause]

4. My best friend at camp _____________________________________________. [add dep. clause]

Create a sentence using a dependent clause that starts with “although” OR “until”.

Activity: Examine Your Own Writing

Sift through your journals, use a highlighter to highlight. Then, follow the directions on your notes.