Unlock the clues
to discover the answer
What makes a Clause?
• A clause is a collection of words that has both
a subject and a verb.
• There are two types of clauses: independent
and dependent.
• Examples:
– I enjoy working at PGCC.
– Because working at PGCC is enjoyable
What makes a Clause?
• A clause is a collection of words that has both
a subject and a verb.
• There are two types of clauses: independent
and dependent.
• Examples:
I enjoy working at PGCC.
Because working at PGCC is enjoyable
SUBJECT
What makes a Clause?
• A clause is a collection of words that has both
a subject and a verb.
• There are two types of clauses: independent
and dependent.
• Examples:
I enjoy working at PGCC.
Because working at PGCC is enjoyable
VERB
What makes a Clause?
• A clause is a collection of words that has both
a subject and a verb.
• There are two types of clauses: independent
and dependent.
• Examples:
INDEPENDENT
I enjoy working at PGCC.
Because working at PGCC is enjoyable
DEPENDENT
What makes a Clause?
• A clause is a collection of words that has both
a subject and a verb.
• There are two types of clauses: independent
and dependent.
• Examples:
INDEPENDENT
I enjoy working at PGCC.
Because working at PGCC is enjoyable
DEPENDENT
Dependent Word
What makes a Clause?
• An Independent Clause is a complete thought.
At a minimum, it contains a subject and a
verb.
Note: A command independent clause has an
implied subject – you.
• Example: Close the window.
What makes a Clause?
• A Dependent Clause is an incomplete
thought. It contains a subject and a verb, but
it also has a dependent word.
• If left unattached to an independent clause,
the listener or reader may be left with
unanswered questions.
– Example
• The apartment where he lives
• While I was out
• Although driving can be challenging
Identifying Dependent Words
• There are numerous dependent words that are used
to convey meaning. A few are listed below.
After
Although
As
Because
Before
Even if
Even though
If
In order to
Just as
Like
Since
Unless
Until
Whereas
When
Where
While
What makes a Phrase?
• A Phrase is a collection of two or more words
that do not have a subject/verb relationship.
• Examples:
• Walking on the beach
• In the afternoon
• Someone on the phone
• Beautiful child
• Yelled on the phone
• After graduation
Practice Your Skills
• In the following exercise, determine if the
collection of words is a Phrase, Independent
Clause or a Dependent Clause.
• Things to think about:
– To do this, identify nouns and/or verbs.
– If there isn’t a subject and verb, it can’t be a
clause! It may be a phrase.
– Is the collection of words a complete thought?
– Is there a dependent word?
Practice Your Skills
1. after the soccer game ended
2. at the store
3. Gina came into the store
4. although I could not play
5. the running water
6. from earlier centuries
Besides identification, another way
to practice is to create independent
clauses from the dependent
clauses and phrases.
7. before a hurricane occurs
8. during the rainy season
9. I took a quick jog
10. Just as he passed by
11. through the winter months
12. to do the paper route
13. jumping rope
14. will have finished
Example: During the rainy season
(phrase)
IC: The jungle comes alive during
the rainy season.
Practice Your Skills
1. While the baby slept
2. In the moonlight
3. Running is fun
4. The student’s grades
5. approached silently
6. Giraffes eat leaves
Besides identification, another way
to practice is to create independent
clauses from the dependent
clauses and phrases.
7. Throughout our time together
8. Understanding his meaning
9. Although he apologized
10. The audience clapped
11. On the broken steps
12. The baby’s surprising long hair
13. In order to succeed
14. The team won
Example: During the rainy season
(phrase)
IC: The jungle comes alive during
the rainy season.