AKA:

• Independent clause = main clause
• Dependent clause = subordinate clause

Examples

🧾Definition

An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence in formal writing. A dependent (or, subordinate) clause adds meaning to the main clause such as a time (when…), condition (if…), reason (because…), concession (although…), restriction (people who…), or additional information (which means…). A dependent clause is called a fragment if it is used on its own and is considered an error in most academic and formal writing.

🔬Discovery

✅Form

Dependent clauses can be recognized in two ways:

• Most of them start with a word that reflects the meaning or function of the clause such as a subordinating conjunction (e.g., because, while, when, if, unless) or a relative pronoun (who, which, that). These words are sometimes called connectors (in the WIDA framework) or subordinators (a subordinate clause is another term for a dependent clause).
• Non-finite clauses are always dependent because they can’t stand alone as complete sentences in formal contexts, e.g. to kill a mockingbird, walking to school).

<aside> ⚠️ Careful!

Imperative clauses (commands) are independent clauses even though they do not have an overt subject in English (Come here! Let T represent time). The subject is understood to be you or sometimes we (let’s go!).

</aside>

💬Functions

Independent clauses contain the main idea of a sentence. Dependent clauses support the main idea through a number of functions, based on the choice of connector. Writers can control their meaning by ensuring that the biggest idea in the sentence is in the independent clause: it’s the leading actor, with the other clauses playing supporting roles.

📝Practice