Let’s go through each sentence one by one and decide if it’s an
independent clause or a
dependent clause.
Remember:
- An
independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence — it has a subject and verb and makes full sense.
- A
dependent clause cannot stand alone — it starts with words like “if,” “when,” “after,” “whoever,” etc., and feels incomplete.
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1.
If you give me a reason.
→ Starts with “If” → this is a dependent clause. It leaves us hanging — *what happens if?*
✔ dependent clause
2.
After months of research.
→ Starts with “After” → no main action or result given. Incomplete thought.
✔ dependent clause
3.
I enjoy ice cream.
→ Subject: “I”, Verb: “enjoy”. Makes full sense on its own.
✔ independent clause
4.
John hit the baseball.
→ Subject: “John”, Verb: “hit”. Complete idea.
✔ independent clause
5.
Whoever shows up on time.
→ Starts with “Whoever” — this is a dependent clause. We don’t know what happens to them.
✔ dependent clause
6.
Whatever makes you happy.
→ Starts with “Whatever” — again, incomplete. What about whatever makes you happy?
✔ dependent clause
7.
Whomever you like.
→ Starts with “Whomever” — still needs more info. Like… what do you do with whomever you like?
✔ dependent clause
8.
The poet received many awards.
→ Subject: “The poet”, Verb: “received”. Full sentence.
✔ independent clause
9.
When the president arrives.
→ Starts with “When” — we’re waiting for something to happen after that. Not complete.
✔ dependent clause
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Final Answer:
1. dependent clause
2. dependent clause
3. independent clause
4. independent clause
5. dependent clause
6. dependent clause
7. dependent clause
8. independent clause
9. dependent clause
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of clause worksheet.
