Identifying Dependent Clauses Worksheet | Teach Starter - Free Printable

Task: Identify the Dependent Clauses in the Given Complex Sentences

A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. It depends on an independent clause to form a complete thought. Dependent clauses often begin with subordinating conjunctions (e.g., "when," "if," "since," "because," "although," etc.) or relative pronouns (e.g., "who," "which," "that").

Let's analyze each sentence and underline the dependent clauses:

---

#### 1. When Seth proved he was responsible, his parents agreed to get a pet.
- Dependent Clause: *When Seth proved he was responsible*
- Explanation: This clause begins with the subordinating conjunction "when" and provides a condition or time for the main action.

#### 2. Paul might win the baking competition, if he enters the chocolate cake.
- Dependent Clause: *if he enters the chocolate cake*
- Explanation: This clause begins with the subordinating conjunction "if" and expresses a condition.

#### 3. Since we love fresh vegetables, we decided to plant a garden.
- Dependent Clause: *Since we love fresh vegetables*
- Explanation: This clause begins with the subordinating conjunction "since" and explains the reason for the main action.

#### 4. Tigers are dangerous to humans, as they are carnivores.
- Dependent Clause: *as they are carnivores*
- Explanation: This clause begins with the subordinating conjunction "as" and provides an explanation or reason.

#### 5. Here she saved the day, while the villain was looking the other way.
- Dependent Clause: *while the villain was looking the other way*
- Explanation: This clause begins with the subordinating conjunction "while" and describes a simultaneous action.

#### 6. Students like to check out books, although they have to return their other books first.
- Dependent Clause: *although they have to return their other books first*
- Explanation: This clause begins with the subordinating conjunction "although" and introduces a contrasting idea.

#### 7. Friends like playing together, when they go outside for recess.
- Dependent Clause: *when they go outside for recess*
- Explanation: This clause begins with the subordinating conjunction "when" and specifies a time for the main action.

#### 8. After you eat your dinner, can you put away your dishes?
- Dependent Clause: *After you eat your dinner*
- Explanation: This clause begins with the subordinating conjunction "after" and indicates a sequence of events.

#### 9. You should put away the pizza, before it gets spoiled.
- Dependent Clause: *before it gets spoiled*
- Explanation: This clause begins with the subordinating conjunction "before" and indicates a condition or time.

---

Final Answer:

Underlined dependent clauses in each sentence:

1. When Seth proved he was responsible, his parents agreed to get a pet.
2. Paul might win the baking competition, if he enters the chocolate cake.
3. Since we love fresh vegetables, we decided to plant a garden.
4. Tigers are dangerous to humans, as they are carnivores.
5. Here she saved the day, while the villain was looking the other way.
6. Students like to check out books, although they have to return their other books first.
7. Friends like playing together, when they go outside for recess.
8. After you eat your dinner, can you put away your dishes?
9. You should put away the pizza, before it gets spoiled.

Boxed Final Answer:
\[
\boxed{
\text{Underlined clauses as explained above.}
}
\]